SSC 59: Nightcrawler (Gilroy, 2014) Artwork

Single Serving Cinema

Single Serving Cinema looks at one critical scene in a movie every other week. We explore how the scene is constructed, what the scene achieves, and what it can tell us about the movie as a whole. Hosted by Tim & Tay.

All Episodes

Single Serving Cinema

SSC 59: Nightcrawler (Gilroy, 2014)

September 06, 2023 • Tim & Tay • Season 3 • Episode 59

Tim & Tay take on capitalism in this episode on Nightcrawler. This slick and unsettling film stars Jake Gyllenhaal in his best performance, and explores ambition, tenacity, and the other characteristics most valued by the modern western world.

Synopsis
Lou Bloom, an ambitious and resourceful Los Angeles resident, methodically tests the moral and economic limits of sensational local news production.

Starring Jake Gyllenhaal and directed by Dan Gilroy, Nightcrawler was released Oct. 31, 2014.

Where to watch - Paramount+

Links:

(with apologies to) Kevin Rahm

Scene: 39:24-44:30
Arriving at an accident before the cops and paramedics, Lou manipulates the crime scene and gets his footage, beating out the other Nightcrawlers like Joe. When delivering his footage, he begins to coerce Nina into a date.

Recommendations

Tim: Broadcast News (Brooks, 1987)—where to watch
Tay: City of Tiny Lights (Travis, 2016)—where to watch

Next episode: Fight Club (Fincher, 1999)

Follow: