As an avid Jake Gyllenhaal fan, when I heard about Dan Gilroy’s Nightcrawler, starring my favorite actor of all time, I immediately began counting down the days until its Halloween release. Despite my ridiculous levels of hype for this film, I still managed to be utterly enthralled by it. The film tells the story of a desperate man, named Lou Bloom, living in LA who is driven to a freelance journalistic career in criminal video coverage, which he takes to levels beyond the norm, levels that are considered by some to be unethical.

The film both packed with heart-pumping action and thought provoking dialogue, was not only a commentary on the influence of the media on society, but also the character’s sociopathic tendencies and the influence those tendencies had on the people he involved himself with.

As far as the film’s commentary on the media today, the issue of ethics and the media are underscored by both Gyllenhaal’s character Bloom, and the news station where he is selling his controversial footage of LA crime scenes. The struggle between the media and the government is highlighted in this film and the two facets of our society are brought together by this persistent and sociopathic character portrayed so realistically by Gyllenhaal. This very real struggle is left for the audience to contemplate on their own, partially because of the governments’ inability to control most of what goes on television anymore. The film shows the competitive nature of the media industry and in turn, the boundaries media companies, such as news stations, will push to stay relevant. Actress Rene Russo plays an important role as Nina, in conveying this theme as the ruthless newsroom director who fuels Bloom’s fiery crime footage spree for her personal gain at the station.

Gyllenhaal could not have been more perfect for the role of Lou Bloom. Not only did Gyllenhaal shed nearly 30 pounds for the role, but he cut himself off from his intimate relationships, to get himself into character. The payoff of his work is thrilling, figuratively and literally. Lou Bloom is a perplexing, off-kilter character with serious social issues that greatly influence his newfound career as a crime footage reporter. Bloom’s sociopathic personality provides the film with an unexpected humor and awkwardness that comes at all times of the movie, especially when you least expect it. Some of the most dramatic and gruesome themes of the movie are contrasted with Bloom’s simultaneously nonchalant yet twisted dialogue that leaves the audience not knowing whether to laugh or sit there appalled.

Overall the film, was not what I initially expected, blew me away, and left my mind turning, and contemplating, hours after the film had ended. So if you’re in the mood for a thrilling yet thought provoking film that will leave you thinking as you walk out of the theater, check out Nightcrawler.