A History of Violence

When Tom Stall, the proprietor of a small-town diner leaps into action and guns down a pair of would-be assailants in self-defence, local news reports declare him a national hero. But Tom’s newfound fame attracts the attention of mobsters from the big city, who arrive on the scene claiming that the mild-mannered family man is not who he claims to be. Adapted from Vince Locke and John Wagner’s gruesome graphic novel, Cronenberg deftly blends elements of neo-western and film noir into a darkly philosophical examination of human nature and our propensity for violence. With Mortensen’s multi-faceted performance at its centre, the film dares to ask if any of us has the ability to change, or do our basest, most primal instincts always dictate our fate.

Academy Awards: Best Adapted Screenplay and Best Supporting Actor nominations

30/8 (Sun): Film talk with Mimi Wong