I was not a fan of writer-director J.C. Chandor's last film All is Lost. Despite a good, but near silent performance from Robert Redford, the film wasn't as deep as it tried to be. But now Chandor goes back to making a movie with dialogue and a promising cast. Does he have a better movie? Sure. But it's not as good as some critics are raving.
Oscar Issac plays a fuel supplier who tries to maintain his integrity as his business is under attack by a mysterious rival. The movie plays with the idea of ambiguity. The elegant Jessica Chastain, who undoubtedly has ties to the mob, plays Issac's wife in the film. But at times the movie gives off the impression that Issac is the Michael Corleone of his own story and is more than he lets on.
While the acting is solid and by far the best part of the film, the story drags because it isn't interesting enough on the surface or in its subtext. At times, the story's plot becomes convoluted by not clarifying the roles of certain supporting characters. The internal conflicts of the main characters are revealed by arguments instead of being shown to the audience by the choices they make. The film becomes monotonous to the viewer because the script simply tells what the problem is rather than showing it.
This was a slow-burn for me to sit through, but Oscar Issac continues to make noise as an engaging young actor. A Most Violent Year is obviously contending for some Oscar buzz, but I don't think there is anything in its story line that stands out. The film was a flop despite the great talent casted such as: Issac, Chastain, and Oyelewo"¦ that's a crime.
