‘A Most Violent Year,’ ‘The Immigrant’ Arrive on Home Video

Forrest Hartman

 

After several busy weeks, we’re seeing a home-video lull. Movie lovers need not despair, however. The tiny field of newcomers means an underappreciated 2014 drama can step into the spotlight.   

 

 

A Most Violent Year

3½ stars (out of four)
Rated R for language and some violence
Lionsgate
Available on: Blu-ray, DVD, digital download and on demand

 

Writer-director J.C. Chandor established himself as a talent to watch with “Margin Call” (2011) and “All Is Lost” (2013), and he continues his string of memorable features with a fascinating meditation on ambition, violence and greed.

 

Set in 1981 New York, “A Most Violent Year” tells the story of a hard-working businessman determined to grow his heating-oil company despite intense competition and a crime spree highlighted by the hijacking of several of his trucks. Chandor paints Abel Morales (Oscar Isaac) as a decent man struggling to do the right thing in an industry overrun by corruption. This is demonstrated by the fact that Abel’s company – and the industry in general – is under investigation by a New York City assistant district attorney (David Oyelowo).

 

Tension escalates when hijackers brutally beat one of Abel’s drivers (Elyes Gabel), leaving him broken and bleeding in the middle of a busy road. Abel’s wife, Anna (Jessica Chastain), and union representatives ask him to arm his employees, but Abel knows this could result in escalating violence and an increasingly aggressive legal investigation into the oil industry. He also fears that publicity surrounding the hijackings will undermine his ability to obtain financing for a crucial business acquisition.

 

Although “A Most Violent Year” is centered on the oil industry, the themes are universal and timeless. Chandor could have explored the same territory if Abel were a contemporary Wall Street banker, a real estate mogul or a construction company chief, but the chosen setup instills the project with a unique sense of historical significance. It also reinforces the fact that times change, but issues rarely do.  

 

Abel is a man in a difficult position. He wants to act righteously but is surrounded by evil and temptation. Anna, the daughter of a small-time mobster, cares little for the law and has no stomach for weakness. Abel’s competitors are ruthless and corrupt, making it difficult for a straight shooter to win. And Abel’s lawyer (Albert Brooks) is more concerned about defensible actions than right or wrong. In this environment, Abel must choose whether to act righteously or succumb to the economic and emotional pressures that are slowly crushing him.

 

Chandor’s film has the look of a dark, gritty neo-noir. Visually, it recalls great films from the late 1970s and early ’80s. Think particularly of the work of Sidney Lumet and Martin Scorsese.

 

The film is also a brilliant showcase for the cast. Isaac is a wonderful actor who draws viewers into Abel’s struggle, and Chastain is a versatile actress who makes Anna the ideal foil. “A Most Violent Year” also features strong performers in supporting roles. Brooks is terrific as Abel’s attorney, Oyelowo gives a nuanced performance as an ambitious prosecutor and Gabel makes the most of his small-but-crucial part.    

 

“A Most Violent Year” is particularly special because it’s a noir with a sense of optimism. Although Abel is surrounded by darkness, viewers always have the sense that good may prevail, and Chandor’s excellent portrayal of the man’s struggle is almost as important as the outcome.

 

Blu-ray and DVD extras include deleted scenes, outtakes, several behind-the-scenes featurettes and an audio commentary featuring Chandor and producers Neal Dodson and Anna Gerb. 

 


 

ALSO OUT THIS WEEK

 

“The Immigrant”: Drama about a poor Polish woman (Marion Cotillard) who is forced into a life of prostitution after coming to the U.S. in the early 1920s. Joaquin Phoenix and Jeremy Renner also star. Co-written and directed by James Gray.

 

“Home Sweet Hell”: Dramedy starring Katherine Heigl as a woman who will do anything (even commit murder) to perpetuate the idea that she has a perfect family. Patrick Wilson and Jordana Brewster also star. Directed by Anthony Burns.  

 

“The Jinx – The Life and Deaths of Robert Durst”: This HBO miniseries became a sensation after Durst was arrested on murder charges just before the finale aired. Anyone who missed the program on HBO can now purchase a digital copy from iTunes, Google Play, Amazon and other digital outlets. This is particularly noteworthy because a DVD and Blu-ray release won’t be available until July 7.   

 

Author Bio:

 

Forrest Hartman, a contributing writer at Highbrow Magazine, is an independent film critic whose byline has appeared in some of the nation's largest publications. For more of his work visit www.ForrestHartman.com

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