A History of Violence (2005)

Last updated:
September 23, 2024

Detailed Summary

Introduction: Small-Town Tranquility

The film starts by painting a peaceful picture of small-town America, focusing on the Stall family. Tom Stall (played by Viggo Mortensen) is a kind-hearted family man running a diner in a sleepy town. He lives a quiet life with his wife, Edie (Maria Bello), and their two children. Everything seems normal, but there’s a lingering sense of unease.

The Robbery at the Diner

Tom’s life takes a drastic turn when two criminals try to rob his diner. In an explosive moment, Tom heroically kills both men in self-defense, saving his customers and becoming a local hero overnight. His actions raise eyebrows, though—how could this mild-mannered man take down two dangerous criminals with such precision and ease?

The Arrival of Carl Fogarty

After the diner incident, a mysterious man named Carl Fogarty (Ed Harris) shows up in town. He claims to recognize Tom as Joey Cusack, a former mobster from Philadelphia. Carl insists that Tom has a violent past and owes him. Despite Tom’s denial, the accusation sets off a series of events that forces him to confront the violent history he’s worked so hard to escape.

Tom’s Family in Crisis

As Carl’s presence becomes more menacing, Tom’s family begins to unravel. Edie, who has always known Tom as a loving husband and father, struggles to reconcile the man she thought she knew with the person Carl claims him to be. Tom’s son, Jack, also begins to show signs of aggression, suggesting that violence may be hereditary.

Confrontation with the Past

As the pressure mounts, Tom finally reveals the truth: he was Joey Cusack, a mob enforcer, but he left that life behind, changing his identity to start fresh. However, his past won’t leave him alone, and he’s forced into a final confrontation with Carl and the mob world he escaped from.

The Mob Boss Showdown

Tom’s journey back to his old life leads him to his brother, Richie Cusack (played by William Hurt), a mob boss who has his own plans for Tom. In a climactic showdown, Tom confronts Richie and the remnants of his violent past. The outcome is a mix of cold-blooded violence and emotional closure.

Movie Ending

After confronting and killing his brother Richie, Tom returns home, bloody and exhausted. The final scene shows Tom sitting down with his family at the dinner table. There are no words exchanged, but the tension is palpable. The family’s silent gestures of forgiveness—or at least a reluctant acceptance—suggest that while the past can never truly be erased, there may still be hope for reconciliation. However, the ambiguity of this scene leaves viewers wondering whether Tom’s family will ever fully trust him again.

There is no post-credits scene, leaving the ending open to interpretation.

Type of Movie

A History of Violence is a neo-noir thriller mixed with elements of psychological drama. It focuses on violence and its effects on individuals and families, exploring themes of identity, morality, and redemption.

Cast

Viggo Mortensen as Tom Stall/Joey Cusack
Maria Bello as Edie Stall
Ed Harris as Carl Fogarty
William Hurt as Richie Cusack
Ashton Holmes as Jack Stall

Film Music and Composer

The score was composed by Howard Shore, who frequently collaborates with Cronenberg. His music creates a brooding, tense atmosphere, helping to build the film’s suspense and emotional depth.

Filming Locations

The film was primarily shot in Ontario, Canada, which stood in for the small-town setting in Indiana. The isolated and quiet feel of the town plays a significant role in the film, as the tranquil setting contrasts sharply with the violent events that unfold.

Awards and Nominations

Academy Award Nominations: Best Supporting Actor (William Hurt), Best Adapted Screenplay (Josh Olson)
Golden Globe Nominations: Best Actress in a Drama (Maria Bello)
Critics’ Choice Awards: Best Supporting Actor (William Hurt)

Despite not winning major awards, the film was critically acclaimed, particularly for its performances and storytelling.

Behind the Scenes Insights

Viggo Mortensen and Maria Bello wanted to create a realistic portrayal of married life, particularly through the two intense sex scenes, which contrast the “before” and “after” of Tom’s revelation.
William Hurt only appears in the film for about 10 minutes, but his performance was so powerful it earned him an Oscar nomination.
David Cronenberg made a conscious decision to avoid using excessive violence, preferring brief, shocking moments that would linger in the viewer’s mind.

Inspirations and References

The movie is based on the graphic novel of the same name by John Wagner and Vince Locke, though Cronenberg’s adaptation is much more focused on the psychological implications of violence rather than the overt action sequences in the comic.

Alternate Endings and Deleted Scenes

There are no widely discussed alternate endings, though some scenes in the original script were modified to reduce graphic violence, as Cronenberg wanted to maintain a balance between realism and restraint.

Book Adaptations and Differences

While the graphic novel focuses more on the action and the noir aspects of the story, Cronenberg’s adaptation shifts towards an exploration of human psychology. The movie is more about the internal consequences of violence and the emotional toll it takes on Tom’s family, making it a more nuanced and layered narrative.

Memorable Scenes and Quotes

Key Scenes

The shocking diner scene where Tom kills the robbers, revealing his hidden skills.
Carl Fogarty confronting Tom outside his diner, filled with underlying menace.
The intimate, emotional, and raw fight between Tom and Edie after his secret is revealed.
Tom’s final showdown with his brother Richie, in which long-buried tensions explode into violence.

Iconic Quotes

Tom Stall: “In this family, we do not solve problems by hitting people.”
Carl Fogarty: “You should ask Tom how come he’s so good at killing people.”
Richie Cusack: “When you dream, are you Joey or are you Tommy?”

Easter Eggs and Hidden Details

The title itself is a double meaning: Tom’s history of violence in the mob and the broader concept of violence as a cyclical and inherent part of human existence.
Cronenberg deliberately used contrasting styles of violence—clean, precise, and controlled in the opening, versus messy, desperate, and brutal in later scenes.

Trivia

David Cronenberg avoided any CGI effects in the film, preferring practical stunts to keep the violence as realistic as possible.
Viggo Mortensen read extensively about post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) to prepare for his role, as Tom’s suppressed past is a metaphor for trauma.
The film was David Cronenberg’s first box office success since the 1980s, marking a significant milestone in his career.

Why Watch?

A History of Violence is perfect for viewers who appreciate character-driven stories with deep psychological undertones. It’s a thought-provoking look at the nature of violence, identity, and whether we can ever truly escape our past. The film’s deliberate pacing, strong performances, and Cronenberg’s masterful direction make it a compelling watch.