Review of A History of Violence (2005) by David H — 18 Jun 2012
A very good thriller about a man who has to confront his past after foiling a robbery at his cafe. Besides being a thriller, it's also a smart movie about the culture of violence. How it dominates our world.
One of the questions the movie asks whether one can live free of violence, even the slightest. In the movie violence lurks in every corner and the characters are forced to defend themselves. Viggo Mortensen is electrifying.
He uses his rugged looks and understated charm to play the gentle family man Tom Stall. Mortensen also displays a powerful and explosive presence as Tom's darker persona Joey. David Cronenberg creates a well-paced violent story that unfolds bit by bit until leaving you perplexed and surprised with its quality.
The last scene says it all. Cronenberg's take on the happy ending. Tom returns, nobody says a word but they welcome him back to his spot at the family dinner table as if nothing has changed but it will never be the same.
Simply brilliant.
This review of A History of Violence (2005) was written by David H on 18 Jun 2012.
A History of Violence has generally received very positive reviews.
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