A History of Violence (New Line Platinum Series)
New Line Home Video - New Line Home Video
Release date: 2006-03-14
DVD
Director:David Cronenberg
Actors: Viggo Mortensen, Maria Bello, Ed Harris, William Hurt, Ashton Holmes
Action, Action/Adventure, Adult Humor, Adult Situations, Adventure, Assumed Identities, Canada, Color, Crime Thriller, Disturbing, Drug Content, English, Feature, Feature Film-action/Adventure, Graphic Violence, Haunted By the Past, Ironic, Marriage Drama, Movie, Mystery / Suspense
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A History of Violence (New Line Platinum Series)
Date undefinedThe title may be off putting for some but this movie is a deep and intense look inside the human mind. Does the situation one is born into - a crime family of sorts - mean that that is the only option open to us or can we (at great personal risk) try to forge a better and more decent life for ourselves? I really felt for Tom and also for his family. The reactions were genuine and true to the drama. I had never seen Viggo in anything so this was an unknown factor for me. Since, Eastern Promises also shows his range. Maria Bello gives a wonderful and honest portrait of what could have been a one sided role as wife. All in all, very thought provoking and a real gem.
A History of Violence (New Line Platinum Series)
Date undefined
One of those gems that didn't seem to get all the hype and publicity of the big films - this one is just one of those great finds - good story, acting, production.
Lots of suspense, all very believable. Any movie buff will enjoy. A thumbs up, check IMDB for the plot synopsis.
A History of Violence (New Line Platinum Series)
Date undefinedAnybody who seriously believes the all-important "wow" factor has gone missing from certain movies lately can now finally end their drawn-out disputes. "A History of Violence," put mildly, blew me clear out of my chair! David Cronenberg has totally redefined the action genre and shaped it into something all his own.
He casts Viggo Mortensen as Tom Stall, a quiet family man and small-town diner owner who quickly becomes a reluctant hero after decisively silencing two would-be thieves. This story soon draws the heated attention of mobster Carl Fogarty who, along with his loyal followers, seems to feel that Tom may somehow be linked to their organization's shady past. As these men begin to methodically encircle Tom's frightened family, tensions rise and personal suspicions skyrocket. Is Tom Stall really the loving, dedicated husband and father he so adamantly professes? Or has his forgotten and abandoned prior life come back to haunt him in ways he could never possibly imagine?
Discovering the answers to those two questions are what ultimately makes experiencing this barn-burner of a motion picture so much unapologetic fun! I cannot truthfully remember the last time a movie like this generated so much adrenaline-fueled excitement. The principal performers, between Mortensen, the wonderful Ed Harris, and William Hurt, are all standouts. But the pacing is absolutely phenomenal. This is a movie that very literally flies off the screen. Cronenberg throws so much at you throughout the entire film's 96-minute running time, and yet you're still left hungering for more. The violence is straight-ahead and in-your-face. It more than earns its coveted "R" rating.
As far as the DVD, itself....you couldn't ask for a better package. The "Acts of Violence" documentary, along with three other featurettes, does an exceptional job at breaking down the deeply-layered particulars of the film. And you even get to hear Cronenberg, himself, interject his own thoughts as they relate to the film's storied production.
This is an overall great movie and one you're not likely to forget anytime soon. I know I certainly won't!
