Review of A History of Violence (2005) by Lynn P — 23 Jul 2010
This movie manages to be many things at once - a quiet, still movie that is at the same time suspenseful with fits of violence and darkness juxtaposed against the backdrop of a small, sleepy town that looks like a throwback to the 50s in America.
As usual, Viggo Mortensen is excellent. You can't take your eyes off of him and you can't help but root for him, even at moments when perhaps you shouldn't. He convincingly changes personas like another person would change clothes, to the point it's scary and bordering on psychotic.
Despite that he manages to have the audience rooting for him which says a lot about how he makes his desire to escape his past one to which we can all relate. Mario Bello holds her weight against him and adds complexity to what could have easily been a typical wife role.
Ed Harris and William Hurt are great villains. Overall a good film.
This review of A History of Violence (2005) was written by Lynn P on 23 Jul 2010.
A History of Violence has generally received very positive reviews.
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