10 Best Directorial Debut Films Of The 21st Century (So Far)
5. Nightcrawler
Seriously, how didn’t Jake Gyllenhaal receive an award for this? Along with the formerly mentioned Toni Collette, Gyllenhaal’s Academy Award absence ranks high on the list of notable snubs seen in recent years.
His portrayal of Lou Bloom in Nightcrawler showcases a determined yet disturbing individual who will go to any lengths necessary to attain that all-important shot, with no regard nor remorse for whom he hurts in the process.
Nightcrawler's exploration of crime journalism depicts a monstrous and immoral profession confined within an unforgiving Los Angeles. He’s as despicable and dislikeable as they come, but Bloom is just a physical embodiment of the inhumane domain he inhabits for the audience to detest but also become enchanted by.
Nightcrawler offers a seasoning of strong, supporting performances from Bill Paxton, Rene Russo and Riz Ahmed that stand out amongst others, but it is Gyllenhaal who steadies the ship so that it sails smoothly.
However, this is only made possible due to Dan Gilroy’s wonderful direction and Oscar-nominated script that allows the 42-year-old unlimited access to investigate LA’s deepest and darkest secrets. There aren't many laughs and there’s no happy ending, but it’s a wild ride featuring shocks, scares and scumbags. It raises the question, what’s not to like?