One of the newest films on this list, and more than worthy of being labeled as a classic. Nightcrawler examines a malevolent sociopath and how he interacts with society, or more importantly how society can allow a person with such a corrupt drive to succeed and benefit from our pathetic fixations. Lou Bloom is terrifying, not because he is insane, but because he reflects the insanity of our society at large, and the film is tailored to exploiting that horrific fact.
15. Network (1976)
Ironic to have this alongside Nightcrawler, considering how frequently the two were compared after Nightcrawler's release. However, it is a somewhat justified comparison. Both films revel in or society's depravity and our barely masked sadism over the suffering of others. Network is more direct than Nightcrawler however, and therefore tackles the issue with more complexity. The satire upon our society feels more like an argument than a statement, and therefore more can be taken from it. Insanity is also within the main character themselves, however in this case (much like Harry Caul) we feel sympathetic towards this protagonist and are intrigued to learn more about how their mind works. An acclaimed and bitter satire on our own insanity for a reason.
14. The Babadook (2014)
One of the best horror films in recent memory, and one of the most unnerving films I have ever seen. This is due to how it gets in the mind of it's main character and effortlessly allows you to understand the shaky psych of this character. One of the greatest character studies I have ever seen, and one of the most horrifyingly maddening on this list. By the film's end, I was begging for a reprieve from the claustrophobic nightmare and was haunted by the low-key ending. This film will disturb, and is on this list precisely for it's maddening effect upon the hapless viewer.
By Jack D. Phillips
A Zoom Film List
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