A History of Violence

David Cronenberg always surprises & this one did by it's normality.
At least, at first.

The initial impression is that maybe Cronenberg had apparently given up per- and sub-version & gone mainstream. The premise of small-town America being hit by evil outsiders, saved by a lone quiet hero has been done times before - High Noon for instance. But no - he's just got better, the subversion is there below the B-movie surface; it appears when you look closer. . .

The occasional glimpses of violence - sexual as well as murderous - are explicit and exciting and reveal the director. The physical effects of that violence (the "history" of it?), gave the impression of accuracy (the ruined nose, blood spatter, smashed jaw - the stair-bruised back) adding to the reality. Uncomfortable watching.

Despite that, it's a subtle film - nothing is spelt out - no flashbacks: a grown-up film. It sticks with you, making you think about the points it raises - can a personality change (not just Tom's)? deception (the shot of the wife coming out of the bathroom showing the lie of her hair colour - which I found, surprisingly[?], shocking); family protection (or not)? & love. One sentence by the William Hurt character (what was with that beard?) told you the brothers' story - it was as simple as that.

And finally, the final scene (what else?), although (I think) hopeful, it reminded me of the before & after relationship between husband & wife (and similar relationships I've been through): showing how lives can shatter so quickly & the sadness of knowing that it won't ever be the same again . . .

See it


http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0399146/