Movies: A Most Violent Year

(Drivebycuriosity) - 1981 was a difficult time for New York City.  Crime ruled the streets and oil prices peaked, paralyzing her economy. No wonder that oil trucks get hijacked in bright daylight. The movie "The Most Violent Year" is set in this milieu (imdb). The film tells the story of Abel, an ambitious entrepreneur, who has big plans as local oil seller, & Anna, his equally ambitious wife and business partner.

Director J.C. Chandor, who also wrote the script, delivered a fascinating portray of a fast social climber and self-made man, who is surrounded by a viscous environment: Abel & Anna have to struggle not only with more or less criminal competitors, they also have to deal with a powerful trucker union and a nosy district attorney, who his politically highly ambitious. This leads to a chain of events which are fascinating to watch (this is a spoiler free blog). I really cared how Abel & Anna fared.

The movie gets most of its strength from the compelling acting. Oscar Isaac impressed as Abel. The actor radiates the aplomb and self-confidence someone needed in this times to survive. Jessica Chastain performed convincingly as his congenial partner.

"The Most Violent Year" is an underrated gem of cinema.