Nightcrawler | Cinema's Most Chilling Character

[@SpikimaMovies]

What's YOUR favourite "psychopathic" (heavy quotation here) character? Anton Chigurh? Lou Bloom? Annie Wilkes?

[@thealmightybrick1393]

Anton is UNFORGETTABLE. Just "No Country For Old Men" is generally unforgettable.

[@davidcatlett4052]

I really wanted to like Nightcrawler more but I just didn't really. I didn't hate it either though. I might have to give it a rewatch. But, I found elements likeable enough, it'd be easy for me to give another movie from the director of Nightcrawler a try.

[@patriot121317]

Raymond Lemorne from The Vanishing is my favorite psychopathic/ sociopath because of how real and normal he is.

[@SpikimaMovies]

The Vanishing is an EXCELLENT film!!

[@Stormvogel262]

@@thealmightybrick1393 I agree. Anton Chigurh is the only "correct" answer here imo.

[@barry4649]

How Jake Gyllenhaal wasn’t even nominated for an Oscar for this is crazy

[@s1me007]

It’s a travesty is what that is

[@seanriley2534]

For fucking real

[@kalahauoli355]

Probably hit too close to home for other Hollywood psychopaths

[@Jakeyisdead]

Not only should he have been nominated he should have won too

[@fokkusuh4425]

Nice opinion.

[@GBaby2]

Jake has such a huge range of acting talents. He can be a psychopath, a famed down to earth boxer, or an expert soldier and keep all of them so incredibly real.

[@johnhorak2000]

Or 911 line operator. Really good acting chameleon he is.

[@KTT94]

Don't forget: cop, astronaut, scientist, medicine salesman, mountain climber, bombing survivor, illusionist, gay cowboy, and my favorite, a time traveling prince.

[@johnhorak2000]

@@KTT94 oh. Life was brilliant modern take on Alien. And yeah, Brokeback Mountain climber mounting Heath Ledger, lets not forhet that.

[@TheSodaShop]

Don't forget a bi sexual art critic

[@taylorbranson7790]

Him as a cop was real

[@meanpersona4686]

I remember watching this film for the first time and being so uncomfortable every time Lou spoke. The way he spoke seemed so rehearsed, pre-planned or it just looked like he heard the sentences somewhere before and tried to use them to gain some advantage. The scenes when he "flirts" are also so cringe inducing, It makes me feel like I am on a date with him, in the same room and I don't know how to respond. I love this movie, but it makes me weirdly sick during some of the scenes.

[@COARLON]

my sentiments exactly

[@theresisty7122]

Exactly, it was way more unsettling than I expected it to be.

[@andrewboteler7522]

​@stevenluoma1268I had a roommate like this. One of the best things i ever did was not tell him where my new apartment was. Complete sociopath.

[@jimmysergent8568]

​@@andrewboteler7522please 🙏 elaborate, the curiosity is literally crushing my soul 😅

[@kennykenny5043]

absolutely, my favorite movies are always the ones that make me deeply uncomfortable lol

[@kptmaci4979]

the shot at 18:29 with Lou staring down a gangster with a gun, who just killed his partner like its nothing and that gangster being slightly confused, but seeing Lou and immedieately recognizing he is no harm at all to him and will let him kill more people if he gets it on camera - its one of the most important bits of this movie to me. Its like one predator recognizing another and just letting each other pass on their way to their next prey. It truly shows how another murderer recognizes Lou as similiar to him and lets him be

[@Nyssine]

that whole scene was crazy af

[@zan6585]

well said!

[@Gameruin3r]

I never thought about this...very good analysis bro....... I thought it was simply based on him being behind cover and being low on bullets and not wasting them on a non threat.....but then he unalived his partner who wasn't a threat either..... So based on that I definitely agree with your theory....his reaction to his partner getting shot showed the thug that he was indeed a dark, morally corrupt person...which made him see him differently and move on to the cops coming for him.

[@micahhooper1889]

That was completely agree, well said

[@ouroboros6125]

The guy with the gun looks Lou in the eyes, and do not shoot him, because he sees his own reflection.

[@appleflavored8839]

man i love this movie and ive never heard anyone put the feeling of the score into words before, it's like lou's own imagined heroic theme music and it really pushes the atmosphere

[@LuisSierra42]

I was blown away by this movie. I really had no idea what it was about but then I saw the ending and the relationship they make between having no morals = succeeding in a capitalist society and it instantly became one of my favorites

[@themore-you-know]

@@LuisSierra42, nah, it's about great leadership: "And remember, I will never ask you to do something I wouldn't do myself!" - Lou Bloom

[@ffnovice7]

Anybody else being a Laughing Lou at zoomers using the term capitalism as a negative? On youtube? On the Internet? In English?

[@paaaatrika]

I'm not hearing any music.

[@marthas9255]

​@@LuisSierra42 In a, keyword, "neoliberalist" capitalist society. Brought to you by Milton Friedman, Chicago School of Economics. Almost like pre-industrial revolution regulations capitalism, anything fkn goes for profit, except you create the opportunities by creating measured disasters and/or capitalizing such occasions. Keynesian capitalism, cold war capitalism that had a need to appease communist ideals and appear good, Shibusawa Eiichi's moral and synergetic capitalism that still runs Japan today are examples of other healthier for people schools of thought. People for the system is where we are trending - too lazy to think, too lazy to be in control; too lazy to be free is how we created this slippery slope. Soon, we'll overtly be like Night City of the Cyberpunk world (we still have to pretend to be nice).

[@finalbossfororphans]

Louis' attempt at seeming normal with the excuse of “I was watering my plants.” sort of reminds me of Bateman's “I have to go return some video tapes.”

[@kamranrosen8251]

Plant. Singular. The fact that you automatically made it plural like a normal person emphasizes how weird he is

[@jeffreydean5112]

@@kamranrosen8251 good catch. Almost like his plant is like a pet he must take care of.

[@artg6700]

@@kamranrosen8251I only have one plant and it’s my baby… I’m not weird 😔

[@Ant_Tana]

​@justingary5322 Why don't you post this on Quora or something more fitting? I don't think many people will read it until the end nor even bother to read on a youtube comment reply. No offense though. 🙏

[@dchodge9692]

Right!!!

[@Alienkiwi730]

A massive common misconception is that all psychopaths are killers. This isn't true. You can still be a psychopath and not want to kill people.

[@seankelly378]

And you can kill people and not be a psychopath, tho it does help

[@threethrushes]

Most people acknowledge that to get ahead in the Western corporate world, one needs to be amoral, self-serving, utterly selfish, and have an insatiable lust for power.

[@demolishweaklings]

Most psychopath are not killers. It's just a myth., Actually, very few of the most notorious serial killers in history were psychopaths. Most had an array of mental issues but from my observations, antisocial disorder combined with perverted sexual fantasies and sadism are the most common.

[@ttx3]

what about people that get in a psychopath’s way and hinder his path to succes?

[@franciscodiaz3028]

I thought the difference was killing, if a sociopath kills someone then they are a psychopath

[@xtalviper]

At 17:45, he looks over to an imaginary person, and then laughs. Like he's practicing trying to imitate what normal people do. For me It was this scene that really showcased how hauntingly well Gyllenhaal was portraying an absolute psychopath.

[@TonyMichaels166]

Same. Like he’s trying to get a feel for what it might be like to watch something with someone.

[@memesouls8653]

People and even psychologists always rank Anton Chigurh as the “most accurate” psychopath, but as much as like like and respect Javier’s portrayal of that character I always thought that Jake’s Louis Bloom was by far the most accurate representation of a true psychopath. The one that lives amongst us and can even be our lovers. While his version might be one of the more extreme cases, not all psychopaths are mindless killing machines but often times very patient, deeply disturbed individuals who will go to whatever lengths in order to come out on top and get what they want. Louis is the psychopath who is our neighbor, our best friend, or our partner. I think that’s far more scary that someone you may trust may throw you in front of a train if it benefitted them.

[@poindextertunes]

Patrick Bateman

[@ambatuBUHSURK]

He's amazing character in terms of cinema but this constant yapping about whether or not he accurately portrays a psychopath is just so detestable

[@MercyJones_]

Robert Pattinson in Good Time is another good example too, in my opinion.

[@god.usopp2yearsago115]

@@poindextertunescomical character

[@god.usopp2yearsago115]

Nah, Anton is definitely more accurate, but Louis seems more entertaining to watch for many people

[@benconroy9734]

One thing that really stood out to me the first time I watched the movie is that the more graphic and disturbing Lou’s content gets, the more praise and recognition he gets from the media and from other slingers. As soon as his methods become ethically questionable, he is offered a job by Joe. When he brings Nina the final tape showing Ricks death, she’s in awe of it despite how gruesome it is. Obviously Lou himself is a cold, heartless sociopath, but the people around him are partly responsible for what he does by encouraging him to go further and further in his methods and making him think what he’s doing is admirable by showering him with praise and recognition

[@stephaniec.4905]

Wonderful Observation!

[@zaynes5094]

@benconroy9734 Yeah and Jake himself has said in interviews about Nightcrawler that what he's doing is definitely illegal, morally questionable, and completely disgusting, but the way Jake was able to identify with this narcissistic, sociopathic character was by seeing him as an artist working on his Master's thesis in Crime Scene and Accident Scene videographer. It, to Jake, was like seeing a full arc of this guy's greatest life achievement in the form of his own creative genius in his "art". It was like this crazy guys arc of seeing how he could become a better artist with a camera.

[@elmad2153]

I completely join you on that and i've always gone even a bit further in my interpretation of Lou's personnality. I'm not even sure he's a natural born sociopath, like he could have been a good person. It's just that he adapted into this character because that's what society calls for to be succefull. Lou just adapts to his environment, he learns his way to achievement and if society was better he would probably have evolved into a better person. Something i think supports this view is when he tells Rick that it's not that he doesn't understand people, it's that he doesn't like them. To me this indicates that he may have the ability to feel empathy for people, he just never met anyone worth his empathy. And that turned him into a bitter, self centered and cold hearted person.

[@jenfentress7636]

Perfect description of how the internet is destroying the fabric of being Civil & Polite.

[@jenfentress7636]

(Yes it does so much Good -but that’s not the subject)

[@danrebeiz4598]

This movie has purchased prime real estate in my brain and lives comfortably.

[@RepDreStre]

As a psychologist I applaud you for your mention of the DSM-V and overall disclaimer, so nice to see someone do actual research and not regurgitate whatever TikTok says about mental disorders. Amazing video, nice editing too! instant sub.

[@dizzy4303]

Its an epidemic. Ive tried to comment a few times on the dangers of labelling people with disorders unless you are a competent clinician and I always get REEEEEEEEE back as a reply.

[@M2Mil7er]

Bloom doesn't meet the criteria for BPD though.

[@EliTheMac]

as a licensed therapist, especially in young clients, markers of psychopathy are important. though not a diagnosis in the DSM5, it is a classification that is important to distinguish for the safety of the client and those around them.

[@wholewheatstingray]

There's plenty of garbage present in this video, bringing doubt to your claimed career.

[@TonyMichaels166]

@@dizzy4303KZbin and tik-tok has made everyone a PhD in psychology. I’ve stopped talking to a lot of people because they watch 3 criminal psych vids on KZbin and start diagnosing random people on the street in their every day lives.

[@Cosmic_Corpse22]

This is my favorite Jake Gyllenhaal role. The way he truely acts like he is observing and internalizing, and then swaps to a facade based on those internalizations when in a social setting. Incredible.

[@DuMaMayDewLay]

Holy shit. Am I a psychopath

[@cmh111671]

Jake Gyllenhaal has an absolute knack for playing borderline, if not entirely psychopathic characters. It's believable, understandable, even sympathetic at times. He's too good of an actor.

[@NorthNova13]

Jake Gyllenhaal has resting psychopath face.

[@EM-tx3ly]

@@NorthNova13 Best candidate for the Joker His face His steely blue eyes His facial expression His grin His demeanor

[@kacidy]

"Borderline" You clearly dont know what you are talking about. Borderline is not "diet psychopathy". All the creepiness, half the insatiable blood lust! Exactly this sort of flippant use of psychological terminology is what lead to "multiple personalities" coming into the common lexicon, i.e. stigmatizing people who struggle with mental health issues, as well as hampering the work of the professionals trying to help. Borderline does not describe a lack of empathy or connection to social norms.

[@Comrade_Alyosha]

Movies rarely ever disturb me. But Gyllenhaal's performance made me pause the film a couple of times just so I could process what the hell I just watched. Real masterclass acting.

[@joshualee6200]

I remember watching We Need to Talk About Kevin and being completely blown away by Ezra Miller's performance. Then, later, you come to realize that he's a complete psycho and wasn't acting at all.

[@Youraveragedemon-n3r]

I have ASPD. Does he have ASPD also.

[@A---BMaitriSarkar]

Lmao fr

[@user-et9mc6gv3y]

I mean ofcourse he was acting. Psychopaths are all different and just because he played one and displays unsetteling behaviour, it doesnt mean that he didnt need to act

[@Youraveragedemon-n3r]

@@user-et9mc6gv3y People say the real jake actually has ASPD in real life, as someone who has ASPD myself i cant just watch a film and say yup he's a psycho in real life, could just be an amazing actor like anton in No country but i think imo most people with ASPD depending on situations and the type you are would make amazing actors though at the same time. If i was in person with them then yes im very very good at reading people, i can feel how their feeling i just don't care and it doesn't affect me how someone else feeling even if they are close to me. Like i can sense what's wrong for the most part i normally just don't care unless im trying to maintain a image around others or i need something.

[@joshualee6200]

@@user-et9mc6gv3y yawn

[@sirenwastaken]

As a diagnosed sociopath I really loved the movie and your analysis. The watering of the plant was a great touch to the main character. I used to go to group therapy sessions for people with aspd and there were many people with such weird obsessions that always sounded so stupid to me. But after a bit, I realized that thats what psychopaths do. They dont just wear a mask, they wear a whole damn suit. They become the character they want to come across, even when nobody is around, in order to keep their act straight.

[@KHA0T1X]

do you think you'll always be callous & a calculated individual that has tendencies to enact the traits of a sociopath or has therapy helped at all?

[@sirenwastaken]

@@KHA0T1X Therapy will never work on me because i dont want it to and because i dont believe in someone trying to "help" me when they dont know anything about how it is to be me. I dont know if callous, calculated, evil or whatever else scared people come up with is true, but yeah im pretty sure im going to continue being me.

[@None38389]

@@KHA0T1XThere is no "fixing" a sociopath for they are not broken, they are simply different, the way to help them fit into the society isn't to force them to change but to appeal to their nature and help them understand that when the society they belong to is benefited as a whole they themselves are benefited too.

[@user-ys7eh9kx9p]

Don't we all tho? Just acts mostly. Its no just a psych behavior

[@Palafico3]

@@KHA0T1XThat was a very mean and callous response on *your* part tbh. Talking down to people like that is never productive.

[@snaggytoothy]

I still struggle to fit in with people, and some of his behaviour reminded me of my past actions. I often made people uncomfortable because I never looked away from their eyes when they were talking. It wasn't a subconscious habit, it was intended. By keeping eye contact, I thought they'd trust me more because it was supposed to be a sign of attention. Come to think of it, it was always about trying to win trust, not forming a proper bond.

[@Thatnightguyy]

❤

[@CraneFly_Productions]

I’m very glad to see someone throw it into words, it’s a reality I too feel is oddly typical. It’s funny, I don’t truly realize what the term for this behavior is until a video throws this word onto the table

[@iHaveTheDocuments]

Lou, is that you?

[@WhizPill]

You’re neurodivergent my dude congratulations

[@kaelang12]

were you diagnosed as neurodivergent? because that is the exact same stuff i have trouble with

[@Fleshcut]

I watched this movie several times with different groups of friends and people had some really interesting reactions towards it. Some people were bored because they didn't click with Lou at all. They were confused by him and, because of that, didn't have much fun with the movie. Then there were people who admired him, who saw him as hard-working, focused, and a role model. And the third reaction I got were people saying how much of a psycho Lou is and how they would be appalled by his behavior from the first second on.

[@obscillesk]

hahah thats interesting. When I first saw it, I didn't click with him, but I was endlessly fascinated by how he carried himself and interacted with everyone around him. Like his response to the guy saying "I don't hire thieves", that smile and the sage nod, I was hooked. Just that immediate switch to "Oh, yea, good policy, I like that". But simultaneously, this creeping dread whenever he was on screen, it was so perfectly balanced

[@MoriohAnime]

I fall somewhere between the first and second group NGL 😅

[@yutisima]

@@MoriohAnime damn, i knda wanna say poor friends of yours jajaj but i hope it's a bit joking

[@davidcook680]

As the movie goes along. I grew to be disgusted by him.

[@Suedetussy]

Out of these three groups, i know with who i wouldn’t like to hang out anymore. 😉

[@AyubuKK]

People underestimate how much peek audio capture along with the lighting and visual crispiness of every scene enhances the quality of a movie experience. It makes watching a movie almost sensual and aesthetically pleasing to look at and listen to. And the film becomes extremely immersive.

[@decadeyt5891]

This is the case for “ Who cloned Tyrone” Great environment, great music, all separate from plot, just purely there to make the viewing more pleasurable.

[@SubTonic]

The music did such a great job of mixing up my emotions. This guy is out here doing twisted, unhinged things, but the score kept making me think he was doing something amazing, something incredible. And he was, for himself. Only himself.

[@Dilaudid281]

The watering of the plant could also be a metaphor for what he's doing. Every night, he's filming to make his presence and position grow. Nightcrawler is an absolutely fantastic movie to analyze.

[@Thatnightguyy]

❤

[@keithg460]

His name is Louis Bloom, after all.

[@PrettyGothBoi6085]

The psychopathic stare is usually more effective when the story alteady makes it unclear that the subject in question is unhinged. Even just hinting at instability can make the stare seem like waiting for a lion to pounce.

[@KayButtonJay]

I think the music was a stroke of genius personally. If you’re like Lou, then you might be inspired by it. If you’re like us, then you know something feels wrong and creepy.

[@mandolen3317]

It was grotesque

[@navonmyhand7999]

The whole time I watched the film for the first time (and every time after), I feel a sense of "oh my god... he's gonna get away with this, and no one is gonna stop him." and the music works perfectly for that personally. I know it's not musically expressing how I'm supposed to feel how many other movies do, because even though I respect his hustle, I'm disgusted by so many of his choices and actions; the movie never attempts to make you sympathize with Lou's worst acts. The music sin any given scene signifies his feeling of accomplishment, his feeling of gratification, his feeling of "wow this is my moment and I earned it!" Nightcrawler is easily one of my favorite movies ever, not in my top 5 or anything but it's one I always think about.

[@JkennGG]

imo the music to me seemed to fit if you were thinking about it from Lou's perspective, like what music would be playing in his head at that moment

[@drippyog3935]

It made me wanna be a night crawler

[@BuyRawrXD]

@@mandolen3317okay hipster

[@turtlesweat7276]

I absolutely love how you said the music is unfitting in many scenes because it matches what the character thinks is the correct way to feel. That is an insanely interesting perspective and one that I didn't even consider and its actually amazing bravo man.

[@senorsnout4417]

​@justingary5322No one's reading your fucking essay, bro. No one cares.

[@Advent3546]

Jake Gyllenhaal has had a long career of great performances but Lou Bloom might be his very best.

[@JayCity10]

I like the way you compliment Jake, and I also like your conclusion. 😂

[@Emotional-Earth]

Jack Twist 👨‍❤️‍👨🫃

[@magisterialanubis06]

detective loki was the best

[@madameversiera]

Finally someone did a thorough analysis of this type of character. There aren’t many videos so detailed.

[@sophiaisabelle027]

The Nightcrawler is deserving of an Oscar. The visuals and storytelling in this film makes it all the more worthy of watching consequently.

[@mitcharendt2253]

The thing i really enjoyed was the subtle implication that the blood is also on the hands of the more 'normal' people including the viewer

[@holyandacceptable]

It’s true! Everyone plays a part in evil such as this - I’m completely convinced that the reason people get away with certain things now is because even when it’s noticed, no one will say anything. For whatever reason, be it fear, shame, validation, etc. If there were more people who stood up and said something, there wouldn’t be so much evil and people would be more ashamed of their actions and feel remorse and probably change. But, no, instead we have intense fawning or avoidance.

[@bakudekumaximum4362]

His name is a fitting metaphor of what deplorable character he actually is. A dark flower that blooms in a patch of land, not knowing it's a weed that siphoned all its nutrients all for itself killing other life near it.

[@3n3j0t4]

ight bro

[@sandworm9528]

Slow down brother

[@Mythraen]

Maybe you should do your metaphor hypothesizing when you're _not_ high.

[@AidanMclaren]

Why are people mocking you? Idiots... Lou Bloom is a flower of evil, and the environment (society) nurtures such a flower.

[@jwillied1326]

Cool comparison :)

[@zeroanonymity9736]

Watching this movie in theaters was an EXPERIENCE and I'll sing its praises until I die. The music was brilliantly done, that tonal dissonance with the situation but harmony with his attitude just made a fantastic bit of irony.

[@lostwriter19]

The monthly spikima analysis is as always a pleasure

[@SurrealSurrender]

I fucking love this channel. Love it. The calm narration is like ASMR, the topics are eloquently dissected, and the community is equally engaging. I fucking love this channel.

[@jerryschramm4399]

Caught this on DVD and found Lou Bloom a very, very scary dude. And Gyllenhaal was so good in the role. And didn't even get a nomination for Best Actor. Then again, Anthony Perkins got no real recognition for his chilling portrayal of Norman Bates.

[@EGarrett01]

Perkins's portrayal of Norman Bates is a contender for best acting performance ever. You have to be able to watch it twice, the first time thinking he's just an awkward, socially stunted background character and not thinking anything else of him, then the second realizing he was a dangerous psychopath all along ... and it totally works. Both times.

[@TonyMichaels166]

I happened to see it on DVD in a store (while incredibly high tbh) and grabbed it thinking it might be pretty good. Holy shit, was that an underestimation.

[@rahulsinha827]

The point about the score underlying the main character’s internal emotion rather than the setting is masterpiece in direction. A great observation, which understandably was missed by audiences in the early days of this film coming out like you mention. Brilliant!

[@bellaAndNothing]

i watched nightcrawler several months ago and, while i certainly remember a lot of images from it, the thing that i kept thinking about weeks and weeks later was the little moment about the blood on his shirt and why they never showed it (i missed it in the earlier shot) despite mentioning it a few times. the only reason i could think of was that it was just an editing decision to prefer the actors' faces, but this makes it a lot more interesting

[@xsjado_anon]

I actually think it was slightly different to this analysis - I was aware of it, but saw it as Lou having moved on and giving that past situation no more thought and attention as he focused on his next goal. The whole thing is Lou's busted perspective on the world - "if he watched this himself he would think everything was perfect" was the vibe I got.

[@salmon_wine]

@@xsjado_anon it's actually an extension of Lou's "optimism," which is really denial to an extreme degree. Lou's "perverse" optimism shows up a few times, like not being offended at all when the scrap yard worker calls him a thief... I think, in part, it's Lou playing ostrich and choosing to remain goal-oriented. Pretending that their is no blood on his shirt is part of how he resolves his own cognitive dissonance

[@xsjado_anon]

@@salmon_wine yeah, that's a perspective I can get behind, I think both work together tbh

[@salmon_wine]

@@xsjado_anon same- idk why I started my comment by saying it's what he "actually" is doing 😂

[@makeshift_battlefield_music]

I especially liked what you pointed out about the music score. It very much is meant to highlight Lou's perspective and feelings, not to evoke the feeling of the scene to the audience. It was brilliant and I find it funny that some film critics, who should know a thing or two, didn't pick up on that in a first viewing. The entire film plays out in the format of like a heroic origin story, where the only person who views Lou as heroic, is himself. The score exemplifies that the protagonist of the story is a narcissist and that the story is about his character, not the content of what is happening in the scene. When he is delivering an uncomfortable monologue that would make anyone cringe- the score plays hopeful music- because the film is about Lou. If it played music appropriate to the content, to build suspense in those cringe inducing scenes, the entire contrivance of the film would be betrayed and if they took that cookie cutter approach with the score, they would have also taken that approach with the film in general and it wouldn't be anything more remarkable than an annual bargain barrel thriller- Something the script could have easily become in less capable hands.

[@JkennGG]

yeah i was surprised that more didnt pick up on the music either. i thought that if Lou had music playing in his head, that's what it would sound like to him for each moment.

[@SHIVAAAA100]

One of the best performances and films of this generation. I love your channel and appreciate your work!

[@elmad2153]

9:10 what struck me the most in Lou's reaction is that he realises his mistake, the finger gesture and the smile indicates to me that he's like "hah you got me, well played" and that it's something he missed in his strategy and that he should be carefull not to get caught with in the future. Like a deep learning robot that improves with his mistakes, but not as an emotional human as you pointed out but as a cold structured robot. But it's really interesting how you pointed out two other interpretations that i haven't thought about before. By the way nightcrawler is one of my favorite movies ever. What a masterpiece. And to me his psychopatic behavior isn't one that he was born with but rather one that he adapted into. Because the world calls for a psychopatic behavior to be succesfull, and that aspect really shines to me when Nina sees his last video, and falls in admiration in front of the gruesome scene she witnesses. It really shows that Lou isn't really the freak here, it's the whole society that is and Lou is almost a victim of it, because if the world was better he would have probably adapted into a better person.

[@shannonpotratz489]

Great commentary. I think Nightcrawler is a brilliant film and possibly Jake Gyllenhaal's most fascinating performance. It's a crime that this film isn't more recognized. Thank you for sharing your take on this incredible character study...

[@JRBeast-nw3xg]

I love seeing a character analysis video once in a while. It’s always crazy how much you can get with little evidence

[@JFKHaircut]

Lmao

[@kojiyaw]

Chigurh maybe recognized as the most accurate depiction of a psychopath but Jake's Lou Bloom is a worthy contender for me.

[@Hummerbird99]

Chigurh is more like a mythical charcter. Lou Bloom feals much more real.

[@Fighting2Survive-i9f]

Stumbled onto your video of this movie, stopped at the notice of spoilers, watched the film just to come back to your video. I regret nothing. Amazing film. Great video on the main character. Keep up the great work!

[@Key_highway]

I did the exact same thing haha

[@BiracialGodBaby]

An analysis so thorough you’ve unintentionally rekindled my love for the movie

[@Corrupted]

With every year, jake gets closer and closer to being my favorite actor - such an incredible artist

[@notsheistleavemealone3881]

he’s got me 100%

[@Zunnydayz]

That was insanely well made good job. I enjoyed every minute of that thoroughly

[@cmflorence8037]

Such a great example of psychopathy. It isn't looking for people to kill. It's a person that rarely changes emotion or expression irrespective of the activity they are engaged in. Goal-oriented. Imitates people but something a little off. Definition of psychopathy: hurting people for short-term gain. Great video and great movie.

[@luukipuuk3537]

That is not the definition of psychopathy at all lol. A symptom maybe, not even close to a definiion

[@cmflorence8037]

@@luukipuuk3537 I'm not giving a DSM criterion list for it. But at it's core, all psychopathic types hurt people for short-term gain.

[@SirBojo4]

​@@cmflorence8037Nope it isn't

[@synrael9076]

As a diagnosed psychopath I can say this. The acting, the mirroring and mimicry is very good in the film. The "psychopathic" stare is actually just us observing you so we can get an idea of what sentences we need to rehearse in our mind so that we know how to get you to be relaxed. Overall your breakdown of this character was very entertaining. I enjoyed it.

[@crys383]

So glad to have you back. Thank you for your work.

[@natecw4164]

"I gotta return some video tapes" from Patrick Bateman is the same simple and clever device to convey psychopathy through a single out of place line of dialogue. Great essay, subbed!!

[@julianamorrelli9735]

Lou is one of the most interesting characters and I absolutely loved this breakdown. I remember watching this for the first time and being bothered by the score, but not being able to pinpoint why I felt unnerved. You broke down everything so perfectly, its always a good day when there's a new spikima video to watch

[@RadioNocturnus]

I remember in 2014 coming out of the “Book of Life” with my family and literally none of us enjoyed it to the point we hopped into another theater. Which so happened to be Nightcrawler. Soon as i left the theater that day was the first time i realized that i wanted to be a filmmaker. Almost 10 years later and this is still one of my favorite films of all time, thank you for reminding me how much I adore this movie. Great video

[@Stevenwinrar]

I'm someone who is on the spectrum. This movie is a personal favorite of mine, and its in my personal list of movies I deem "autism-core" such as Drive, American Psychopath, or any movie I feel can be described as having an ASD. I feel like these characters offer an insight into living with Autism, and the childlike sense of feeling lost, and wanting to force their way into the circle that excludes them. How often these characters are "invisible" to the real world and normal people are oblivious to the face behind the mask

[@SuperBat63]

Taxi Driver, Donnie Darko, Fight Club, Blade Runner 2049, Memento, Buffalo 66 and most recently David Fincher's The Killer are all excellent neurodivergent coded character studies of young men who don't conform to societal norms and whom might also have traits of neurodivergence. Check those films out as well and I could recommend more of them to you if you'd like :).

[@Stevenwinrar]

@@SuperBat63 You named a good portion of my list! I'll look into buffalo 66 and The Killer.

[@caseylayton4898]

Don't forget Lars and The Real Doll

[@RoaDKiLL760]

just watched both of your breakdowns on No Country for Old Men, and NightCrawler. both absolutely amazing films, and you literally made me adore both even more. thank you. 👏🏼👏🏼

[@merrylderrickson3147]

This film is so good. Im sure making this essay was a pleasure for you to make as your script likely kept changing as you kept noticing more and more on each watch through of a scene. It's as close to perfect as it gets for what it's trying to accomplish. Gilroy and Gyllenhaal need to team up again. Gilroy is clearly a good study. Amazing script, pitch perfect directing. This film feels like equal parts Fincher, Mann, Hitchcock and Scorcese.

[@Shade_o7]

Thank you for the full aspect ratio video. Seems so much better!

[@spencehead87]

Shit I never likened his overdramatic speech patterns to those of the news anchors he sees on TV. Great work as always!

[@FIDEL_CASHFLOW_]

I love watching video essays like this because I always learn something cool about films that I love. I did pick up on the fact that the music never matched what was actually happening in the scene but I didn't really think much of it until your explanation that the swelling optimism and cheerfulness found in the songs that are playing during which Lou is doing terrible things is basically the soundtrack playing in his own delusional head because he thinks that he's doing something great in the moment.

[@KcMcclary]

The thing he says about the backdrop looking so real could also reflect exactly what he wants to be from the perspective of others around him.. He wants his fake persona's to appear so real that nobody can tell the difference or suspect otherwise.

[@30roundporsh]

hands down favorite movie of all time. saw it in theaters and Ive seen it hundreds of times since. This video was a great addition to the movie. Thank you for this. 🙏🏽

[@ItRhymesWith]

Fantastic breakdown and analysis. Thank you for reminding me it's about time to rewatch this movie as well.

[@GarrettLoganGriffin]

This movie is one of those rare gems. Hands down Jake’s best performance, in my opinion. It really is such a standout movie in every aspect that it can be. Not a single boring or uninteresting moment.

[@Horrorzeit]

I am so incredibly inspired and blown away by your content - just thank you. Since starting my Horror channel 3 years ago it was a big dream of mine to produce Essays on horror movies one day (having been a Journalist and KZbinr for pver 10 years). But I wanted to build a following first as it is really really hard as there are basically no German Essay channels and the quality of YT videos here is rather unacademic. Your channels amongst others like Kaptain Kristian keep me pushing through and I know I will get there one day and change the way the KZbin movie discourse is here.

[@jamesfrancese6091]

There’s something distinctive about Lou that recalls the loner gloom of De Niro’s Travis Bickle - especially the use of rehearsed-sounding phrases in an attempt to come across as positive and well-adjusted. Not to mention the eventual self-perceived heroism.

[@MaksymCzech]

Thank you for the video! Nightcrawler is easily one of my favourite films of all time. I saw the movie in a similar light you did, and hearing your analysis helped to crystallize my understanding and increase my appreciation of the film. I have a small note on your video. In this day and age people often listen to videos as podcasts, and when you show large pieces of script, just read them aloud 😅 it was an awkward pause and I had to read that part after getting out of the shower.

[@onionheadguy7094]

Thanks for making this video about one of my favorite films! A highly underrated one that appears to finally be getting it's flowers.

[@Chowdizzle]

Yes! This movie isn't talked about enough! Everyone talks about American Psycho, which is also great in its own right, but I barely ever hear people mention Nightcrawler! Now I am an absolute Gyllenhaal shill but IMO this was his best work. Such a phenomenal movie.

[@L0wSkiller]

Around 7:40, when I was reading the text before he spoke, I got chills. It took me back to that scene, I could feel his cold confident cadence through the words I was reading. This is a film I enjoyed far more than I imagined I would, and it's entirely because of Jake Gyllenhaal's performance. Masterclass 🤘 Well done video essay:) i appreciate the time you took getting the perfect edits!

[@grimmDgalactus]

hey bud, can i just say, i'm proud of of you. you did an amazing job making this video. i see your effort and hard work. i appreciate it as a viewer so so much. i hope you are proud of yourself, and are confident in your accomplishment, because a random stranger on the internet is also. i really am. i want to compliment your knowledge and insight. i want to compliment your structure of editing and viewer awareness. as someone who is interested in film but not knowledgeable about the technical stuff, you explained and showed it masterfully.

[@Of_infinite_Faith]

Can you believe some people dont believe that laughter can be a sign of discomfort? The believe that someone who is laughing MUST be happy and pleased. Stupidity is dangerous

[@pedro2205pl]

Wonderful video! Made me rewatch the film, after almost 10 years, which is something i've been wanting to do for quite a while now. I didn't got the music matching Lou's point of view by myself, thank you for enlightening me about that point! Made me like the movie even more

[@LRC363]

You actually made me view some scenes in an entirely different light. Great video man, instant sub.

[@originaozz]

I watched Nightcrawler once and still feel disgusted to this day. It's an amazing film that represents everything about the media I hate. From sensationalising crimes to the "self-made CEOs" and motivational speakers. It just unnerved me so much.

[@andreawilliams1509]

This was well done. It made me want to watch this film during my Xmas break. You respect the process that creates how Bloom is unnerving and for that I am glad.

[@nooneinparticular9868]

Anthony star as homeland is one of the most amazing portrayals of psychopathy I have ever seen.

[@Thriving_in_Exile]

That's Narcissism. Not psychopathy.

[@chilaw2004]

I didn’t notice the blood on Lou’s shirt but I did notice “tageting.” Great video. I learn a lot about good moviemaking from you.

[@loganwelty7094]

Absolutely brilliant analysis mate!

[@Mortalkombat295]

The speech always paired with the music and Louis’s actions are honestly terrifying especially repositioning the body

[@cheesecakelasagna]

Lou speaks in a monologue way even in conversations supposed to be an equal exchange.

[@XanderShiller]

"I was watering my plant" (Lou was BLOOMing). Using the plant as an alliby is brilliant lol.

[@cajkaiju]

Your analysis and the compelling way you craft your videos to emphasize your theses are incredible. I get so much out of your work; not only a greater appreciation for the nuances of filmmaking, but so much of your analysis shows a deep understanding of human behavior and social dynamics. Thank you for making such insightful, quality content.

[@Mr_Movie_Fan]

Just discovered your channel. I'm not even done watching the video and I'm like "this guy is doing such a greay job" *subbed*

[@hi_elyse]

narcissistic personality disorder, borderline personality disorder, and histrionic personality disorder are all unrelated to ASPD! they may be cluster B, but they are not the same illness in any way and should not be lumped in together

[@BARTOZZI-OFFICIAL]

Finally someone said it - Nightcrawler is a work of art, up there with cinema's greatest accomplishments. Gyllenhal is terryfing and tealistic at the same time. His performance made me realize that I've met people like that in my life... CHILLING. Great video!

[@cambruh5992]

Gyllenhaals smile is top tier heebie jeebies and the score for this movie was perfect. 80's synth with an er of vaporwave aesthetic is icing on the psychocake that is Lou. While I'm here, please always pronounce envelop like envelope, it's great

[@aj897]

The check cast a shadow on his bloody shirt, as his main focus is money and not the injury/death he encounters.

[@Asticii]

Bro, don’t ever give up on life. You are surrounded by people who love and support you and you shouldn’t ever hesitate to ask for help. No matter how bad life may seem, it will get better. Trust❤️

[@Bustelo_Bean]

Wow the way you broke down the film and pacing was amazing. The thing that caught me most by surprise was when you were talking about the song choices throughout the movie and how it correlated with Louis’s psyche and not the situation that was happening at the moment. I honestly would’ve never caught onto that.

[@CaulkMongler]

I think one of the most unsettling things about this movie is how it reflects exactly how society feels about things we rationally understand should be disgusting and abhorrent - but we watch enraptured. There could be many people out there exactly like Gyllenhaal, but we’d be none the wiser because he is the director and we are the audience that eats it up - give us the next disaster, give us the next thing that makes us clutch our pearls.

[@SonsOfDeForest]

Tarantino leaps to mind

[@karimfawzy8039]

how is this video is 26k views only? This video is just amazing, keep it up man!

[@rivive]

I never was interested in watching Nightcrawler, but after this video I might. I love hearing you break down things and you have an amazing way with words!

[@TheJoshestWhite]

Did you watch it?

[@steph8703]

This has to be the best movie breakdown ive ever seen in my life. The depth and attention to detail is absolutely amazing, im definitely coming back for more!!👏👏

[@thejudgmentalcat]

I watched this after "Donnie Darko"...Gyllenhaal can play "the weirdo" so well 👍

[@Tyrell_Corp2019]

Thank you for highlighting the intention of the score. IMHO, the best scores are driven by a central idea or from the perspective of the character rather than trying to underline or “show” the drama we are seeing. It is especially well suited for independent films as opposed to Hollywood style films.

[@fire2box]

I watched Saltburn in theaters this week and I recalled not being as disturbed by a character since this movie Nightcrawler.

[@dansmudge135]

You don’t need to hear it from me but bloody good edits on this video man. 14:13 Seemed damn professional.

[@thesilvermotion]

This video is masterfully put together. I admire your skill. Great job!

[@sphinxtheeminx]

He isn't a psychopath he's neurodivergent. This is very clear from the way he has to mimic other people in order to do what he takes as appropriate behaviour. And the way he tries to flirt lacks the manipulative cadence of psychopathy. Things go wrong for him when he doesn't have other people's actions with which to model his responses. JG is brilliant in this.

[@insanedorito_7184]

11:11 "Tageting"

[@AntiNihilist]

An expected interpretation but my read on it was that he's a socially awkward person who wants to be part of the Hollywood dream. But not the fame and richess part, instead he wants to participate in the seedier side of it. He wants to be the person who sees the action that no one else sees and delivers the news first. His methods could be psychopathic but considering all the people who allow his actions, and how his rival seems no different, who's to say he isn't an average person in this bizarre career? Newscasting after all is an intrinsically parasitic action. The more people suffer, the better the ratings become. You don't need to be psychopathic to not care about someone else's suffering, just selfish enough.