A History of Violence review

ratbag's review

I find that the choice of the title of a movie is quite significant -- it would motivate some to investigate further, establish preconception about the film, or to avoid it altogether. The first time I read about the title, I had thought it would be a historical documentary about the World Wars. When I discovered it was fiction, I then assumed it would be a dark and grainy film about hardened criminals. However, when I discovered that Viggo Mortensen was in it (who'd previously played a gentle Amish in Witness, and later on became King Aragorn in Lord of the Rings) my interest was piqued. Even more interestingly, it was directed by David Cronenberg! I was definitely excited in anticipation of its release. (Even more excitingly, Viggo himself was there to introduce the movie to us!)

I will not say too much about the story for fear of spoiling it for potential viewers, except that it will challenge your perception of our own humanity, and our capability to inflict violence and capacity to love and change. As with all David Cronenberg films, it is not a simple, straightforward movie -- it is one which invites you to ponder further than the theme of the movie. For that I am grateful to Cronenberg for renewing my enthusiasm for films: he does not try to censor the violence (he leaves it up to us to look away if we can't handle it) or ram ideologies down our throats.

Viewers expecting mindless violence and gore (and the promise of sex scenes) would be sorely disappointed. However, those that are capable of looking beneath the surface of the film would be rewarded. Prudish folks should probably ride their moral high horse in the opposite direction.