A Most Violent Year

what a fuckin' masterpiece, my god.

Slow and patient. It reminded me Refn's Drive.

7/10

A most violent year has a clean, sharp look to it. It is a very slow and patient film. I liked the tone of the movie; Isaac and Chastain are good together

> "You should know that I have always taken the path that is most right. The result is never in question for me."

It's a bit slow but beatifully shot and Oscar Isaac and Jessica Chastain are really good. I'd say it's not nearly violent enough to have the word in the title.

There seems to be a lot of things going on in the background, like the shady things Jessica does, Abel's relationship with his brother, the scheming of Abel's rivals and the police investigation, Julian's personal problems, and plenty others. But those all are left scattered as clues for the viewers to find out ourselves--never to be explained in the movie directly. This makes the movie difficult to follow, especially for a non-American like me who doesn't understand the context of what's happening in the 1980s America.

Cinematography is nice, scoring is fine, but all of that is not built on top of a comprehensible plot. It feels like a piece of subplots jumbled together. This makes the supposedly dramatic ending feels abruptly ended.

Tediously slow and boring. I don't get why critics liked it so much.

the false advertising makes it worse

Wow, looking back on this film.. I remember really anticipating "A Most Violent Year" (2014), as it came out right after Isaac's brilliant breakout in Coen bros, "Inside Llewyn Davis" (2013). Also "Show Me a Hero" (2105) was excellent.

It's incredible to remember Isaac and Chastain together (rewinding from 2021 vantage, we learn the duo went to prestigious drama school together; just put out a remake of Bergaman's "Scenes From a Marriage" (1973)—also terrible, the remake; and had a gorgeous impromtou love meme go viral). Oh, also David Oyelowo (who goes on to greatness) is in it.

And yet for all that raw, and early talent, the film is just so meh. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

My God this was boring from the very start. The characters are very flat and uninspiring. As for creating any atmosphere or suspense etc... none. Its like one long boring scene with no impact in any way at any point. The main character also annoyed me. Wondering around in a suit with gelled hair like a quasi gangster. Is he going to fancy dress as Al Pacino? He comes across as threatening as a warm drink.
Pointless movie.

I don't get why the positives reviews, this was boring.