I first watched "Nightcrawler" about six months ago and was so blown away that I didn't jot down any thoughts as I normally do. I like to record my opinions on things like movies, books, and music because I am a mostly obsessed record keeper. I kept thinking that watching "Nightcrawler" was so unexpectedly enjoyable that I must not have been paying full attention. I've never been a Jake Gyllenhaal fan at all and I'd never even heard of this Dan Gilroy guy. I kept telling myself that I needed to just watch it again, but my movie watchlist kept calling to me, so I never watched it again...until last night.

Last night's re-watch confirmed my first viewing. Jake Gyllenhaal is mesmerizing as Louis Bloom, the thief who stumbled upon the wonderful world of TV news. Louis is sympathetic and despicable. Is he the pro or antagonist? I still have no idea. He's criminal and hero at once. The things he does are rotten. He's so weird and dysfunctional, yet smart and manipulative. He's seriously one of the neatest characters I've seen in a long time.

Rick (Riz Ahmed) is the guy that you really want to pull for. He's Louis's first employee and pathetically naive. Until the final act, when he actually manages to manipulate Louis. Again, does this film know what it wants me to think or believe?

Nothing is really as it seems here. This is a fun, tense film that will keep you guessing and entertained.