(2005) 4.5 Jason Buchanan David Cronenberg has always been a name closely associated with the horror genre, and even when his films don't overtly contain the elements generally associated with the critically maligned genre, they can be just as horrifying as any out-and-out fright flick. This bold but shockingly low-key thriller is without question one of the reigning body-horror master's most mainstream cinematic outings to date (no videotape-swallowing orifices or medieval-looking medical instruments here); however, the film's depiction of the vicious cyclical nature of violence is as horrific and challenging as anything in the veteran director's notoriously gruesome filmography. The effectiveness of violence in any film is directly tied to stylistic choices utilized to portray the violence onscreen, and few directors are more aware of this fact than Cronenberg. By contrasting the horrific and often graphic acts of violence committed by the characters in A History of Violence with quiet scenes at the family dinner table or tender moments between husband and wife, Cronenberg punctuates the destructive actions of his characters in a manner that is undeniably effective for those looking for something deeper than the average revenge tale -- showing a filmmaker still very much in command of his material. As the dire situation steadily elevates and the outwardly peaceful protagonist is forced to act out in the same manner as his tormentors, Cronenberg reveals the character's true nature while showing enough faith in his audience to let the situation unfold naturally. This narrative restraint shows a filmmaker whose dramatic strengths are growing with age rather than weakening (a sad problem that seems to plague many genre filmmakers of Cronenberg's generation). Even the lesser-drawn characters in A History of Violence seem to have an added dimension of motivation that ties into the theories of violence presented in the film, with the more prominent supporting players, including Ed Harris and William Hurt, turning in particularly effective performances. Though some viewers may find it difficult to connect with the archetypal characters in A History of Violence on an emotional level, the message regarding the inherently cyclical nature of violence is both effectively clear and viscerally presented, offering a testament to Cronenberg's continuing willingness to challenge his audience while simultaneously crafting a compelling mainstream thriller.

cast-crew for A History of Violence on AllMovie

A History of Violence (2005)

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A History of Violence

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Adult Situations
Drug Content
Graphic Violence
Not For Children
Nudity
Profanity
Strong Sexual Content

genres

Thriller

sub-genres

category

Feature

directed by

David Cronenberg

countries

Canada, UK

release date

September 23, 2005 (USA - Limited)
September 30, 2005 (USA)

run time

96 min.

produced by

Benderspink

released by

New Line Cinema

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cast

Viggo Mortensen: Tom Stall

Maria Bello: Edie Stall

Ashton Holmes: Jack Stall

William Hurt: Richie Cusack

Stephen McHattie: Leland Jones

Peter MacNeill: Sheriff Sam Carney

Ed Harris: Carl Fogarty

Heidi Hayes: Sarah Stall

Greg Bryk: William "Billy" Orser

crew

David Cronenberg: Director
Chris Bender: Producer
J.C. Spink: Producer
John Wagner: Book Author
Josh Olson: Screenwriter
Vince Locke: Book Author
Peter Suschitzky: Cinematographer
Howard Shore: Composer (Music Score)
Ronald Sanders: Editor
Carol Spier: Production Designer
James McAteer: Art Director
Jane Weiner: Co-producer
Josh Braun: Executive Producer
Justis Greene: Executive Producer
Roger E. Kass: Executive Producer
Denise Cronenberg: Costume Designer
Peter P. Nicolakakos: Set Decorator
Glen Gauthier: Sound/Sound Designer
Walter Gasparovic: First Assistant Director
Dierdre Bowen: Casting
Michael O'Farrell: Sound Mixer
Wayne Griffin: Sound Mixer