Oscar
Isaac is a shrewd businessman trying to expand his oil operation in New York in
1981. Facing pressure from the
competition, he buckles down and braces himself for legal threats, violence
against his drivers, and possible attempts on his life. Together with his wife (Jessica Chastain) and
lawyer (Albert Brooks), they prepare themselves for the worst while trying to
flush out the mastermind plotting his potential downfall.
A
Most Violent Year is a somber and consistently engrossing mood piece. Director J.C. (All is Lost) Chandor sets the
stove to simmer and keeps the tension brewing throughout. Maybe he keeps the simmering going for a bit
too long. Some would argue it’s a more
difficult task for a director to simmer constantly than going straight to boil. That’s true to a degree, but the film might’ve
done with a few more fireworks.
Isaac
has a brooding Pacino-like intensity. He’s
playing a man of principle who is very set in his ways and has a deliberate way
of doing things. Forces beyond his
control keep pushing him, but he will not yield. If you’re a fan of Isaac, you really owe it
to yourself to check it out. The same
goes for Chastain. She is excellent as
his tough as nails wife. Brooks is just
as great here as he was in Drive, which makes me hopeful he’ll continue to take
on these atypical dramatic roles in the future. David (Jack Reacher) Oyelowo also has some
fine moments as the hard-nosed D.A. itching to close Isaac down.
A
Most Violent Year is the kind of movie Sidney Lumet used to make. It’s a multi-layered, wonderfully acted meditation
about corruption, violence, and honor.
It may go on a bit too long, but the crisp writing, elegant
cinematography, and stellar performances ensure you’ll be along for the ride
every step of the way.
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