Review of A History of Violence (2005) by Tal G — 08 Apr 2018

A History of Violence.

Great movie, a very intriguing and quietly disturbing movie about violence and its cost, presented in a pretty intimate way. I don't think I've ever seen a movie which explores the subject of violence quite in this fashion. There was a lot to digest here and think over after the movie was done.

Viggo did a good job in his role, but his acting still felt a bit rigid at times. A little too aloof and stoic. But on the other hand is may just be attributed to the character's behavior. So I don't have a lock on that. The rest of the actors did a fine job (Ed Harris did a great job), mostly serviceable.

It was a bit too on the nose with the music. This idyllic theme played over (in my opinion) too many of the peaceful scenes. Yes, I get it that you're setting a contrast here between the peaceful life and the violent one, but it's a bit thick. The soundtrack overall sounds a bit dated. A very classic approach to scoring a movie. But there were still good uses here, in certain scenes the idyllic score turns melancholy and fits perfectly with the depressing subject matter and its apparent irresolution. The uncertain future.

I think the story was well done, I honestly did not expect the major beats of this movie to be aligned the way they were. It was refreshing.

So yeah, a competent movie about a very interesting and morbid subject, which goes about exploring its themes in a rather creative and solid manner. Great cast, too.