Movie: A History of Violence

This is a quintaessential Canadian movie, crafted by a Canadian, David Cronenberg, shot in small town Canada, but about an American subject...

"A History of Violence" trailer (2005)

Canadians are always looking South, always reflecting about American life, but with a palpable skepticism on the accepted "truths" down the border. We're so used to watch violent American movies where the hero needs tons of amunition to prevail, usually with the tacit consent of the audience that applauds every single exploit. Here however, Cronenberg intellingently presents us with the subtleties and the ambiguity underlying the psyche of those violent heroes.

You can read the entire plot of "A History of Violence" and still not spoil the experience. It is full of nuances and layers. The dialogue is as tight as it can be, no words needed in many cases, and only the ones needed are said. There aren't torrents of blood running, but the violence is gruesome, and the consequences look at us in the eye and expose us with our own reactions. Make no mistake, this looks like the Hollywood hero on the surface, but here, we're facing the complexity of violent heroes as we know them. The film also reveals our underlying morbid curiosity, and we're fed with those feelings so that we become engaged in the story, we know this is happening, and of course, nothing is as simple as it seems.

Interestingly enough, the film has so many layers that even the female audience can feel the allure of violence. The film makes the point with the initial love scene where she's playing the school girl and a dominant one on top of that. He is as tame as a man can be after so many years of marriage, and just lets her do what she wants. The second love scene is the total opposite... the same two characters, but this time with the alpha male exposed. He takes and asks no questions, she resists, he subdues, she surrenders. However, you can see the emotion evolving from the initial disgust and repulsion to a subjugation state that she's actually enjoying.

I cannot speak from experience, but I know women who have been raped, and even though I believe the act is despicable, I have experienced a certain pleasure by playing it a little rough with a man I trust. I have also exchanged notes with other women who saw the film, and they also admitted to the lusty effects of the scene. I can only bow to Cronenberg for tapping on the intricate feelings women may have when they experience violence. He starts with the typical scene where the woman plays the "entertainer" so typical in porn movies; but he's added a great deal by exploring the deep and hidden desires that women may have towards violence.

I will only post the link that shows the rape scene, and I warn you that you may find this scene deeply disturbing, and that it's definitely not suitable for minors.