Jake Gyllenhaal becomes a blood-thirsty crime photographer who rushes to scenes of gruesome murders, home invasions and robberies in order to sell the footage to local television stations in "Nightcrawler." The American actor who shot to fame in Ang Lee's epic film "Brokeback Mountain," about two men in love, and reaffirmed his acting chops in last year's "Prisoners" is back at the Toronto International Film Festival this year to promote Dan Gilroy's directorial debut, appearing leaner and meaner.
He plays Lou Bloom, a loner and petty thief who trolls the Los Angeles night before happening upon so-called nightcrawlers in action.
He buys himself a cheap video camera and a police radio scanner and joins in, going head-to-head with seasoned professionals such as Joe Loder (Bill Paxton).
He thrives in this new line of work, with some help from television producer Nina, played by Rene Russo ("The Thomas Crown Affair," "Thor").
Moving bodies for a better photo
If a crime scene doesn't quite tell the story Nina wants, he moves bodies around to enhance the photo.
Screenwriter-turned-director Dan Gilroy ("Freejack," "The Bourne Legacy") received a warm reception from the audience at the world premiere of his film.
"I didn't know when I wrote the script that I would direct it later," he told the audience.
But after working for a long time in the film industry, he added, "I thought I was ready for that." In the end, "We all made the film we wanted to make - something rare and special," he said.
The film's completely twisted protagonist does not appear to have a past, a family or even friends. He is chatty and does not like to be contradicted.
"He is a chilling metaphor for filmmakers," said Toronto film festival artistic director Cameron Bailey.
Commenting on the role, Gyllenhaal said he used to cross paths with coyotes growing up in Los Angeles. "Lou is like the coyotes in the streets. Los Angeles at night, the wilderness begins, all the animals come out," he said.
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