A Most Violent Year-2014

Director J.C. Chandor

Starring Oscar Isaac

Scott’s Review #239

Reviewed May 1, 2015

Grade: B

Set in New York City during a brutally violent 1981, and influenced, at least in part, by The Godfather (1972), A Most Violent Year (2014) shares a similar tone and feel with The Sopranos (1999-2007).

A Most Violent Year attempts to weave a tale of a “good guy” mixed up with the mafia, trying to stay upstanding amid the adversity and corruption he encounters.

Oscar Isaac and Jessica Chastain portray Abel and Anna Morales, who own Standard Oil, an upstart business they are trying to launch.

Due to the violent nature of the times, several trucks are hijacked, resulting in robberies and severe beatings.

In desperate need of funds to expand their business and stay ahead of competitors, Abel and Anna are forced to take out loans, leading them into a world where crime and violence run rampant.

The Assistant District Attorney investigates them for apparent price-fixing and tax evasion.

The main theme is the conflict and guilt that Abel feels towards violence and the constant temptation to join the ranks of the crime world to protect his business ventures.

Abel faces pressure from Anna, who has mob ties (her father is an influential mafia boss known around town) and wants to fight fire with fire. Abel refuses and is determined to lead a straight and narrow life.

When circumstances spin out of control, his morals come into question.

A Most Violent Year is an interesting film, but I think I expected a bit more than I got.

For starters, it is not in the same league as the mafia works of art. It is hard to put my finger on what’s missing, but something is missing from the film, leaving it without a compelling edge.

The plot moves slowly, but the film succeeds as the character study it is; still, I left wanting more depth in the characters and a broader vision for the film.

I didn’t find myself truly invested in either Abel or Anna.

Chastain received praise for her performance, which I found adequate, but hardly a marvel. Nominated for several awards, but deemed “snubbed” for not receiving an Oscar nomination, I find this untrue.

Her performance is not brilliant, and Oscar Isaac’s is superior.

This isn’t to say I didn’t enjoy the film overall. It takes some risks, has a rich character complexity, is shot very well, and looks great. It has a smooth look, and I completely bought the 1981 time period, rather than feeling like it was dressed up for the era.

There is an authenticity to it.

A mob film not on the level of The Godfather or Goodfellas (1990), A Most Violent Year is a decent contribution to the crime-thriller era. It just doesn’t live up to the critical acclaim it received.

Independent Spirit Award Nominations: Best Supporting Female-Jessica Chastain, Best Screenplay, Best Editing