A History of Violence

By : Suzanne Philips

A HISTORY OF VIOLENCE - Pre-Wide release screening- Opens Wide Sept. 30th

Suzanne's photos of Viggo leaving the premiere.


Small town diner owner Tom Stahl (Viggo Mortensen) foils a robbery attempt in 
his diner and becomes a small town hero which brings his much attention, 
including some Philadelphia Mobsters who believe that Tom is one of their old 
business associates.  

Directed by David Cronenberg (Dead Zone), this is a first rate thriller.  The 
film has a very Hitchcockian feel in both the direction and the music. It 
builds the suspense and really shows small town America.  The film and 
script are both funny and well placed and can show some of the humor inherent in 
even violent or sexual situations.

Mortensen is outstanding at Stahl.  He can go from one emotion into the 
complete opposite with no evidence of the transition.  Both strong and vulnerable 
at times, he can communicate so much with just a look.  Not to mention any film 
with Nekkid Viggo bum gets my seal of approval! :)

Maria Bello plays Stahl's wife Edie.  She is strong and passionate and from 
the reaction of the young men in the audience, tres sexy. Bello is a healthy match for 
Viggo in many ways.

Ashton Holmes plays Jack, Stahl's son.  He is very good as the smart but 
slightly wimpy kid and he has a great transition part in this film.  Holmes is a  young 
actor to watch in the future.

Ed Harris is great as the creepy mob guy with the funky eye!

William Hurt is outstanding in this film.  If nothing else entices you to see 
this film, Hurt's performance should be enough.  He is funny, tough, touching 
and his scenes with Viggo are truly works of art.  I can't say enough good things
about him in this role.

While there is violence in the film (duh look at the title!) it isn't overwhelming

and if you can stomach it or cover your eyes; it is over quickly.

One of the best films I have seen all year.

My rating: 4 rings out of 5