A History of Violence Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A diner owner accidentally becomes a superhero when some thugs try to steal his cherry pie, then his evil brother from Philly gets jealous of his newfound fame and wants the secret recipe.

🍿 A History of Violence: Detailed Plot Synopsis

A Quiet Life Interrupted

Tom Stall, a seemingly ordinary man living in a small Indiana town, runs a local diner and enjoys a peaceful life with his wife, Edie, and their two children. One night, two violent criminals attempt to rob his diner. Tom, displaying unexpected skill, swiftly neutralizes the threat, killing both men in self-defense. This act of violence catapults him into the local spotlight, attracting unwanted attention.

The Shadow of the Past

Following the diner incident, a mysterious man named Carl Fogarty arrives in town, claiming that Tom is actually a dangerous Philadelphia mobster named Joey Cusack. Tom vehemently denies these accusations, but Fogarty’s persistence and unsettling presence create tension and fear within the Stall family. The local sheriff investigates, further disrupting their sense of normalcy.

Confrontation and Revelation

As Fogarty’s harassment intensifies, Tom is forced to confront his hidden past. In a brutal encounter, Tom’s true identity as Joey Cusack, a former enforcer with a history of violence, is revealed to his wife, Edie. The revelation shatters their marriage and throws their family into turmoil. Their son, Jack, mirroring his father’s violent tendencies, lashes out against a school bully.

A Reckoning in Philadelphia

To protect his family, Tom travels to Philadelphia to confront his past and sever ties with his former life. He meets with his estranged brother, Richie Cusack, now a high-ranking mob boss. The meeting quickly turns violent as Richie orders Tom’s death. Tom, reverting to his former self, unleashes his lethal skills to survive, leading to a final, bloody confrontation with Richie.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Tom Stall (Viggo Mortensen): A seemingly mild-mannered diner owner whose past as a violent mobster resurfaces after a heroic act.
• Edie Stall (Maria Bello): Tom’s wife, a lawyer who struggles to reconcile her image of her husband with his violent history.
• Carl Fogarty (Ed Harris): A menacing gangster who arrives in town, claiming Tom Stall is actually a man named Joey Cusack.
• Richie Cusack (William Hurt): A ruthless mob boss and Tom’s estranged brother, who seeks to punish him for past transgressions.
• Jack Stall (Ashton Holmes): Tom’s teenage son, who grapples with his own violent tendencies as his family’s secrets are revealed.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Carl Fogarty: “Why is he so good at killing people?” – Carl Fogarty asks Edie Stall, questioning Tom’s past and hinting at his violent capabilities.
• Tom Stall: “I’m not Joey.” – Tom’s repeated denial of his past identity, which becomes increasingly doubtful as the film progresses.
• Richie Cusack: “Jesus, Joey.” – Richie’s shocked utterance just before Joey/Tom kills him, acknowledging his true identity.
• Tom Stall: “Jesus, Richie.” – Tom’s response to Richie after killing him.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $32,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $31,504,633
• Worldwide Gross: $61,385,065

💥 A History of Violence Reviews

Personal Review

Wow, what a ride! I went into this movie expecting a simple action flick, but I was blown away by how much it made me think. Viggo Mortensen is incredible as Tom Stall – you really believe he’s just a regular guy until…well, you have to see it to believe it. The scene on the stairs with Maria Bello? Unforgettable. It’s intense, raw, and just…real. And that ending? Chills. I’m still processing everything!

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of David Cronenberg’s films”
  • “Viewers interested in crime thrillers”
  • “Those who appreciate thought-provoking dramas”
  • “Adults who enjoy movies with complex characters and themes”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Graphic violence”
  • “Sexual content”
  • “Strong language”

Professional Reviews

• Roger Ebert: “Cronenberg delivers a masterclass in tension, blending graphic violence with subtle character development. Mortensen’s performance is captivating, and the film’s exploration of identity and the nature of violence is profound. A must-see for serious cinephiles.
• A.O. Scott: “Cronenberg’s ‘A History of Violence’ is a tightly constructed thriller that goes beyond genre conventions. The movie probes the human capacity for violence, the fragility of identity, and the ripple effects of our choices, leaving the audience contemplating long after the credits roll. Bello and Mortensen are superb.
• Peter Travers: “A History of Violence is a gripping and disturbing film that challenges our perceptions of good and evil. Cronenberg’s direction is masterful, and the performances are uniformly strong. However, the graphic violence may not be for all viewers. A thinking person’s thriller.

Audience Reactions

The raw and intense performances from Viggo Mortensen and Maria Bello captivated viewers.: The film’s exploration of hidden identities and the true nature of violence resonated deeply.

The diner scene was a pivotal point that grabbed everyone’s attention.: Many appreciated Cronenberg’s unflinching direction and the film’s ability to leave a lasting impact.

Overall Consensus: A History of Violence is a critically acclaimed thriller praised for its complex characters, thought-provoking themes, and Cronenberg’s masterful direction. While the violence is graphic, it serves a purpose in exploring the darker aspects of human nature.

Awards

1. National Society of Film Critics Awards (Best Film)- 2006

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “William Hurt received an Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actor for his role as Richie Cusack, despite only appearing in one scene that lasted less than 10 minutes.”
• “The film is based on the graphic novel of the same name by John Wagner and Vince Locke.”
• “Director David Cronenberg purposefully cast actors known for their ability to embody complex and often contradictory characters.”

🖥️ How to Watch A History of Violence?

A History of Violence is available for streaming on various platforms, including Prime Video, Apple TV, and through rental or purchase options on services like Google Play Movies. Check your preferred streaming service for availability in your region. Purchasing options are also widely available through online retailers like Amazon and major brick-and-mortar stores.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed A History of Violence, you might like these similar films:

• Eastern Promises (2007): Another Viggo Mortensen film exploring the hidden life and violent past of a seemingly ordinary man involved in organized crime.
• The Departed (2006): Explores themes of identity, violence, and the blurred lines between good and evil within a criminal underworld.
• Straw Dogs (1971): A man is pushed to violence to protect his home.
• Blue Ruin (2013): A seemingly ordinary man embarks on a path of vengeance, revealing a hidden capacity for violence.

🛒 A History of Violence Related Products

• A History of Violence (Graphic Novel): The original graphic novel by John Wagner and Vince Locke that inspired the film. Experience the dark and gritty story in its original form with striking visuals and intense storytelling.
• A History of Violence – Limited Edition Blu-ray: A collector’s edition Blu-ray featuring exclusive behind-the-scenes content, director’s commentary, deleted scenes, and insights into the making of the film. Comes in special packaging with art cards.
• A History of Violence – Movie Poster: High-quality reproduction of the original movie poster. Printed on archival paper, it is perfect for framing and displaying in your home theater or office.
• Viggo Mortensen Autographed Photo: A professionally printed 8×10 photograph of Viggo Mortensen as Tom Stall, hand-signed by the actor. Comes with a certificate of authenticity.

🎧 Soundtrack

A History of Violence features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Life of a Fool” – performed by Paul Burch
• “Main Title” – performed by Howard Shore

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

WOLVERINE (A History of Violence Explained) PART 1

Hey, check out this deep dive into the history of Wolverine! It’s super interesting to see how this character’s violent past and inner struggles relate to the themes explored in ‘A History of Violence’.

What Tarantino Teaches Us About Violence

Hey, you know that movie, ‘A History of Violence’? This video breaks down the role of violence in Tarantino’s films and how it might influence the way we understand it in cinema. It’s a fascinating watch!

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