Page 1 of 1
A history of Violence
Posted: Sat Apr 15, 2006 12:35 am
by Ranchgal
Has anyone seen "A History of Violence" ?
I really thought it was good.
Couldn't believe how Viggio's instincts took over when he was threatened.
Reminded me of SHM. LOL
But it was so twisty, I keep wondering why in this banner year of performances his was overlooked.
Re: A history of Violence
Posted: Sat Apr 15, 2006 12:42 am
by MiddleMan07
Hi Rachgirl,
Yep saw it in theaters.. after it was done people literally boo'd. I didnt think it was that bad, even though many things could be changed. Some scenes were very unecassary such as when the wife walks out with her bathrobe opened exposing her whole body. I mean, whats the point of that? I would rate it a 5/10.
Re: A history of Violence
Posted: Sat Apr 15, 2006 5:44 am
by Rem
I wanted to boo after I saw it.
But the whole sexuality thing thrughout the movie was supposed to represent their feelings toward each other, from gentle and playful to forceful and strained (yikes, stairs would hurt).
But I really didn't like it because it was supposed to be abou8t how violence is so bad and affecting, and thought the outburst in the beginning is okay, by the end of it I really thought that Viggo's butt-kicking skills kinda went against the point of the film. I mean, it's like "bad violence. bad" and then the Vig busts out some crazy moves and takes out a bunch of guys. It was nothing more than an 80s action movie disguised as some "deep" film.
And those cliche lines like "I tohught I killed Joey...in the desert" really ruined scenes.
A good example of the films contradictory-ness is that the film tries to say violence is bad, but the audience is cheering when the son is beating down the bully.
And yes, we get it, it's a small town.
And how everyone was like "oh my god this film exposes violence on all levels, in the family, oh my god this film is so deep" killed it too. But enough of this rant. Good night.
Re: A history of Violence
Posted: Tue Apr 18, 2006 1:55 am
by Mercy
Don't think that Viggo was that good, but I loved this movie. Loved the way I believe that guy, just like everybody else. Cronenberg is wonderful.
Re: A history of Violence
Posted: Tue Apr 18, 2006 11:56 pm
by Lion
Ok people from work talked about it and now you guys, I guess I'll go rent it!
Re: A history of Violence
Posted: Wed Apr 19, 2006 5:00 am
by Ranchgal
Well I didn't get the view that the film was taking any specific stand about violence-good or bad.
my take was totally different-as in the "history" of the character.
BUt I don't want to get too deep into it, until AFTER Lions sees it, I don't want to spoil it for him.
AFter you rent it Lions, come back here and join the discussion, and I will get more specific.
Re: A history of Violence
Posted: Wed Apr 19, 2006 1:40 pm
by Marlboroprojects
Not sure if you guys know this but the film was an adaption of a graphic novel, much the same as Sin City. It was pretty faithful to the book.
"A history of violence" refers to the fact that the character's past will come back to haunt him and he will have to revert back to his old wasy in order to survive.
Re: A history of Violence
Posted: Wed Apr 19, 2006 5:26 pm
by Rem
I knew it was a graphic novel, it's jsut that when I saw it I was very disappointed because the studio tried to sell it like some sort of masterpiece film for the ages, when it was really just an action movie, and people are still praising it way too much on movie sites. I mean, if I approached it like an action movie, I would've liked it a lot more. And it probably still would have been good on that level, but I think the ham-and-cheese script dashed all hopes of that.
Re: A history of Violence
Posted: Wed Apr 19, 2006 5:42 pm
by the wigan warrior
MiddleMan07 wrote:
Hi Rachgirl,
Yep saw it in theaters.. after it was done people literally boo'd. I didnt think it was that bad, even though many things could be changed. Some scenes were very unecassary such as when the wife walks out with her bathrobe opened exposing her whole body. I mean, whats the point of that? I would rate it a 5/10.
sounds good

no, i dont fancy it . it has had a lot of bad reviews but i here it has a very good story. i don't kno wether to just buy it. i sAw it for about £4 the other day. shall i buy it :-k
Re: A history of Violence
Posted: Thu Apr 20, 2006 3:16 am
by SoldierHeavyMuscle
Ranchgal wrote:
Has anyone seen "A History of Violence" ?
I really thought it was good.
Couldn't believe how Viggio's instincts took over when he was threatened.
Reminded me of SHM. LOL
But it was so twisty, I keep wondering why in this banner year of performances his was overlooked.
hmmm, LOL
well, i am a man of instinct!!Â
i havent seen this yet.
but everybody i know that has
says it's a really good movie, but the end sucks! LOL
i was planning to see it anyway, but i guess i'll have to now!
huh, RG? LOL
Re: A history of Violence
Posted: Fri Apr 21, 2006 4:14 am
by Ranchgal
Yes SHM, then we can all get specific about scenes, after you and Lions see it-LOL
Well I trust your instincts!!
Thanks MarlboroProjects--I did NOT know it was based on a g n--but may have to look for it.
though I doubt my library will have it.LOL
Re: A history of Violence
Posted: Fri Apr 21, 2006 5:20 am
by GonzoNYC
I thought it was a very good movie. Viggio's transformation is believable and Ed Harris is great as always. I think William Hurt is excellent with the short role he has.
Re: A history of Violence
Posted: Sun Apr 23, 2006 11:27 pm
by Marlboroprojects
Ranchgal wrote:
Thanks MarlboroProjects--I did NOT know it was based on a g n--but may have to look for it.
though I doubt my library will have it.LOL
Here ya go

:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/156389 ... F8&s=books
Re: A history of Violence
Posted: Mon Apr 24, 2006 4:44 am
by Ranchgal
Thank you very much for the link!! Always glad to know where to find stuff.