A History of Violence
David Cronenberg has had an interesting career as a filmmaker to say the least. It takes a certain fortitude to make it through some of his films; to like them is sometimes a whole other challenge. When your filmography includes movies like The Fly (1986), Dead Ringers (1988), Naked Lunch (1991), M. Butterfly (1993), Crash (1996) and eXistenZ (1999), "cult" film status isn't far behind. Almost normal by comparison, A History of Violence is practically a move into the mainstream for Cronenberg; ironically, it may also be his best film to date. Working with an economical screenplay that doesn't compromise on its ambiguous message of redemption, Cronenberg tones down his unique visual style (which actually creates some refreshing action sequences) for the familiar tale of a man unable to escape his violent past. In this case, however, avoiding the proverbial road to perdition is made especially difficult because of the ramifications the hero's actions will have on his family. Even a "successful" resolution to the conflict will leave a new struggle in its wake, and that's where the film's emotional power lies. Great performances from top to bottom anchor the movie. Mortensen is superb as a man who has bought his own invented life hook, line and sinker, while Bello shines as his wife, betrayed, yet strangely intrigued by the other man her husband once was and may become again.
- May 7, 2006
DVD Extras
A very Cronenberg-esque deleted scene that was wisely left out of the film; a "making of" documentary and a brief look at the film's debut at the Cannes film festival, both of which reveal Cronenberg as a rather normal, ebullient fellow; and a quick look at the extra blood spilled in the international version of the film.