There aren’t many cinematic tropes that have stood the test of time as much as that of the American Dream. Specifically, the way in which films depict a character(s) chasing the elusive concept of unspoiled riches has being told across generations, whether it’s The Great Gatsby or within more modern movies such as The Wolf of Wall Street. More often than not, though, that pursuit is often derailed by crime, corruption and greed, as is the case in J.C. Chandor’s upcoming drama, A Most Violent Year.
Starring Jessica Chastain and Oscar Isaac, the film is quickly becoming one of the hottest contenders in this year’s Awards race after it debuted during LA’s AFI festival, and we now have the very first clip to sate our collective appetite. Telling the tale of the aforementioned couple living in the Big Apple circa 1981, A Most Violent Year sees the character of Anna (Chastain) strive to shelter their family and business amid the decay and crime that is crippling the central city of New York.
Joining the talented duo for A Most Violent Year are Albert Brooks and David Oyelowo, with the latter bearing the brunt of Chastain’s passive aggressive rant in the above clip.
Jessica Chastain and Oscar Isaac will persevere with A Most Violent Year when J.C. Chandor’s drama opens in select theaters on December 31st, before expanding to a wide release in January, 2015.
Set during the winter of 1981 — statistically one of the most crime-ridden of New York City’s history — A MOST VIOLENT YEAR is a drama following the lives of an immigrant and his family as they attempt to capitalize on the American Dream, while the rampant violence, decay, and corruption of the day drag them in and threaten to destroy all they have built.
