A Most Violent Year (2014)

Directed by: J.C. Chandor
Country: USA

Movie Review: J.C. Chandor continues building an admirable reputation among modern American filmmakers/writers. After aiming at the financial industry in “Margin Call” and to enrapture us with a survival tale in “All is Lost”, he now turns his eyes into a violent New York City during the 80’s, building up a story that involves corruption and the urge of thriving at any cost among fierce competitors. Abel Morales (Oscar Isaac) immigrated to the US with the American Dream in his head. In a short time, he was able to make his oil company grow, thanks to his confidence, dedication and fearless posture. However, the city becomes more and more violent, and his trucks are easy targets for the organized thugs who beat up the drivers that oppose them. At the same time that he tries to negotiate a better protection with the same police that are leading a two-year investigation against him for fraud and tax evasion, Abel sees himself in a desperate position when the purchase of a strategic property whose location can solve his problems, becomes suddenly at stake due to the bank’s refusal to make a loan. Counting with his reliable lawyer (Albert Brooks) and particularly with his wife, Anna (Jessica Chastain), Abel will be forced to take a sinuous path that will get him to a result, which according to him ‘was never in question’. Morally challenging and with a narrative devoid of missteps, “A Most Violent Year” is more concerned about negotiating and conspiracy than presenting thrilling action. It portrays with accuracy an enigmatic man whose worst fear is to fail, well backed up by his prepotent wife who doesn’t know what the word ‘clean’ means. The tightness of the script, a mature approach and fantastic performances are good motives to watch this solid crime drama.