A History of Violence
Directed by David Cronenberg.
Starring: Viggo Mortensen, Ed Harris, Maria Bello.
Wow… what a great movie. I’ve seen a few by David Cronenberg now: first there was Videodrome, Scanners, The Fly, and others in-between. All of them are testimony to David Cronenberg’s self-respect as a worker of film. He combines intensity with a light-heartedness for the medium which also earns him some respect from the viewer. A (not The) History of Violence is definitely his best film to date. Neither Cronenberg, or the film lose it for a moment. In fact, underlying the film is an artist thoroughly enjoying making a movie — there is a cultish, one pointed regard for the medium (film).
Cronenberg said of making The Fly words to the effect that it was a project that allowed him to combine his experience with different elements of film-making from earlier movies. The elements (character and effects for example) have certainly become tools which Cronenberg handles with considerable skill. Part of what I’m saying is that, for a history of violence, this movie isn’t very dark. It’s not epic either — really just about one guy’s life. Rather than being scary (like other violent movies) this is captivating.
This film has a popular cast. Clever actor, Viggo Mortensen (who played Strider in Lord of the Rings) has the lead and responsible role of Tom Stall. He is great, and that’s all I’m about to tell you. Ed Harris (who looks a little like Mortensen, you might know from the movie, Pollock) plays the pivotal character in the film, Carl Fogarty. When he shows up on screen, America’s dark side takes a hold on squeaky-clean lives of Tom Stall, his wife (played by Maria Bello) and kids. You will probably not be prepared audience, even if I tell you, the movie turns into a tight-rope; and you will be held in suspense by the film-maker; a captive of David Cronenberg’s light-hearted claim to 'master' of film.
In short, don’t miss this film. My only criticsm of Cronenberg is the sex scenes are made with too much realism.
Kathryn Reeves
