A History of Violence

Anyone who sees this film, I would directly refer to the greatest article on it I could have imagined could have been written. It is by Roger Ebert, and is available on his website. The review itself, enhanced my view of the film. However, here's my shot at it: A HISTORY OF VIOLENCE is a film by David Cronenberg. Dark as one would imagine coming from Cronenberg, it is surprisingly reflective on his own body of work. The film concerns a man named Tom (Viggo Mortensen) who may or may not be who he says he is. He works at a small town diner, has a loving wife, son, and daughter, but contains an ounce of deception that might be essential to his survival. One day at work, two evil men walk in and attempt to rob him. Just as they threaten to rape one of his waitresses, he takes the coffee in his hand, smashes it over one man's head, and proceeds to brutally kill both men. Everyone considers Tom a hero, reporters come to his door, and even his son finds a newfound courage. Tom, however, seems a reluctant hero: camera shy. As the days pass, Tom and his wife (Maria Bello) begin to notice a trio of odd men following them in a shiny black cadillac. These men, led by a frightening Ed Harris, believe Tom to be an old mobster named Joey. They want him dead apparently, but Tom persists that he is Tom, not Joey. Truths come out, but it is the perfect title to Cronenberg's film that is the key to the mystery. Cronenberg stated that his title had three parts to it: 1) The history of violence in Tom's life. 2) The history of violence as a reconciling tool. and 3) The darwinian aspect of violence: using violence to survive. How this unfolds into the narrative is brilliant, Cronenberg's actors handle it deftly, and the direction itself is impeccable. REAR WINDOW was probably the last film I saw that affected me as deeply as this film. It's a masterpiece.
A History of Violence: ★★★★