Review of A History of Violence (2005) by Michael V — 24 Nov 2011
For how point blank brutal this movie is there is so much going on. Not just bloody senselessness but instead you see a film with the deepest human emotions. It was real. From youthful loving to hard violence, from simple innocent joys to the full depth of violence and connecting it to sex, and ultimately redemption.
Every piece of clothing and set design specifically chosen. Every camera angle and lighting accurately propelled the story relentlessly. It wasn't drawn out. Never got bored. Viggo Mortensen proved he's one of the finest actors to come along in a long while.
Maria Bello carries so much on her shoulders you want to reach in and give her a reassuring hug. Ed Harris was delightfully menacing, and William Hurt gave the funniest performance I've have seen him do.
And veteran character actor Stephen McHattie gives a nightmare of a performance. Shows just how scary human nature can be at it's core. And he did it with so little scenes. In the end this movie is about truth and redemption.
What you're willing to do to hide it and protect it. And what steps you'll take to fix every wrong step you've taken. How violence in a man can be put away but be turned on in a heartbeat.
This movie proves why Cronenberg deserves every wonderful thing said about him. This could have easily turned into stylized mush. But instead it's a portrait.
This review of A History of Violence (2005) was written by Michael V on 24 Nov 2011.
A History of Violence has generally received very positive reviews.
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