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:

american dream | new york city | 1980s | year 1981 | oil | 

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Taglines:

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

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Genres:

Crime | Drama | Thriller

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for language and some violence

Details

Official Sites:

Official site Official site [Japan]

Country:

United Arab Emirates USA

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:

$188,000, 2 January 2015, Limited Release

Gross USA:

$5,749,134, 26 April 2015

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

Did You Know?

Trivia

Thematically, much of the film is derived from the philosophical theory "Deontology" by Emmanuel Kant. Kant's theory states that we should not make moral choices based on a possible "outcome", but instead should make choices based on what is "most right".

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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

America For Me
Written & Performed by Alex Ebert
Featuring Tenor Saxophone by Rex Gregory
Produced by Alex Ebert
Engineered & Mixed by Alex Ebert
Courtesy of Community Music & Caravan Touchdown (ASCAP)
Administered by BMG Chrysalis

User Reviews

A Most Violent Year - Good but no cigar !!

First of all let me just say, if IMDb allowed 0.5 votes, this would probably get a 6.5 from me. Where to begin with this one ? Well it's shot well, the cast nail the parts, but from start to finish you are waiting for the film to come to life, and unfortunately it just never does.

Some people will appreciate this film much more than others, but for me it was average at best. The main reason we all watch films and television, is to be entertained, and unfortunately with A Most Violent Year, it feels like we have been left wanting.

You never really get to appreciate 1980s New York, a couple of panoramic skylines don't really cut it. With a bit more substance to the story, better visuals & some period music, this film could & should have been much better.

Sausage1