A Most Violent Year

Set in New York City during the violent winter of 1981, filmmaker J.C. Chandor's intense and richly atmospheric noir-thriller combines political intrigue with industrial corruption. Ambitious, idealistic Hispanic immigrant Abel Morales (Oscar Isaac) starts out as a fuel truck driver for a heating oil distributor. But after marrying the mob-connected boss's daughter (Jessica Chastain) and taking over the family business, he discovers that it's not easy being honest in the crime-riddled city. Following a deal to purchase a waterfront storage facility, Morales is faced with a series of brutal anonymous attacks in which his drivers are hijacked and his fuel is stolen. Egged on by his wife and a lawyer (Albert Brooks), Morales turns to desperate measures in order to protect his property, his family, and his sliver of the American Dream. Isaac evokes memories of Al Pacino's Michael Corleone in The Godfather series, while Chastain is a formidable foil, and both are supported by a solid cast that includes David Oyelowo, Eyles Gabel, Alessandro Nivola, and Jerry Adler. A gritty, savvy, and impeccably crafted tale that evokes a turbulent time, this is recommended. [Note: DVD/Blu-ray extras include audio commentary by writer-director J.C. Chandor and producers Neal Dodson and Anna Gerb, a behind-the-scenes featurette (44 min.), an interview with costars Jessica Chastain and Oscar Isaac (13 min.), deleted scenes (8 min.), the production featurettes “The Contagious Nature of Violence: The Origins” (3 min.) and “We Can Cure Violence” (2 min.), and trailers. Exclusive to the Blu-ray release is a bonus UltraViolet copy of the film. Bottom line: a fine extras package for a thought-provoking drama.] (S. Granger)