By Ryan Parsons | Image property of New Line Cinema
A History of Violence
After watching the new set of clips for A
History of Violence I quickly mentioned that this film
could be the surprise blockbuster hit that will end September and begin
October. Immediately, I began to look for a few early reviews on the film
to see if my intuition was in the ballpark, here is what I found.
A History of Violence Reviews
Here are a couple full reviews for A History
of Violence starring Viggo Mortensen, Ed Harris, Maria Bello and William
Hurt.
AICN
This is basically a smart thriller, a simple one, nothing complicated, no crazy twists. It's short and sweet although it moves at a somewhat deliberate pace (which is code for "some assholes will say it's too slow but they're wrong"). This is pretty much the most "normal" movie Dave Cronenberg has ever made. But it's intense, intelligent and serious so it doesn't feel like some kind of sellout movie. Just a rare moment where the guy is working on a wavelength that normal humans might be able to relate to. I'm sure his next movie will have vaginas growing out of people's arms and machines made out of tongues and crap like that and you and I will enjoy it but I think it's nice that once every ten or fifteen years he is willing to invite the rest of the neighborhood in for a show. Just tell them it's the guy that did THE FLY and DEAD ZONE. But this one is less weird. Actually tell them it's HIDALGO.
LatinoReview
The film was directed by David Cronenberg who
either brilliantly juxtaposes the drama and action genres with this work,
or is charmingly unaware that such distinctions exist in cinema. As his
handling of this material is far too intelligent and deft, the former would
most likely be the most accurate. Cronenberg has said that, as an artist,
he is interested in illuminating aspects of humanity not normally explored.
Comparing his approach to that of a scientist, his efforts concentrate on
unearthing elements that are already there just waiting to be discovered.
He successfully accomplishes this in a subtle, almost deceiving manner.
He utilizes action scenes we are familiar with and, perhaps as fans of the
genre, accustomed to cheering. These moments, however, are framed in a context
that alters the viewer’s expected reaction.
To check out the full version of either review for
A History of Violence, click on the orange links above.
A History of Violence comes to theatres on September 30th.
A History of Violence
Add to Heffee!
