Watch A History of Violence

A History of Violence is a thrilling drama film directed by David Cronenberg, which was released in 2005. Based on the 1997 graphic novel by John Wagner and Vince Locke, the movie stars Viggo Mortensen, Maria Bello, and Ed Harris in lead roles. The film revolves around the life of Tom Stall (Viggo Mortensen), a family man living in a peaceful small town called Millbrook. He owns a restaurant called the Stall's Diner, where he works hard to provide for his loving wife, Edie (Maria Bello), and their two kids, Jack and Sarah. His life takes a sudden turn when two criminals come to his diner late at night, intending to rob and kill everyone inside the premises.

In an act of bravery and self-defense, Tom subdues the attackers and ultimately kills them. This incident pushes Tom into the media spotlight, and he gains national attention for his heroism in saving his customers' lives. However, this media attention also leads to the arrival of dangerous mobsters, led by Carl Fogarty (Ed Harris), who claim that Tom is actually Joey Cusack, a former gangster with a dark past.

The movie takes a dark turn when Tom's past catches up with him, and he must fight to protect his family's safety and his own identity from the dangerous mobsters. As the plot unfolds, Tom is forced to confront his past and come to terms with his violent tendencies.

One of the movie's strengths is its compelling performances from its lead actors. Viggo Mortensen delivers a nuanced and powerful portrayal of Tom Stall, capturing the character's inner turmoil and conflict. Maria Bello is equally impressive as Edie Stall, Tom's devoted wife who struggles to come to terms with her husband's secrets. Ed Harris gives a chilling performance as the mobster who is determined to unmask Tom's true identity.

The film also explores themes of violence, identity, and the consequences of one's actions. Cronenberg does an excellent job of creating tension and suspense throughout the film, and the action scenes are thrilling and well-executed.

Another highlight of the movie is its cinematography, which captures the bleak and oppressive atmosphere of Millbrook. The film's color palette is muted, which adds to the overall sense of dread and unease.

A History of Violence is a dark and intense film that explores the complexities of human behavior and the consequences of violence. Its compelling script, excellent performances, and expert direction make it a must-watch for fans of the crime and drama genres. It is a thought-provoking movie that will stay with you long after the credits roll.

A History of Violence is a 2005 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 35 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.4 and a MetaScore of 82.