by Krista Madden
A Most Violent Year is a gripping crime drama set in New York City during the winter of 1981, statistically the most dangerous year in the city’s history. The City was just coming out of the fuel crisis of the 1970’s, crime rates were soaring and it was rife with political corruption. Oscar Isaac plays Abel Morales, a man who against all the odds is determined to build a legitimate business in a very corrupt industry, surrounded by crooks and Mafia. His angst and struggle is what makes this such a great film.
From acclaimed writer/director J.C. Chandor, and starring Oscar Isaac and Jessica Chastain. Chandor brings us to thresholds of danger and moral murkiness through the story of Abel Morales, an immigrant reaching for the American Dream in a city fraught with violence, corruption and decay. His third film examines one immigrant’s determined climb up a morally crooked ladder, where simmering rivalries and unprovoked attacks threaten his business, family, and above all his own unwavering belief in the righteousness of his path. I loved Isaac’s line in the film where he says, he knew where he was going but he had to take the ‘path that was most right’ to get there.
Oscar Isaac gives a brilliant performance, not unlike Robert De Niro in Goodfellas, but without the violent temper. He might not want to be a gangster but he definitely looked as sharp as one, out running in his Dior tracksuit. One of the reasons he took the role is, he ‘liked how it took place over the course of a month during a unique and unusual time in New York City history. And it didn’t hurt that I live in Brooklyn myself — I already had the city in my bones.’ Jessica Chastain is always great to watch on screen, fully immersing herself in any character. She plays a gangster’s daughter working for her husband (Isaac) with her Brooklyn roots firmly engrained in her polished hair, make-up and clothes. I saw a Scarface-style Michelle Pfeiffer in her. I really enjoyed the slow but gripping pace of this film, you absolutely rooted for Abel all the way, the empathy builds and the characters are really well played. I love a Scorsese gangster film, and despite not really being one, it ticked all those boxes for me and I’d definitely recommend this one for your Jan film list.
Also starring David Oyelowo, Alessandro Nivola and Albert Brooks, A Most Violent Year is out on DVD, pick up a copy here.
Watch the trailer for A Most Violent Year below.
A Most Violent Year.