A Most Violent Year Review
RYAN: Is this the dream team or what? I was psyched to see these two costar in a movie, and that’s even before learning they’re friends in real life. They met at school at Juilliard and have been close every since. Jessica hit before Oscar did and she rallied to get him in this movie and it turned out so well. I mean, he’s just one of the best young actors today – so is she. Together, their chemistry is perceivable. I, like, want them to get married in real life!
CAROLINE: Ok, settle down, honey. But I see what you mean. They really compliment one another quite well.
RYAN: They’re both gorgeous. Their characters are so well defined. He’s the good guy with strong morals, stuck in big, bad business in 1981- the most violent year in New York City history. His company falls victim to some of it but you don’t really see it. The movie is a bit misleading with the title. It’s not that violent.
CAROLINE: How queer. I’d expect this to be a very shoot-em-up-style movie.
RYAN: Me too. Alas it is not. And that’s fine, once you manage your expectations. It’s a very strong gangster crime drama. Jess’s character is the daughter of a doozey Kingpin. And you see she has all that strength, power, and connection just under the surface, ready to boil up or pounce at any second. She’s the real tough guy here. That’s why she’s garnered the awards buzz; she was nominated for the Golden Globe and Critics’ Choice Movie Awards in the supporting category. She’s outstanding in this. So is he, but the actor category for 2014 films was already over saturated.
CAROLINE: Completely! How’s the 80s period in this film?
RYAN: So much fun. It’s not too over the top. It’s a bit subtle but all of the production design – the hair, makeup costuming… all very appropriate and throw back. And the music really takes you back there too. It’s well done, The tone reminded me of something Coppola or Scorsese would do. And it’s as if it could all be a sequel, on a different plane, mind you, to American Hustle.
CAROLINE: That is wild!
RYAN: It’s a totally different story with different characters, but it’s just as good with a similar theme and tone is what I mean.
CAROLINE: I hear ya.
RYAN: It really put me on edge. Even though it’s not violent, it is suspenseful and I was waiting from something horribly violent to occur. I even felt uncomfortable a few times, in a good way, like how you do in a good thriller. The stakes in this story or very high – the money and the consequences are huge. And you don’t normally get to see a good guy character lead this type of gangster film so it’s refreshing that way.
CAROLINE: Yeah you usually see them all just break and kill each other.
RYAN: Exactly. This movie really backs him into a corner and then you see just what that breaking point may or may not make him do. It’s a true test of character for them. It’s like the evolution of a gangster, or maybe what would make someone “go there.” I’m not saying it does, it’s just a theme that’s within the film.
CAROLINE: I really want to see this.
RYAN: It’s a fresh take on the genre. It’s not cliche or stale or typical. It is a bit of slow burn and just don’t expect to see a ton of violence. But the script, style, performances and substance are all there.
