Quendrith Johnson

by Quendrith Johnson, Los Angeles Correspondent

What is it about Oscar Isaac? When he and Jessica Chastain kicked off AFI Fest 2014 Opening Night with A Most Violent Year, the energy between the two of them was evident.

Not because they both attended Juilliard, or because they are both born in March, or even the visible screen chemistry as a couple on film. But because if you trace both of their film choices, between the pair, you begin to see them build their credits and their onscreen imprints in a meaningful trajectory.

Chastain, already tapped by Oscar noms, has been more visible. Isaac should have been more visible, from Drive (2011) to Inside Llewyn Davis (2103) by the Coen Bros. to this Most Violent Year, the Guatemalan-born actor has displayed stunning skills.

While this may sound like a shameless wake-up call to go see A Most Violent Year, directed by J.C. Chandor (Margin Call), it is also a shameless plug to view his other films as well, especially Drive, where arguably, he was overlooked that year.

Enough about opening night, the “period piece” opener qualifies for being from the historic American Fear & Greed epoch of 1981. (Feel old anyone?) Set in New York, it capitalizes on the human powerhouse in a suit that Oscar Isaac puts forth. But no spoiler alerts here, go see it on Dec. 31, a bold release date in the final window for Oscar qualifying films.

Today, at Carmen Miranda Square and Hollywood Blvd. at the Roosevelt Hotel, AFI Fest 2014 presented by AUDI, is officially ON now. 

Inside the VIZIO Media Lounge, with the snacks and free WiFi, laptops hum to seven-plus sponsored screens of streaming distraction in the mix.

Outside, across the street, a fake Marilyn Monroe holds a sun umbrella up to avoid a fake Freddy Krueger and fake Spiderman checking out a fake Catwoman. This is normal Hollywood being Hollywood outside the former Grauman’s Chinese Theater, scene of so many historic cinema memories from the handprint/footprint gatherings to the induction of new stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Sidney Patrick Grauman, who died in March 1950 in Beverly Hills, would likely chuckle at the impersonators holding conversation between the smiles and snapshots.

While all the AFI signage is in place, the place looks legitimate, welcoming.

Tonight there is a “Young Hollywood Roundtable,” with the wild-spoken phenom Jenny Slate (Obvious Child), Jena Malone, among others. Jenny Slate is a must-see in the end of the mostly male-dominated stand-up comedy era. Screenings of the day include the mercurially reviewed Clouds of Sils Maria, with Juilette Binoche, Kristen Stewart and Chloë Grace Moretz.

Tomorrow Michael Keaton and Edward Norton talk acting at 11:00 am, then Paul Thomas Anderson holds court before his latest film Inherent Vice screens.

We will keep you covered at AFI Fest 2014 presented by AUDI, Day Two to come…

Mark up your must-watch lists for these films as they announce the release dates.

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