Search - A History of Violence

A History of Violence

Actor(s): Viggo Mortensen, Maria Bello, Ashton Holmes, William Hurt, Stephen McHattie
Director(s): David Cronenberg
103

Details

MPAA Rating: R
Content Advisory: Graphic Violence, Nudity, Adult Situations, Strong Sexual Content, Not For Children, Profanity, Drug Content
Movie Release: 2005
DVD Release: 03/14/2006
Format: DVD - Color - Closed Captioned
Audio Tracks: English
Subtitles: English
SwapaDVD Credits: 1
Number of Discs: 1
Run Time: 1 hrs 36 mins
Studio: New Line Home Video
Total Copies: 63
Genres: Thriller, Marriage Drama, Crime Thriller, Psychological Thriller

Synopsis

David Cronenberg directed this screen adaptation of a graphic novel by John Wagner and Vince Locke which explores how an act of heroism unexpectedly changes a man's life. Tom Stall (Viggo Mortensen) lives a quiet life in a small Indiana town, running the local diner with his wife, Edie (Maria Bello), and raising their two children. But the quiet is shattered one day when a pair of criminals on the run from the police walk into his diner just before closing time. After they attack one of the customers and seem ready to kill several of the people inside, Tom jumps to the fore, grabbing a gun from one of the criminals and killing the invaders. Tom is immediately hailed as a hero by his employees and the community at large, but Tom seems less than comfortable with his new notoriety. One day, a man with severe facial scars, Carl Fogarty (Ed Harris), sits down at the counter and begins addressing Tom as Joey, and begins asking him questions about the old days in Philadelphia. While Tom seems puzzled, Carl's actions suggest that the quiet man pouring coffee at the diner may have a dark and violent past he isn't eager to share with others -- as well as some old scores that haven't been settled. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide

Cast

Viggo Mortensen - Tom Stall
Maria Bello - Edie Stall
Ashton Holmes - Jack Stall
William Hurt - Richie Cusack
Stephen McHattie - Leland Jones

Awards

2005	Best Director (Runner-up) (winner)	Los Angeles Film Critics Association	David Cronenberg
2005	Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role in a Motion Pic (winner)	Los Angeles Film Critics Association	William Hurt
2005	Best Supporting Actress (nominee)	Broadcast Film Critics Association	Maria Bello
2005	Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture - Drama (nominee)	Golden Globe	Maria Bello
2005	Best Actress (nominee)	London Film Critics Association	Maria Bello
2005	Best Actor (nominee)	London Film Critics Association	Viggo Mortensen
2005	Best Director (nominee)	London Film Critics Association	David Cronenberg
2005	Best Director (winner)	Chicago Film Critics Association	David Cronenberg
2005	Best Screenplay (nominee)	Chicago Film Critics Association	Josh Olson
2005	Best Supporting Actress (winner)	Chicago Film Critics Association	Maria Bello
2005	Best Adapted Screenplay (nominee)	Writers Guild of America	Josh Olson
2005	Best Supporting Actress (nominee)	Kansas City Film Critics Association	Maria Bello
2005	Best Director (nominee)	Toronto Film Critics Association	David Cronenberg
2005	Best Director (winner)	National Society of Film Critics	David Cronenberg
2005	Best Supporting Actor (winner)	National Society of Film Critics	Ed Harris
2005	Best Director (winner)	Online Film Critics Association	David Cronenberg
2005	Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role in a Motion Pic (nominee)	Online Film Critics Association	William Hurt
2005	Best Supporting Actress (winner)	Online Film Critics Association	Maria Bello
2005	Best Adapted Screenplay (nominee)	Online Film Critics Association	Josh Olson
2005	Best Editing (nominee)	Online Film Critics Association	Ronald Sanders
2005	Best Adapted Screenplay (nominee)	British Academy of Film and Television	Josh Olson
2005	Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role in a Motion Pic (nominee)	Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Scie	William Hurt
2005	Best Adapted Screenplay (nominee)	Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Scie	Josh Olson
2005	Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role in a Motion Pic (winner)	New York Film Critics Circle	William Hurt
2005	Best Supporting Actress (winner)	New York Film Critics Circle	Maria Bello

Member Reviews

Chris H. - HEMET, CA wrote on 10/15/2008...

Great movie, but not for anyone under 16.

Gun Shot wounds look more realistic than any movie I have ever seen.

Should read graphic novel as well.

Liz C. - HOLLY HILL, FL wrote on 4/27/2008...

1 of 1 member(s) found this review helpful.

A lot of sexual activity, some violent. And a lot of blood. A good movie, just not for any one under 16.

Sarah F. - DALTON, GA wrote on 2/13/2008...

0 of 1 member(s) found this review helpful.

Excellent and very original story line. I know the title is A History of Violence but this went a bit too far in showing the graphic images - close ups of people shot in the head, etc. There are also a couple of sex scenes between the title character and his wife that leave very little to the imagination.

John C. wrote on 12/22/2007...

A strange and wonderfully violent movie.

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