This next film is simply superb and my meagre review really does not do it justice. The thriller aspect of the film is crisply conducted and the dynamic characters at the heart of the story jump off the screen. The story will grip you and the film will challenge you on many levels.
A HISTORY OF VIOLENCE (2005)
Star Rating: ***** out of 5
A deep, thought-provoking masterpiece from an exceptional auteur. A small town diner owner (Viggo Mortensen) is mistaken for an underworld tough guy, leading to tense moments for his family and town. But is this really a case of mistaken identity? This is simply an intelligent film which asks much from the audience. Director David Cronenberg plays thoroughly with genre but it is not to manipulate the audience. In fact, he is challenging the audience and our preconceptions of the thriller genre. As the title suggests, violence is key and Cronenberg strives to show the gruesome results of real violence. But the film goes on to ask how important and necessary violence can be and whether or not violence can simply be an on/off switch, as it is in many movies. There’s also an incisive point about the attraction of violence, something we hardly own up to in popular culture. Cronenberg and company have crafted a marvelous piece of art in the mold of a terrific genre thriller. And this could not have been pulled off if the acting was not unbelieveably superb. Mortensen and Maria Bello (playing his wife) were clearly robbed of Oscar nominations. This film will stay with you for days, if not weeks ... it is simply that good. A film not to be missed.
3 comments:
David Cronenberg is one crazy mofo, but I love his movies! Crash, Spider, Naked Lunch were all so good (and spooky). I loved A History of Violence.
Good review!
History of Violence wasn't on my short list, but I may have to see it now. Good review!
xo, L
I thought that movie was about perfect. It had none of the stuff that bothers me about David's work.
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