A History of Violence

The personal weblog of Daniel Woolstencroft

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By Dan ⋅ October 10, 2005 ⋅ Post a comment

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I'm a big fan of David Cronenberg. Cronenberg, Argento, Romero, and Carpenter are my four favorite all time horror directors. I'll probably regret saying that at some point; some spectacular piece of horror cinema that I've forgotten about will no doubt rear it's horrifically scarred visage and prompt me to eat my words. In fact, whilst typing that last sentence it already has; I missed Bob Clark off the list. I best move on before I think of any more. I'd heard that A History of Violence wasn't typical Cronenberg. The trailer certainly gave the impression that it was Cronenberg's most mainstream film, and in many ways it is. The film focuses on Tom Stall, small town guy, cafe owner and family man. When two road-tripping killers arrive in Tom's diner, he's forced to deal with them, an action that brings with it terrible consequences for him and his family. A History of Violence features film stealing performances from Ed Harris and William Hurt, credible performances from Viggo Mortensen and Maria Bello, and not enough of Stephen McHattie's particularly aggressive half of the homicidal duo who decide to rob the wrong diner. On the face of it, it's a well made action thriller, with good set pieces, some humour, and some gore. Initially, I felt the film ended too soon. After more thought, I don't think it could have continued much longer than it did. That's possibly the biggest compliment I can pay to A History of Violence; it didn't leave me after I walked out of the cinema and back into the light of day. It's a thought provoking film, and I kept trying to make sense of the film's message. Cronenberg's usual themes of infection and body-horror aren't initially apparent, but after consideration, I think they are present. The film seems to treat violence as a contagious disease, spreading from each of the films characters as they come into contact with each other. The body-horror is served up thanks to the particularly graphic shots of the results of the violence (missing jaw's, a bloody pulp where a nose used to be, that sort of thing). and whilst it's not as bizarre as something like The Fly or Videodrome, this still feels like Cronenberg territory. I'd recommend A History of Violence - at the very least it's a well made, entertaining thriller.

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