a film straight out of hollywood - literally - set in los angeles
normally avoided or attended begrudgingly or occasionally willingly
the later in this case - big reviews, positive feedback and even oscar talk
a film about tv viewers and hence channels obsession for violent stories
opening scenes of l a at night - full moon - a city twinkling in the desert
lou bloom (jake gyllenhaal) introduced as a man desperate for cash
seen cutting wire from a fence and trying to sell on to a scrapyard
no questions asked as lou and the owner quick-fire negotiate a price
then lou cranks out a very impressive spiel to try to score some work
thinking - is lou on drugs, super-intelligent or just a well-drilled actor
whatever it is gyllenhaal has nailed the character and set things up well
his job request rejected - 'i don't employ thieves' - lou with a wry smile
on his way home he is amongst the first on the scene at a freeway accident
stands back dispassionately observing a film crew capturing close-up footage
a few words exchanged with the crew to learn that freelance film is saleable
lou then seen stealing a valuable cycle and pawning that for video equipment
included in the deal is a police radio scanner so he is set up for his new career
the final requirement - a driver - the hapless rick interviewed and appointed
lou once again demonstrating his verbal dexterity to offer an internship
i.e. no pay but the opportunity of a job offer - common place practice?
another reminder that though fictional this film is based on some truth
their first outing gets them to an accident scene and some close-ups
lou's inexperience and determination delivering up some gory footage
gladly taken on by a local tv channel and news director nina (rene russo)
she then demanding first option on all future footage and thus setting lou up
better cameras, editting equipment and a bright red ford mustang purchased
in his spare time he has soaked up motivational and business advice videos
so every spoken word in every situation seems instilled with some quote
lou robotic-like in his rote delivery and with his wide-eyed piercing eyes
no soul at all in this character - he is driven by a want/need to succeed
not much to like about this character or the world (city) he operates in
mission accomplished then - the director wants us to look on with distaste
and into the final act - 3 murders in a botched houseraid in rich white suburbia
lou and rick there first well in advance of the police - they film the hoods escape
then lou enters the house and does close-up filming of the 3 bloodied victims
my first thought - na - that wouldn't happen - second thought - yep - tv rules
nina of course laps it up and milks it on her news shows for all its worth
adhering to the often repeated tv news mantra - 'if it bleeds - it leads'
lou basks in the glory of his audaciousness but he has another angle
he follows the murderers to a restaurant, calls the police and waits
then films the shootout and gives chase to one of them escaping
being hotly pursued by police vehicles with multiple pileups
not usually a fan of car chases but this one seems...ah...real
more bloodshed as it ends - his sidekick rick gets in the way
lou dispassionately films him being shot and dying - creepy
more so as the murderer is gunned down by a volley of shots
the footage makes prime-time viewing so more plaudits for lou
seen then with a couple of vehicles and employees primed for action
me thinking - surely not a setup for a sequel or series - no thank-you
but it is hollywood after all - anything goes - as proven in this film
very clever film - brilliant acting - oscar should be knocking,,,
