Writer/Director J.C. Chandor’s A Most Violent Year is an
interesting depiction of a man’s attempt to be as honorable as possible while
involved in a business that is full of graft, violence and corruption.
Oscar Isaac, whose talent, in my estimation, was wasted
in the disastrous Inside Llewyn Davis, sounds and looks like a young Al Pacino as
his character Abel Morales tries to pull off his dream deal while keeping his
oil delivery business afloat. The dramatic
problem is that he doesn’t act like Al in The Godfather, but more like George
Bailey in It’s A Wonderful Life.
Okay, I’m exaggerating, but the film moves along at such
a glacial pace I was hoping he would show his inner-Corleone.
Fortunately, for Abel and us, his wife (Jessica Chastain)
has not forgotten her Brooklyn criminal family roots and is able to keep life
in this slow-moving drama with her depiction of a smarter version of Jennifer
Lawrence’s character in American Hustle.
Supposedly, Ms. Chastain will be up for awards for this
portrayal. However, while it is
thoroughly enjoyable and unique from Ms. Lawrence’s, I think she deserved, at
least, a co-Best Actress award for her portrayal in The Disappearance of Eleanor Rigby
instead of her work here, as admirable as it is.
As for A Most Violent Year, I give it a 3+
out of 5.
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