Review of A History of Violence (2005) by Todd B — 03 Jan 2015
Tom's wife isn't so much turned off by his violent past or the necessary lethal force with which he defends their family as she is offended by his years of lies and deception. His son isn't afraid of his awakened true father but rather offended at Tom's blatant hypocrisy over the use of violence to stand up for one's self. His daughter isn't offended at all because she doesn't know any better.
As it should be. Humans are savage in nature, no matter how much you try to dress it up, to disguise it. As Roger Ebert said, "If Tom Stall had truly been the cheerful small-town guy he pretended to be, he would have died in that diner. It was Joey who saved him.".
Cronenberg expertly points out that the function of violence is not a concern of morality, not a matter of right or wrong, but of survival. Violence is a means for the survival of the fittest.
This review of A History of Violence (2005) was written by Todd B on 03 Jan 2015.
A History of Violence has generally received very positive reviews.
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