Review of A History of Violence (2005) by Danny R — 07 Jan 2012

A thought-provoking fascinating multilayered character study of a soft-spoken family man named Tom Stall, played superbly by Viggo Mortensen in a stunning performance who owns a small-town luncheonette; he is suddenly confronted by two psychotic strangers who try to rob him and murder his friends and costumer, he takes action against these two vicious men killing them both in self-defense, these actions lead to serious repercussions when the news media get involved and puts the spotlight on him and certain people take notice of him.

Soon after some mysterious, threatening men show up led by a one-eyed scar-faced man named Fogarty, played by Ed Harris in a chilling performance who is dead sure that Stall is a mob enforcer named Joey Cusack that was a member of their organization before he disappeared 15 years ago, is it mistaken identity? or is he a stone cold killer, there in lies the tale.

A very engrossing motion picture thanks to David Cronenberg's brilliant direction and the marvelous performances from Maria Bello, Ashton Holmes and William Hurt in a standout Oscar nominated turn as Stall's evil Mob boss, older brother Richie.

A fierce, brutality satisfying thriller. High Recommended.