Monday 9 February 2015

Film: 'A Most Violent Year'

Good crime drama - quite original in plot, always interesting, several times pulse-quickening, all dominated by the pivotal role of Oscar Isaac, who moves on the screen with effortless authority, despite his manifesting of recurring vulnerability and puzzlement (and sporting a camel-hair overcoat to die for!). He's extremely ably assisted by Jessica Chastain as his independent-minded, self-willed, but generally supportive, wife (the fragility of their relationship keeps surfacing). Also by British actor David Oyelowo (currently appearing as Martin Luther King in 'Selma') as senior police officer in several scenes, more interested in nabbing tax dodgers than investigating violent crime. Unfortunately, Oyelowo doesn't have a great range of varied notes to play in this particular role. Additionally, in just a few minutes of screen-time, is the eye-catching Alessandro Nivola. 

It's New York, 1981 when Isaac's oil company finds that his road tankers are being mysteriously hijacked, later being found emptied of their loads. His losses accumulate to considerable proportions till there's a threat that if he doesn't find money to tide him over his business will have to fold. He has no idea who is doing this to him, there being any number of suspects, all parading as being his friends. To add to his worries, the police suspect his past transactions have fallen foul of tax declaration probity.
A number of chases ensue, a few shocks, some bloody violence, but the film never loses its thread. There is one glaringly unlikely revelation towards the final section but the pitch by then was so tensed up that I was able not to dwell on it.

The film's title refers not to the particular situations as presented here but to the year of 1981 being a particularly crime-violent one in New York generally.

Director and writer J.C.Chandor ('Margin Call' 2011) keeps it all buzzing along effectively.

I enjoyed it.......................7.5.

6 comments:

  1. I really want to see this one and not just because I have a wee crush on Mr. Isaac!

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    1. I only became aware of him last year, Bob, as the handsomely-bearded, cat-carrying, lead character in the well-above-average 'Inside Llewyn Davis'. Even clean shaven, as I've only seen him since, he still has appealing looks. In this film his luxurious hair on top has a touch of grey in it. I suppose that could be the make-up for the part or it may be natural. Either way, I find it slightly alarming to think of him as growing old.

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  2. I went to see this because Nivola was in it and I wanted to continue the high I was on from "Elephant Man." Was not disappointed. I may be off base, but I viewed the film as a character study.

    Btw, I was so pleasantly surprised by Elyes Gabel. I saw him in the TV series, "Scorpion" but he never registered with me. In this film, he certainly did.

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    1. I've just had to google 'Elyes Gabel', Paul - and, oh, he was THAT one! I have to side with you in thinking that he, like Nivola (who had too little time in this film) is quite an eye-catcher.

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  3. Ray,
    Another crime thriller that you have positively reviewed that I will add to my Netflix queue. I'm beginning to depend on you for good movies. Thanks!
    Ron

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    1. Its originality of plot is just one of the things going for it, Ron. I hope it fulfils the expectations I'm giving you - and it ought to do exactly that.

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