J.C. Chandor's "A Most Violent Year" (A Most Different Kind of Film)

I will do my best to describe the experience of J.C. Chandor's masterful genre-cracking film without giving away this viewers anticipatory tension which the director so perfectly constructed into this morality tale.
This is first and foremost a film about "Standards."
The lead character Abel played by Oscar Issac owns a scrappy on the rise Heating Oil Company by the  name of "Standard."

Abel's Standard Oil Company

Throughout the narrative Abel states and restates his life philosophy of dealing realistically with life and always moving forward. A perfect encapsulation of the American dream coupled with this Nations "Puritan Work ethic."
Abel dresses as an early 1980's Gangster. Near at hand is his loyal consigliere Andrew Walsh played by the impressively growing Albert Brooks.
His wife and partner in aspiration Anna is played like a dangerous bird by Jessica Chastain who delivers a character richly steeped in both Noir Femme Fatale and Mob wife built on top of a person who is in complete control of the "Numbers."

Anna knows her "Numbers."

I came to this film expecting a genre Gangster film and instead had a whole different kind of experience. I suggest that you allow yourself to watch this without overloading yourself with facts on it.

A moment of decision.

You will be glad you did.
J.C. Nice job. I think you followed the path that was "most right" on this one.
Later,
Paul Parducci