Wine Cellar, 2014 Vintage: Nightcrawler

A Gripping Tale of Ambition and Morality

Welcome to the first installment of our Wine Cellar series in which we celebrate films that have been setting in the cellar of our collective unconscious waiting to be uncorked.

Ten years ago we got a second chance to see Jake Gyllenhaal tap into his "Donnie Darko" again and lead this challenging film.

"Nightcrawler" follows the story of Louis Bloom, a driven and amoral man who stumbles into the world of nightcrawling—filming violent incidents and selling the footage to news stations. Lou then continues to exploit the profits and power he can attain - thanks to the network's insatiable hunger for sensational footage - and takes us all on this destructive path to "success".

Jake Gyllenhaal’s portrayal of Bloom is nothing short of mesmerizing, capturing the character’s intense determination and ethical flexibility. The film’s exploration of the blurred lines between news and entertainment, and the lengths to which individuals will go for success, remains as pertinent today as it was a decade ago.

This film was the directorial debut for Dan Gilroy, who also wrote the script. Following a strong debut, the director has faced challenges in recapturing the initial success in his later works.

In our minds that makes this vintage bittersweet but one you should savor, as it was the work of one person writing and directing with all their heart. It's a story that he planned for many years before making it a reality, and it's such a personal project that it even co-stars his wife, Rene Russo.

Relevance Today

Ten years later and we're still in a time and place where journalism is mostly sensationalism, and where the line between real and staged is increasingly blurred. "Nightcrawler" offers a chillingly accurate portrayal of one man with zero scruples doing anything to cash in on the media’s darker side.

The film’s critique of the "if it bleeds, it leads" mentality is still being rewarded not only in journalism but also in broader culture. As we grapple with issues of fake news, media bias, and the relentless 24-hour news cycle, "Nightcrawler" serves as a stark reminder of the potential consequences of prioritizing ratings over integrity.

Cast to Perfection

Jake Gyllenhaal’s portrayal in Nightcrawler is made all the more compelling by his charisma and physical appeal, which provide a stark contrast to the character’s morally reprehensible actions. This juxtaposition makes the character more palatable and the film easier to watch, as his underlying appearance tempers the repulsiveness of his deeds.

His performance is both chilling and captivating, showcasing his ability to embody deeply flawed characters with nuance and intensity. Today, Gyllenhaal remains one of Hollywood’s most self-challenging actors.

Though Rene Russo is the director's wife, it was surprising casting at the time for the love interest to be a woman in her 60s, making it refreshingly unconventional. She took on the role of Nina Romina, a TV news director desperate for ratings and navigating the moral dilemmas that come with it. Russo brought a layered complexity to her character and a quiet dignity to her role as her character's circumstances changed.

Riz Ahmed made a memorable first impression with his debut in "Four Lions" in 2010, but it's in "Nightcrawler" is when he first caught the attention of American audiences.

As Rick, Louis Bloom’s reluctant assistant, Ahmed was the perfect casting for his role in Nightcrawler due to his ability to give us a relatable character, expressing both vulnerability and determination with remarkable authenticity. This is something that he continues to provide to this day as he makes appearances in "Rogue One", "Girls" and even in his voice acting as The Corinthian in "The Sandman".

His performance in "Nightcrawler" provided a compelling counterbalance to Jake Gyllenhaal’s intense portrayal.

And this one still hurts: Bill Paxton. Though his time on screen in Nightcrawler was brief, Bill Paxton always made his characters his own. His portrayal of the seasoned cameraman, Joe Loder, was a testament to his enduring talent and charisma. Sadly, we lost this remarkable actor less than three years later, making his appearance in this film a poignant reminder of the legacy he left behind

A Toast

Whether you’re revisiting "Nightcrawler" or discovering it for the first time, this dark gem of a film promises to leave a lasting impression. It’s a testament to the power of cinema to reflect anti-heroes and challenge societal norms, making it a must-watch for anyone interested in the intersection of media, morality, and ambition. If the topic doesn't appeal to you but you are interested in the performance by Jake Gyllenhaal, it is a marvel to see him transform into such a repulsive character and still draw you in.

As we celebrate its place in "The Wine Cellar," we acknowledge its enduring significance and the remarkable talent of its creators and cast.