A History of Violence (2005), David Cronenberg

Did I mention before how much I like Cronenberg? And did anyone notice how often I watch films based on comic books? Well, worlds collide, as Cronenberg quits drugs for small-town noir, based on the graphic novel of the same name by John Wagner and Vince Locke . However, as always, it’s all about identity, and Cronenberg appropriately uses his most strait-laced context so far to explore regular societies favorite evil-twin/best mate - violence.

The set up sees Viggo Mortensen's modest pie salesman - Tom Stall - having his idyllically ordinary family life threatened by a big time gangster (Carl Fogarty, played by Ed Harris), who insists Stall is actually a psychopathic killer.

It’s not a great film, but certainly worth watching and boasts some of most grimly realistic onscreen depictions of violence I’ve even seen, with the director’s special effects squad putting those years of experience to good use in demonstrating exactly what a guy who’s had his face shot off at close range looks like. So, maybe not one for the squeamish. It also has a couple of good, if disjointed sex scenes that also give a bit of extra screen time and character depth to the excellent Maria Bello.

Comments

[Joe Valdez]

Another brilliant review, Josie. Not A Great Film nails this one on the head. The critics got a little too caught up in using more superlatives than the other guy in their reviews, however, I'm in agreement with you: The bursts of special effects makeup/violence and the sex were refreshing and quite original, whether the kids in the audience were ready for them or not. Great casting, but a good hour of this movie is just empty.

[shy]

Hey happy to run into your blog, Im a Cronenberg fan too. Got here while searching after his dead ringer operation tools images...

It is strange but I find his latast films much more meaningful than his "block busting" ones, (or in his time of hype)...

A History of Violence didnt blow me of my feet but gave me more ground to stand on,
Its "small" and has this Holmark look I liked it alot!

Did you see "Spider"?
and a very early "Stereo" ? very recomended :)

[Josie]

I love that people come here looking for those impliments! I haven't seen either - but I'm going to put in a big effort this month to do so. Thanks fr dropping by! And kicking my butt about my Cronenburg viewing!