Genre: Drama/Thriller
Running Length: 2:05
Cast: Oscar Isaac, Jessica Chastain, David Oyelowo, Albert Brooks, Elyes Gabel
Director: J.C. Chandor
Screenplay: J.C. Chandor
Although it moves a little too slow at times to my liking, A
MOST VIOLENT YEAR is still an absorbing adult crime drama set in turbulent
1981, New York. Those expecting shootouts and car chase scenes will be sorely
disappointed as there is so very little of it. But the movie surely knows how
to lay on the tension, for the writer director J.C. Chandor is an expert in
setting up the scenes where almost every frame is soaked in real danger (just
like what he did in the underrated Margin Call). The pressure that our
protagonist faced from everyone that surrounds him feels grounded and real.
Oscar Isaac's performance here is compelling as he tries his level best to go
against the grain to ethically build a fuel based business and being the man of
the family, while everyone around him including his hardened wife (Jessica
Chaistain) is doubting his leadership. Elyes Gabel turns out a phenomenal
performance as a young driver who looks up to Oscar Isaac's character as a
model to the American Dream. And I must say the art direction of this film is
first rate too. Although it didn't moved me emotionally, A Most Violent Year is
a smartly written and executed film with a strong focus on character and storytelling.
(Trivia: Jessica Chastain, David Oyelowo and Elyes Gabel starred in
Interstellar)
Rating: 7.5/10
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