"A Most Violent Year": The Redemption of a Young Godfather

The film's title might mislead viewers into expecting many violent scenes. However, as the film unfolds, it becomes evident that violence is sparse, and the theme is anti-violence. This revelation is fully appreciated in the final moments of the film. The story advances slowly and steadily, building tension incrementally and keeping the audience on edge, awaiting a climactic release that never quite explodes. Instead, the director concludes the suspense uniquely, transforming anticipation into satisfaction.

In today's Hollywood, even during the acclaimed awards season, it's rare to find such a finely crafted story executed with classic finesse. This film's understated yet sophisticated approach may not attract mass appeal in an era obsessed with sensationalism. Still, for those who appreciate its deliberate pacing, the film's subtle charm surpasses many of its award-chasing counterparts.

A Microcosm of an Era

The film's main storyline is straightforward: the protagonist is a mid-sized business owner in New York who aims to purchase a prime piece of land to expand his enterprise. With a down payment already made, he has one month to raise the remaining $1.5 million. However, pressures from competitors and the local district attorney suddenly stripped him of his crucial financial support. Coupled with internal discord within his family and company, this capitalist, who glimpses the dawn of new opportunities, finds himself in a precarious predicament.

At first glance, this might seem like a mundane, even dull, business tale. Yet, when contextualized within the protagonist's era, industry, and personal background, it becomes richly intriguing. The opening credits indicate that the story is set in 1981, the most violent year in New York's history. As the plot unfolds, viewers gradually discover that the protagonist's industry and family background carry shades of gray, if not black. The "family business" motif is familiar to fans of classic mob films like "The Godfather" (1972).

But before viewers can revel in nostalgia, the film plays a clever trick: "A Most Violent Year" (2014) is not the fuel transport industry's version of "The Godfather." The protagonist's trials cannot be surmounted through violence like Michael Corleone's. In the intricate environment depicted, the protagonist strives to navigate his challenges legally. In this sense, "A Most Violent Year" is almost a "Godfather" film.

The subtle yet pervasive era backdrop and character setups imbue the film with a classic gangster ambiance. Yet, the protagonist's unique behavior and the industry-specific details offer a fresh perspective. This juxtaposition of familiar settings with unfamiliar actions creates a compelling contrast, provoking curiosity about how the director will unfold the drama.

For most of the film, the narrative confines itself to the protagonist's immediate circle, but his story has broader implications. 1981, labeled as the "most violent year," can also be seen as the "last chaotic year," a turning point from chaos to order. It offers the protagonist a platform to legitimize and expand his business fully. It suggests that the fuel transport industry must evolve from its gray past, mirroring the protagonist's lawful conduct.

Interestingly, while the protagonist's immigrant background evokes the familiar settings of classic gangster films like "The Godfather" and "Scarface" (1983), his unwavering determination hints at the necessity for new-era immigrants to integrate into American society through legal means, the era of forging a path through violence is no longer viable. On a larger scale, America's journey towards democracy and the rule of law has been ongoing since its founding. While the legal framework was well-established before 1981, societal attitudes needed to catch up. An actual rule-of-law society emerges only when individuals, like the protagonist in "A Most Violent Year," choose to operate within legal boundaries. In this sense, the film is a snapshot of a transformative era and an allegory.

A Familiar yet Unfamiliar American Dream

Although the film's scope is modest, it skillfully weaves a complex web of relationships, portraying a broader societal portrait of a transitional period. This intricate tapestry of characters enhances the narrative's appeal.

The central relationship between the protagonist and his wife is particularly fascinating. Initially, it seems like a dynamic of a strong woman and a weaker man, but this balance shifts over time. This change is not just a result of the protagonist's growing prominence but also reflects his inherent status in his wife's eyes. Intriguingly, this dynamic ties closely to the film's theme: the wife's family trusts the protagonist because they believe he can navigate the changing times, safeguarding and growing the family business.

While this family has its peculiarities, it also mirrors countless others in many ways, such as their arguments rooted in deep mutual understanding. These elements are compelling even outside the broader plot context. Jessica Chastain's strong presence occasionally feels overplayed, but Oscar Isaac deserves more recognition. In several scenes, his clean-cut, handsome appearance evokes Al Pacino in "The Godfather Part II" (1974). Yet, he radiates his unique brilliance in others—such as when he delivers a training speech to his sales team.

The wife's family influence is a constant shadow in the film, subtly suggesting that the "father-in-law" might emerge as a mafia-like figure to resolve everything—only for this expectation to be cleverly subverted. This playful teasing underscores the theme: Since the old ways are obsolete, let the old figures recede into the background.

The antagonists complicating the protagonist's journey are richly detailed, from the profit-driven banker to the feeble yet fierce competitor and the industry insider who covertly plots yet openly advise the protagonist. These characters each have their moments of brilliance. Particularly notable are the minor roles, like the sharp family business heiress or the driver hired by competitors, whose bridge chase scene exudes dark humor. Slightly disappointing is the abrupt and extreme fate of the young protégé, whose character arc feels somewhat disconnected.

In addressing the protégé's challenge, the protagonist articulates his life philosophy, offering a unique take on the American Dream. This perspective diverges from the familiar narrative and invites intriguing comparisons with more unconventional interpretations, such as the protagonist's sermon-like guidance in "Nightcrawler" (2014).

Classical Craftsmanship

Beyond characters and story, "A Most Violent Year" impresses with its narrative and visual style. The film's restrained approach is evident in its perspectives and pacing. Yet, as mentioned, it meticulously enriches every detail. This contrast keeps the audience engaged, as the deliberate storytelling avoids dull moments.

The film's dramatic structure and richness recall the peak works of Sidney Lumet. The dialogues and performances are finely honed without being overly conspicuous. However, when the director aims to thrill the audience, they adeptly employ audiovisual language to create tension. For instance, the two chase scenes are dynamic and in stark contrast with the film's otherwise static moments, creating an engaging shift in tone.

What captivates me most is the serene light and shadow in the static scenes. Among this award season's films, "A Most Violent Year" stands out for its stylized visuals, contrasting with the bold expressiveness of "Birdman." It uses restraint to highlight its elegance. Close attention to character positioning, overall composition, and lighting in various scenes reveals a meticulousness akin to classic Hollywood films. Some indoor scenes, such as the protagonist's industry roundtable, seem to pay deliberate homage to "The Godfather," echoing its tones, lighting, and camera movements.

While the film's temporal scope and the protagonist's "business" are considerably smaller than those in "The Godfather" series, "A Most Violent Year" maintains a broad vision and executes it with the director's skillful touch, creating a unique scale. Its return to classic beauty is sure to enchant patient cinephiles.