About A Most Violent Year (HBO)

"A Most Violent Year" is a 2015 American crime drama film written and directed by J.C. Chandor. The plot is set in New York City during the winter of 1981, statistically one of the city’s most violent years. The story follows the lives of an immigrant and his family trying to expand their business and capitalize on opportunities as rampant violence, decay, and corruption threaten their livelihood.

Making / Production

The movie is written and directed by J.C. Chandor. Jessica Chastain, Oscar Isaac, Albert Brooks, and David Oyelowo played key roles in the film. Cinematography was handled by Bradford Young, and the film was edited by Ron Patane.

Actors

• Oscar Isaac: He portrayed Abel Morales, an ambitious immigrant businessman who goes to great lengths to protect his business and family. Isaac played the character with a subtle intensity that evokes empathy and understanding.
• Jessica Chastain: Playing as Anna Morales, the steely wife of Abel, Chastain portrays a strong woman who isn't afraid to get her hands dirty for the protection of her family's business and interests.
• Albert Brooks: He played Andrew Walsh, Abel's lawyer and business advisor. Brooks lends a level of gravitas to the character.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• The film was initially supposed to star Javier Bardem, but he pulled out due to creative differences.
• The setting of 1981 was chosen as it was statistically one of New York's most violent years.

Awards

Oscar Isaac won the National Board of Review Award for Best Actor for his performance in the film. The film itself was named the Best Film of 2014 by the National Board of Review.

Quotes

• "When it feels scary to jump, that is exactly when you jump, otherwise you end up staying in the same place your whole life" - Abel Morales.
• "You should know that I have always taken the path that is most right. The result is never in question for me. Just what path do you take to get there"- Abel Morales.

Music, Soundtrack

• The film's atmospheric score was composed by Alex Ebert, who received a Golden Globe nomination for his work.
• The film does not feature any popular music songs, instead it heavily relies on the haunting and intense score to underline the narrative.