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History of Violence

A History of ViolenceA History of Violence - Hollywood Reporter, May 16, 2005
Detailed and analytic review concludes that as "one of [Cronenberg's] more straightforward pictures, [A History of Violence] should delight mainstream audiences who prefer their action pictures to have some depth of character, several twists in the plot and a satisfying conclusion."

Cronenberg's Film Full of Violence, Sex - Yahoo! Movies, May 16, 2005
Review based on interview with Cronenberg at Cannes discusses the nature of the violence and sexuality in A History of Violence.

Odd response to Cronenberg's latest - Canadian Press, May 16, 2005
Reporter found mixed reviews for A History of Violence at Cannes, from laughter to respect.

Viggo Mortensen brings violent film to Cannes - MSNBC, May 16, 2005
Reviewer focuses on how A History of Violence explores the nature of violence, observing that "the uncomfortable mix of humor and violence is meant to make people think." Includes quotes from Viggo Mortensen and David Cronenberg.

Cannes #5: Strong entries raise barCannes #5: Strong entries raise bar - Chicago Sun-Times, May 17, 2005
Thumbs up from Ebert for A History of Violence and Viggo Mortensen in "one of the best performances of his career."

Cannes 2005: American brutality, scene 1, scene 2 - The Globe and Mail, May 17, 2005
Reviewer Liam Lacey explores the disturbing details that lie beneath the surface of A History of Violence, as Cronenberg explores the effects of violence on the family and individuals. Interesting comments from Viggo Mortensen, Maria Bello and David Cronenberg, in particular Bello's description of the filming of a violent (though consensual) sexual encounter that left her feeling physically and emotionally battered.

Cannes Festival: A History of ViolenceCannes Festival: A History of Violence - Emanuel Levy, May 17, 2005

Cannes Takes America to Task - FilmStew.com, May 17, 2005
Interviewer at Cannes explores the perspective on America shown in the works of Canadian and Danish directors Cronenberg and Von Trier.

Viggo: Use of violence in new film Rings true - Boston Herald, May 17, 2005
Reviewer quotes Viggo pointing out the meaning behind the violence in A History of Violence.

Revenge, violence and hard cashRevenge, violence and hard cash - Fairfax Digital, May 18, 2005
Under the heading, An Early Tip, Punters, you will find this reviewer's opinion: "The film of the [Cannes] festival so far has been David Cronenberg's A History of Violence." He quotes Viggo several times, including: "The real glory of it, said Mortensen, is that, from the first frame, you don't know what to make of it: 'You think: is this a bad movie? Is this really bad acting or is it good? You can't tell. But 10 minutes later, you stop asking yourself those questions.'" (Free registration required.)

Review: A History of Violence - JoBlo, May 23, 2005
Reviewer gives A History of Violence 7/10 points, saying he liked the twists of the plot but didn't feel it had enough depth.

A History of Violence Review - Into the Evening Rush, May 31, 2005

Music from the Movies: A History of Violence - Music from the Movies, September 2005
Regarding the soundtrack for A History of Violence, Nick Joy says that Howard Shore has "fashioned an ominous score that is essentially structured around two or three themes, and primarily around the character of Tom." In his review, he explores the details of each track, concluding that this is "probably the most accessible Cronenberg score to date and certainly a welcome addition to the Shore canon."

Art for Arteries' Sake - Slate, September 23, 2005
Critic applauds the mastery of Cronenberg's filmmaking while questioning its morality. He calls it "guilty pulp," "a Charles Bronson picture in Oscar-bait clothes, complete with a handy anti-violence message that's delivered with perfect timing, after the bad guys have been blown away." About Viggo's performance, he says, "Mortensen's transitions are so subtle that you almost buy his barely credible character."

History of Violence SoundtrackHistory of Violence Soundtrack - October 11, 2005
Press release announcing the release of the soundtrack CD for A History of Violence describes the origins of and inspirations for Howard Shore's original score. "The main character, Tom Stall, struggles with his own capacity for violence," says Shore. "The composition and its counterpoint were constructed to reflect Tom's dual nature.The film portrays the consequences of violence and its effect on family and community."   [Brego.net]