A History of Violence is Cronenberg at his most effective, but probably not in the way you assume.
Released in 2005, A History of Violence marked a shift in Cronenberg’s career; After spending the ‘90s focused on the psychosexual, the Aughts brought Cronenberg’s focus back to identity, and the masks we wear, and the lies we tell ourselves over and over again to make sure the mask sticks.
It was also the shift towards something more commercial, something a little more built for the multiplex. It was only a small stint (really just this, Eastern Promises, and Dangerous Method) before he shifted back into more esoteric work, but it was a unique era in his filmography, making more mainstream styled stories that still carried his very specific point of view.
And, with that, I make a statement that might seem controversial; A History of Violence is a very good, at times great, film. But, it is also a film that I believe has been mischaracterized within cinephile circles, painting it as a film I don’t really think it is. Specifically, that it is some deep analysis of America’s cycle of violence and love for the “Action Hero”. I can’t really co-sign that.
Here is another controversial statement; there is really no material difference between A History Of Violence and a Joe Don Baker vehicle from like 1972. It is an incredibly simple “former mobster is found out and needs to clean-up the mess” type of setup, something Burt Reynolds or Charles Bronson would’ve starred in in the mid ‘80s. The read of this being a deep analysis of the action hero trope doesn’t ring true at all; he’s a man pushed to his limits, who defends his family against violence, and takes out the big bad to make sure his family is safe “from here on out”. Did I describe A History of Violence or The Long Kiss Goodnight?
But, while the indictment above seems totally negative, what I think A History of Violence actually is is a showcase of how absolutely great Cronenberg is as a filmmaker. On paper, this is bordering on rote, and is straight up awkward at times (the less spoken about the entire arc of Joey’s son, the better), but Cronenberg takes what is essentially an airport paperback crime novel and elevates it to something more. In his hands, this becomes something much sadder, much meaner, much more bitter. I don’t like to use the term often, but I think it’s fair to say that Cronenberg “elevated” the material here, making a by-the-numbers revenge movie into something with deeper meaning.
A lot of that credit should also go to the cast. Viggo Mortensen is putting in masterful work here, convincingly playing a local yokel and a deranged mobster, with both personalities fighting for position (real “inside you there are two wolves” type performance). He is a man that you’d believe could be a loving father and a cold blooded killer, easily. What helps sell that loving side to Mortensen is Maria Bello, who is so convincing in her love for Tom/Joey, that you feel the heartbreak when she realizes his deceit. Ed Harris is also putting in his usual great work, playing a mobster who is quickly getting fed-up with the amnesia bit Mortensen is playing.
You can’t really talk about A History of Violence performances and not bring up William Hurt. Hurt is just the absolute cherry on top here, showing up in the final 10 minutes, and putting on an absolute show of cold blooded “niceties” to his long lost brother. It is a performance that is equally funny and bone chilling, and was so impressive it earned him a supporting performance Oscar nod. Again, less than 10 minutes of screen time! “Broheim”, indeed.
Specs:
Damn, this release looks gorgeous. A longtime Cronenberg collaborator, cinematographer Peter Suschitzky creates a world that feels like it is only a step out from a Norman Rockwell painting, with just a slight edge of the Wild West around the corner. This 4k restoration makes sure that that insidious warmth remains, with the deep shadows that seem to grow as Mortensen continues down his path of violence staying dark and foreboding. It sounds great as well, with the 5.1 surround sound really emphasizing and gun blasts and nose breaks.
For special features, since this is a Criterion release, it is absolutely packed. Included is a commentary with director David Cronenberg, a new interview with screenwriter Josh Olson, conducted by writer/producer Tom Bernardo, excerpts of Cronenberg and Mortensen in conversation at the 2014 Toronto International Film Festival, Acts Of Violence: A documentary of the making of the film, 3 featurettes, a deleted scene with commentary by Cronenberg, theatrical trailer, and an included booklet with an essay by critic Nathan Lee.
I like a lot about A History of Violence. I think it is a kinda goofy script that Cronenberg and cast turn into a sleek, mean little thriller. But, in my opinion, that’s all it is. There are so many small threads of ideas here, but when you pull them, you see how shallow it all is. Still, if you like a good thriller with some brutal violence, this is a perfect way to spend 90 minutes.
