And finally, one of the most electric performances of the year in a movie that feels cruelly undeserved by awards almost across the board, Jake Gyllenhaal should be considered an Academy Award front-runner, but alas, he's very much sitting on that outer rim along with Timothy Spall, and will almost certainly miss out on a nod short of a miracle. In what is nothing if not a truly transformative performance, Gyllenhaal's Lou Bloom is a slimy, creepily reptilian if also admirably ambitious individual eager to make it in the world of TV crime reporting. It doesn't take long for audiences to realise just how weird Lou is, and from his slicked back hair and bulging eyes to his scarily calm demeanour (the above image notwithstanding), it feels like nothing anyone has seen from the actor before. As his career continues to climb, it's a shame that the Academy will likely miss out on giving Gyllenhaal the rub here, though his Independent Spirit Awards nomination for Best Male Lead is still a fine accolade nonetheless, and more in line with the tone and conception of the film anyway. Which incredible 2014 performances do you expect to be snubbed at the nominations stage? Shout it out in the comments!
Stay at home dad who spends as much time teaching his kids the merits of Martin Scorsese as possible (against the missus' wishes).
General video game, TV and film nut. Occasional sports fan. Full time loon.
