Nightcrawler | Important Motifs

In this section of our Colossus Movie Guide for Nightcrawler, we look at important motifs that help us understand the film. 

Cast

• Jake Gyllenhaal – Louis “Lou” Bloom
• Rene Russo – Nina Romina
• Riz Ahmed – Rick
• Bill Paxton – Joe Loder
• Kevin Rahm – Frank Kruse
• Michael Hyatt – Detective Frontieri
• Ann Cusack – Linda
• Dan Gilroy – Writer and director

Important motifs in Nightcrawler

Surveillance

The motif of surveillance is present throughout the film, as Lou uses various forms of technology to monitor the city for crimes and accidents. In one scene, Lou installs a police scanner in his car, saying “If it bleeds, it leads,” a clear indication of his intentions to capture footage of violent events. Lou’s use of surveillance is presented as a tool to advance his career in the media industry, and the film portrays the darker implications of this practice. The most prominent example of surveillance is when Lou sets up his own surveillance equipment to capture footage of a crime scene, manipulating the situation for the benefit of his career. This scene highlights the potentially dangerous consequences of using surveillance for personal gain.

Ambition

The motif of ambition is central to the film, as Lou’s character is driven by a desire for success and a need for control. In one scene, he tells his assistant, Rick, that he doesn’t want to be a nobody anymore and that he wants to be a somebody. He is willing to do whatever it takes to achieve his goals, even if it means breaking the law or exploiting others. For example, Lou manipulates a crime scene to make it more dramatic, telling Rick, “I’ll bet you a hundred dollars, the victim is going to be white.” Lou’s ambition ultimately leads him to cross ethical and legal boundaries, which eventually leads to the tragic ending of the film.

Manipulation

Lou’s character is highly manipulative, using his charm and wit to trick others for his own gain. This is best exemplified by a moment where Lou lies to the police about being an undercover officer to gain access to a crime scene. This scene highlights the dangers of manipulation and how it can be used to further selfish interests at the expense of others.

In one scene, he tells Nina, the news director, that his footage is “like a form of screaming,” knowing that she will be drawn to the sensational nature of his work. He is willing to lie, cheat, and deceive in order to get what he wants, such as when he lies to the police about being an undercover officer to gain access to a crime scene.

Exploitation

The film also explores the motif of exploitation, as Lou’s character exploits the tragedies and misfortunes of others to advance his career in the media industry. He is willing to profit off of the suffering of others, even if it means violating ethical and legal boundaries. In one scene, he tells Rick, “I want something people can’t turn away from,” showing his willingness to exploit even the most gruesome and disturbing events for his own gain. Lou’s exploitation of human tragedy for personal gain highlights the darker aspects of the media industry and its potential to desensitize viewers to violence and suffering.

Decay

The motif of decay is present throughout the film, as Lou’s character preys on the decaying and deteriorating aspects of society to further his own goals. He is shown as a scavenger, feeding on the misfortunes of others to advance his own career. In one scene, he tells Nina that “a lot of crime is underreported,” showing his awareness of the seedy and corrupt aspects of society that he can exploit for his own gain.

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Are there more motifs you think should be part of the Colossus Movie Guide for Nightcrawler? Leave your thoughts below and we’ll consider them for the guide.