Review of A History of Violence (2005) by Joe C — 07 Jul 2015
The graphic novel in which A History of Violence is based underwent such a radical reconfiguration for the big screen that it's surprising Josh Olson's Oscar nomination wasn't for Best Original Screenplay.
The basic outline of the story remains the same in each: Tom, a small town restaurant owner, becomes a national hero after defending his establishment from gun-toting robbers, which in turn brings some shady characters, claiming Tom wronged them.
Olson ditched the book's complex flashback structure, drastically distilling the story into a graphically violent and sparse modern take on the classic Western. The result is brutally singular film that exposes the suburban psyche's obsession with violence in the form of the main character's family who creepily like him even more after he reveals his inner psychopath.
And as the bodies mount and the blood splatters, it's the sick fascination the script brings out in you that keep your eyes peeled.
This review of A History of Violence (2005) was written by Joe C on 07 Jul 2015.
A History of Violence has generally received very positive reviews.
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