Review of A Most Violent Year (2014) by Tatsuhito K — 11 Feb 2015
J.C. Chandor here affirms his place among the great filmmakers working today. By eschewing easy pleasures (and easy exposition), he once again trusts in top tier actors to execute his vision.
As with both of his excellent previous films--"Margin Call" & "All Is Lost"--"A Most Violent Year" takes what appears to be a simple premise on paper and proceeds to invest it with nuance, texture, depth, and psychological insight.
Given its subtle attention to period detail (circa 1981 New York/New Jersey), one can't help but compare this film with David O. Russell's sexier, more extroverted (and thus, more accessible) "American Hustle." A fine film with fine performances, but juxtaposing it with "A Most Violent Year" does it no favors, revealing a film that is more than a little insecure. Chandor's vision is stark, elegant, efficient, and ultimately more compelling.
This review of A Most Violent Year (2014) was written by Tatsuhito K on 11 Feb 2015.
A Most Violent Year has generally received positive reviews.
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