Things to Do
Things to Do

Review: 'Nightcrawler'

In this image released by Open Road Films, Jake Gyllenhaal, left, and Rene Russo appear in a scene from the film, "Nightcrawler." (AP Photo/Open Road Films, Chuck Zlotnick)

Credit: Chuck Zlotnick

Credit: Chuck Zlotnick

In this image released by Open Road Films, Jake Gyllenhaal, left, and Rene Russo appear in a scene from the film, "Nightcrawler." (AP Photo/Open Road Films, Chuck Zlotnick)
By Michael Phillips
Oct 30, 2014

Popular galleries

ExploreLatest galleries

Jake Gyllenhaal lost 30 pounds for his new movie, "Nightcrawler," and the result is simple and eerie, much like the film itself. He appears to be wearing a Jake Gyllenhaal mask, all cheekbones, sallow complexion and unblinking laser-beam eyes.

His character is Lou Bloom, a freelance LA crime scene videographer. Is this man human, exactly? Lou's small talk leans heavy on the self-help axioms and self-directed pep rallies; it's as if he were an alien learning to pass for earthling by watching one too many TED Talks.

"Nightcrawler" - 3 stars

MPAA rating: R (for violence, bloody images, and language)

Running time: 1:57

Opens: Friday

mjphillips@tribune.com

About the Author

Michael Phillips
More Stories

The Latest

Boasting an assertive tannic tang, a dash of ground sumac kicks up a broad range of dishes, from hummus and feta to meat marinades and fattoush. (Courtesy photo)

Credit: Handout

Where can I find it?

15 family-friendly things to do in metro Atlanta this weekend

David Byrne brings mix of quirky art and music to the Fox Theatre

Featured

Ceudy Gutierrez reads a book to her 2-year-old son, Matias, at their home in Buford, GA, on Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2025. Ceudy Gutierrez is struggling to make ends meet for herself and her three young kids following her husband’s ICE arrest earlier this fall. (Miguel Martinez/ AJC)

Credit: Miguel Martinez-Jimenez

When ICE takes breadwinners, it takes a toll on families ... and on the economy

For immigrant families, brushes with ICE can result in financial precarity that could have implications for the broader economy.

‘I’m a bad kid,’ he told himself. How Georgia’s special ed program failed one child.

Parents find that it's easy to get into the GNETS program, but in some districts, difficult to leave.

‘A lot of blame, but not enough action’: Atlanta leaders lack path to fix jail

Stakeholders across Atlanta and Fulton County grapple with a complex web of issues that contribute to overcrowding, crumbling structure.