more poetic, what A History Of Violence gives you are images you nowadays see in blockbusters. It was this that surprised knowing it's a film made by David Cronenberg whom you expect to make little films without the blockbuster look. How weird this choice at first may seem it does fit the film, which is based on a graphic novel and at the end feels to have some similarities with Quentin Tarantino's Kill Bill. So far having only seen ExistenZ, a great film which really challenges you and keeps putting you off track the moment you think you have it all figured out, A History Of Violence was to be expected to provide the same. Also knowing Cronenberg's interest in media and knowing a few things about his film Videodrome, A History Of Violence seems a departure from this all. Telling the story of Tom Stall who is mistaken for being someone else and who is played by actor Viggo Mortensen, who also stars in Cronenberg's latest, Eastern Promises, A History Of Violence brings you a film with lots of suspense and constantly plays with the viewer's expectations. There are some scenes, concerning Tom Stall's son that seems a bit too cheesy and a little bit like what you would see in a soap opera, including the bad acting. The rest of the film, however, is superb. Maria Bello who plays Tom's wife Edie, gives a great and solid performance, convincingly expressing Edie's difficulty with what to believe and being torn between what she wants to believe and what she eventually has to. Most of the film brings you a lot of surprises, which make for you being fully concentrated. Overall A History Of Violence is a much lighter film than you would think, but when looking for a deeper meaning it can become one which is actually afterall more complex. In the end there indeed happen to be some similarities to Cronenberg's former work and his interest in things like video games, whereas Mortensen's character seems to have some superhuman powers. Also the film brings up questions about how much of the things you experience in your life growing up will shape you into the person you become, including things like violence. The question of the media's influence can seem to shine through, making you think about how images of violence can become part of who you'll end up becoming and will not be able to escape. Mortensen's character can be seen to be the result of all these questions, making him believe he can escape something he can't. So looking closer at a History Of Violence it does present us with a lot of things to think about and challenges you to look further. It makes the film even more enjoyable and satisfying than it already is.What is it about?
A father of two and the owner of a diner, Tom Stall seems to have a good stable life. A loving wife and a nice farm show the fruits of his success. However, when one night two strangers come to travel through the town Stall lives in, his life suddenly takes a big turn. Already as a viewer knowing these two men are real killers, the question is put in mind later on whether
or not they came to pay visit to Tom's diner on purpose. Trying to take the customers hostage and pulling off what seems to be a robbery, Tom happens to handle the situation very well and during one night becomes the town's new local hero killing both men. Fascinated by the way he easily seemed to gain control over the life threatening situation, Tom's identity is put into question and even more so when one day this odd guy, who is the real tough guy you rather don't want to mess with, seems to mistaken Tom for a guy called Joey. Starting to spying on his family the man seems to not wanting to leave Tom alone before he admits he is who the man thinks he is. Final Verdict: ****1/2
A History Of Violence seems rather short, but it's just the correct time. The last scene is very strong and makes for a perfect ending and shows Cronenberg's perfect directing. Beside Bello Mortenson gives a very strong performance as well. With a face that can be both handsome and scary he is totally convincing as the father who wants the best for his family, but who also deals with a past only he is able to deal with, but can't. Looking at his face he perfectly expresses the emotions and thoughts which run through his character's head. A History Of Violence
ends up being a psycholgical thriller with some aspects reminiscent of an action film. It's this combination of elements which makes it tough to place in one category and shows its nature of holding different elements and being much more than just one simple thing. A History Of Violence thus has a lot to offer and really makes for an excellent film. It's entertaining, exciting, and provides for some real thought, making it a great film to get introduced to the work of Cronenberg.
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