The Benevolent Godfather

Only rarely do we see films like ‘A Most Violent Year,’ writer/director J.C. Chandor’s atmospheric anti-thriller that’s been drawing comparisons to Sidney Lumet and Francis Ford Coppola.  Set in New York City during 1981 in case you're wondering, ‘A Most Violent Year’ is the riveting tale of one man’s struggles to capture the elusive “American Dream” while maintaining his dignity and conscience. In certain ways, this subtle and understated gem is a counterpoint to mob flicks like ‘The Godfather,’ ‘Scarface’ and ‘Goodfellas.’

 

Oscar Isaac delivered a breakout performance filled with humility, sincerity and grace as the charismatic Abel, a Colombian immigrant who through hard work, ambition and calculated risks built a successful home heating oil business in NYC.  Unfortunately, due to his growing success, one or more of his competitors decided to play dirty and resorted to hoodlum violence and intimidation tactics, such as hijacking his fuel trucks and beating up his drivers and door-to-door salesman.  To make matters worse, his business was under scrutiny by an ambitious DA with political ambitions, all the while Abel tries to close a pivotal property deal contingent on securing a loan with his bank or lose his sizable deposit.  Can Abel manage these crises and setbacks without compromising his principles, or will he see the business empire he so lovingly and painstakingly built over the years come crashing down like a house of cards? More importantly, will he under increasing pressure be able to resist his wife Anna’s (Jessica Chastain) urgings to let her make a few phone calls to her family (she has mob ties) and make his problems go away?  These intriguing questions are central to the story.

 

AMVY is a mesmerizing slow-burner that’s gripping and suspenseful.  Endowed with a great screenplay by J.C. Chandor as well as powerhouse performances from Oscar Isaac and Jessica Chastain, it is truly a crying shame and no small travesty that this underappreciated film was snubbed by the Oscars.  I simply can't recommend it enough.

Grade: A+