A Most Violent Year (2014)

In New York City 1981, an ambitious immigrant fights to protect his business and family during the most dangerous year in the city's history.

Director:

J.C. Chandor

Writer:

J.C. Chandor

Stars:

Oscar Isaac, Jessica Chastain, David Oyelowo

Nominated for 1 Golden Globe. Another 15 wins & 50 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Oscar Isaac	...	Abel Morales
Elyes Gabel	...	Julian
Jessica Chastain	...	Anna Morales
Lorna Pruce	...	Toll Booth Attendant
Christopher Abbott	...	Louis Servidio
Matthew Maher	...	John Dominczyk
Albert Brooks	...	Andrew Walsh
Jerry Adler	...	Joseph Mendelsohn
Quinn Meyers	...	Moishe Mendelsohn
Chester Jones III	...	Beat Cop (as Chester Jones)
David Oyelowo	...	D.A. Lawrence
Ashley Williams	...	Deputy Lange
Glenn Fleshler	...	Arnold Kline
Jimmy Palumbo	...	Barber Jimmy O.
Daisy Tahan	...	Annie Morales

Storyline

A crime drama set in New York City during the winter of 1981, statistically one of the most violent years in the city's history, and centered on the lives of an immigrant and his family trying to expand their business and capitalize on opportunities as the rampant violence, decay, and corruption of the day drag them in and threaten to destroy all they have built.

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Plot Keywords:

new york city | american dream | oil | year 1981 | immigrant | 

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Taglines:

The result is never in question, just the path you take to get there.

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Genres:

Action | Crime | Drama | Thriller

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for language and some violence

Did You Know?

Trivia

Oscar Isaac's oil company in the movie is called Standard Heating Oil Co. In Drive (2011), Oscar Isaac's character was called Standard Gabriel. The name of the company can be seen in a scene where Isaac is stood atop one of his trucks, with Standard emblazoned in huge writing beneath him.

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Goofs

The movie takes place in 1981, but the Twin Towers are missing from the New York City skyline, even though they were part of the skyline from 1968 to 2001.

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Quotes

Julian: What is that supposed to mean?
Abel Morales: I know what you wanted, I know. But you have to forget that now.
Julian: You gave me a good chance, you gave me a good chance, correct?
Abel Morales: Yes
Julian: You gave me a better chance than i deserved, right?
Abel Morales: No. You looking backwards. Look forward. its the only thing you can control. Julian?
Julian: Please, take care of my family.

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Connections

Referenced in The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon: Helen Mirren/Oscar Isaac/Wale (2015)

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Soundtracks

Inner City Blues (Make Me Wanna Holler)
Written by Marvin Gaye and James Nyx
Performed by Marvin Gaye
Courtesy of Motown Records
Under License from Universal Music Enterprises

User Reviews

Atmospheric dark drama

Having seen it a few days ago, the more I think of "A Most Violent Year", the more I like it.

This is not a spoiler, but a friendly tip: don't expect a lot of what the title implies, because the movie does not focus on violence.

While there are tense and violent moments, the movie's strenght lies in the performances and the interactions between characters.

Oscar Isaac plays Abel, a businessman who is trying to make a clean living while being more and more pressured by an unknown threat. The competition plays dirty while he wants to stay an honest man.

Abel's moral struggle is what the narrative revolves around. Jessica Chastain play Anna, Abel's wife and business partner. She is equally as powerful, assertive and dominant as he is, if not more so.

The director did a wonderful job at creating a tense, sad and dramatic mood throughout. The cinematography is wonderful, the subtle moody soundtrack plays a big part in creating a feeling of impending doom throughout the entire movie, and I am very impressed by the recreation of a 1981 New York. It's very immersive.

While nothing mainstream audiences will drool over, I find "A Most Violent Year" an excellent drama. If you like this movie, you should give "The Two Faces Of January" a chance as well. Not only you would notice what a chameleon Oscar Isaac is, but you might enjoy the classic mood and character-driven vibe of that film as well.

Details

Official Sites:

Official site Official site [Japan]

Country:

USA United Arab Emirates

Language:

English Spanish

Release Date:

30 January 2015 (USA)

Also Known As:

Jc3

Filming Locations:

New York City, New York, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$20,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend USA:

$172,788, 4 January 2015

Gross USA:

$5,749,134

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$12,007,070

Company Credits

Production Co:

Before The Door Pictures, Washington Square Films, FilmNation Entertainment

Technical Specs

Runtime:

125 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1