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In a small, obscure town in Indiana, USA, Tom Stall (Viggo Mortensen) lives a quiet, contented
and uneventful life.
Loved by his wife Edie (Maria Bello), his teenage son Jack (Ashton Holmes) and small daughter Sarah (Heidi Hayes), he is also respected by the community. But one day this peace is shattered when two thugs enter his small diner and are intent on committing rape and robbery. His life also threatened, Tom quickly disarms and kills them in self-defense. Considered a hero, Tom is featured on TV and in the newspapers. Soon after, lured by the publicity, sinister looking strangers appear in town; among them is the disfigured Carl Fogarty (Ed Harris) who claims he knows Tom to be actually Joey Cussack of Philadelphia accused of many killings. He seems bent on getting even with Tom. Tom denies these claims outright. But the revelation, though doubtful, has strained the relationship of Tom with his family. When Fogarty continues to harass his family, Tom decides to confront and resolve this crisis in his life.
Based on the graphic novels of John Wagner and Vince Locke, A History of Violence at
first may look like a simple thriller but one soon realizes that it is actually a complex psychological drama.
Though Viggo Mortensen impresses one as adept in well choreographed fight scenes, the viewer may be more interested in the in-between slow paced scenes where Mortensen subtly and effectively portrays his character. The storyline is well developed but the film is more a story of character revelation and development than that of plot. Can this kind and peaceful man be the same man noted for numerous killings in another venue, another time? Can this ideal husband, loving father and community model resident have the same heart as a criminal? These questions may keep the viewer's interest till the problem is resolved at almost the end of the movie. Matching Mortensen's fine acting is Maria Bello as Edie, the tormented wife who begins to doubt the man she loves and who may have kept a dark secret from her for twenty years. The weakling son Jack also undergoes a character change when he finds the guts to stand up to the school bully after his father's response at the diner. The last episode in the movie is Director Cronenberg's masterstroke. Though not a word is spoken, emotions are very palpable. In this slow, long scene at the family dining table presented in total silence, the body language and facial expressions say more than a thousand words.
A History of Violence raises some points which may encourage discussion or reflection on the part of the thoughtful moviegoer. Here is a
man, born among criminals and tutored in crimes, who becomes the best example of that environmental nurture.
Later, through free choice, he decides to turn a new leaf and live a life of non-violence and goodness. The movie shows that even the most dyed in-the-wool criminals can change. Through his will and determination, man can chart his own fate. The film also shows another truism. One may change and think the past is long buried, but one's misdeeds have a way of catching up on anyone. Every action has a reaction. One may escape the consequences for a while but not forever. Tom Stall realizes he can no longer hide in anonymity but must confront his dilemma and make another choice. We sympathize with Tom in wanting to totally and finally cut off himself from his violent past although the violent means he used to achieve that end may be questionable. The movie has a strong statement on forgiveness in the midst of hatred. It is visually demonstrated by the members of the family. The film may leave us with questions. Frail humans that we all are, many if not all of us have some kind of a "dark" past. What do we do to make amends for misdeeds, if any? And if we happen to be caught in a situation like Tom's family, how do we react? Shall we be immediately condemning on shall we be understanding and forgiving?
(Date Reviewed: 07 October 2005)
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