Wizard of Lies (2017)

There are two cool scenes of note in the latest HBO movie. The first is a dream sequence, or rather a nightmare sequence. It features some really slick editing, cutting in faces of Madoff's many victims. The other is a drumming sequence--drums remind me of Whiplash or Birdman. Drums give you a sense of urgency, of continuity, of panic, and of style. Madoff is at a dinner party, panicking as his clients are asking to pull their money out of the fund. In another instance of cool editing, the drums drive the action in this scene, not the dialogue. Robert De Niro and Michelle Pfeiffer are both quite good. The acting keeps the movie afloat during some admittedly boring scenes.

A Most Violent Year (2014)

JC Chandor creates a gritty 1981 New York City, with a brooding atmosphere of crime and violence.  Alex Ebert's score with a very prominent flute darkly colors each scene contributing immensely to this effect.  Oscar Isaac and Jessica Chastain act with an intensity to match the period.  Isaac plays a businessman whose business is under attack, putting a big contract at risk.  He must protect his business and his family, though Chastain, as his wife, holds her own.  The real genius of this movie is Chandor's screenplay.  The only way to describe it is a slow burn.  The story trudges along slowly, but it is never boring.  Every scene is quite deliberate and intriguing.  The pace only enhances the suspense and intensity.