A Most Violent Year, 2014.
Directed by JC Chandor.
Starring Oscar Isaac, Jessica Chastain, David Oyelowo, Albert Brooks and Elyes Gabel.
SYNOPSIS:
In New York City 1981, an ambitious immigrant fights to protect his business and family during the most dangerous year in the city’s history.
Opening with an explosive piece of violence, JC Chandor’s newest film is a wonderfully acted slow burning thriller. Following a year in the life of couple Abel and Anna, the film charts the struggles of their business, the corruption of oil, and the growing gun violence in New York during 1981.
The use of oil to signify corruption is at the forefront of this film and in a way it makes the film timeless in its relevance. Taking the lead is Oscar Isaac who is seemingly in every Blockbuster and independent film going – and rightly so. He brings a searing intensity to his role and you’re never quite sure what he’s thinking and how he will react. He is portrayed as a “good man” but Chandor’s screenplay is written so that the moral lines are blurred. With a soft voice and a stare to frighten Vito Corleone, Abel is a self-made man on the edge. A man who wants to avoid the bubbling violence in the City but finds himself on the edge. Isaac’s performance is one that will be remembered for years to come – even if the film’s plot and pacing may make it forgettable.
A Most Violent Year is beautifully shot and well-acted, but this can’t change the fact that its plot is paper light and the film never really goes anywhere. Having said this, there are moments of brilliance throughout that make this more than your average thriller. Chandor has created each short with purpose and the small explosions of violence that emerge throughout the film make you sit up and pay attention once again. A scene with Abel chasing one of his stolen trucks through the backstreets of New York leads to a violent confrontation that feels almost unexpected in a film that has plodded along in terms of story.
All the visual elements of the film are perfect, from the risk and fall of the score with each bout of violence to the meticulous recreation of the 1980s with costumes and news reports of violence echoing throughout. Jessica Chastain does her best with the material given to her but we never get under the skin of her character. True she puts on her best Brooklyn accent and holds the attention of the audience as soon as she comes onto screen, but ultimately she is an enigma. It seems that this is Abel’s story and the rest of the characters merely revolve around him. Albert Brooks and David Oyelowo’s characters aren’t explored and you’re left feeling like you’ve missed something.
A Most Violent Year is a film worth watching for its brilliant performances and it is quite possibly one of the best shot films I’ve seen in years. However, if you’re looking for a pacey thriller with a crescendo of grandeur, then this isn’t the film for you.
Flickering Myth Rating – Film: ★ ★ ★ ★ / Movie: ★ ★ ★ ★
Helen Murdoch is a freelance writer – Follow me on Twitter
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qqtW2LRPtQY&x-yt-cl=85114404&x-yt-ts=1422579428&list=PL18yMRIfoszFJHnpNzqHh6gswQ0Srpi5E&feature=player_embedded
Originally published January 31, 2015. Updated April 13, 2018.
