By Landon Hilst | Contributor
I know I cannot be the only one who wonders ultimately where I will end up in life. Most people have already figured out exactly what they are going to become. While others, like myself, are still looking for direction. Many films cover this kind of subject matter, in particular one that I watched recently.
Last month I saw the film "Nightcrawler," which stars Jake Gyllenhaal, Rene Russo and Bill Paxton. This film takes place within the electric nighttime atmosphere in downtown and suburban Los Angeles. Featuring incredible performances by all cast members, this is one of my favorite movies. I loved the gorgeous cinematography in capturing the grotesque nature of the Nightcrawlers.
The story follows main character Louis Bloom, played by Jake Gyllenhaal, and his newly found career path of racing to the scenes of violent crimes. He carries a video camera to capture graphic footage of each incident. His footage can be sold freelance to news organizations that will run a story about it the morning after.
"If it bleeds, it leads," said Bloom's rival Joe Loder, played by Bill Paxton.
Not only does this film brilliantly capture Bloom's exhilarating work with fantastic realism, it also offers a look at life within a breakneck business which some of us might be involved with one day.
"Nightcrawler" also explores many interesting moral and ethical avenues that come along with quick decision making.
Bloom has finally found something that he loves and is successful at doing, and he will do whatever it takes to hold onto it. Without moving into spoiler territory, Bloom does not simply live in the moment but constantly tries to think three steps ahead. This leads him down some slippery slopes, which provides some cling-to-your-seat moments for the viewing audience.
"Nightcrawler" has themes that can be relatable to Christians as well. When caught in a difficult situation, do we give in to the desires of others, or seek help from our suffering? The answer lies in our reliance on Jesus Christ.
What these characters are caught up with is dangerous and will drive them to the edges of their morals. How we overcome obstacles and the choices we make are what define our personality and character. This is a double-edged sword, because these decisions, positive or negative, affect others as well.
"Nightcrawler" delivers a perfectly paced narrative woven around the beginnings of Bloom's career in the TV news business. Simultaneously, Gyllenhaal's performance captures a kind of unchecked curiosity that may lie well-hidden within all of us.
The perfect casting, excellent storytelling and masterful script make "Nightcrawler" a must-view for film lovers and students alike.
