Nightcrawler | Title Explanation

In this segment of our Colossus Movie Guide for Nightcrawler, we delve into the significance of the film’s title.

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

Why is the movie called Nightcrawler?

The title Nightcrawler refers to the idea of being a “crawling” or low-level individual who is willing to do whatever it takes to succeed. Lou’s character embodies this idea, as he is willing to break the law and exploit others to achieve his goals. The title is a nod to the darker aspects of ambition and the potential consequences of pursuing success at any cost.

In an interview with Collider, director Dan Gilroy spoke about the inspiration behind the title of the film, stating, “I think the title was a metaphor for Lou. It’s the one creature that feeds on the dead and thrives in the dark, and is actually part of the cleanup crew of the ecosystem. That’s Lou. He’s there when things die, he’s there when things are decaying, he’s there to feed on them and then to use them to make his own existence better.”

“Nightcrawlers” are a very real community, especially in the Los Angeles area (where the movie takes place). Gilroy discussed in this interview with ScreenSlam, a nightcrawler is someone who roams the cityscape at night with a police scanner. They drive at high speeds to capture footage of criminal activity. Specifically, according to Gilroy’s interview with The New Yorker, the character Lou is based on a popular photographer named Weegee, who captured jarring late-night incidents in New York in the 1930s and 40s.

The title of the movie may also refer to the nocturnal insect that feeds on decaying matter. This metaphor serves to underscore the film’s central themes of decay, corruption, and exploitation. Lou’s character, the “nightcrawler” of the film, is a manipulative and ruthless individual who preys on the tragedies and misfortunes of others to advance his career in the media industry.

Share Your Opinions

Do you have additional insights regarding the title that you believe should be incorporated into the Colossus Movie Guide for Nightcrawler? Leave your comments below, and we may include your suggestions in our comprehensive guide.