A History of Violence  (2005)

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David Cronenberg directed this screen adaptation of a graphic novel by John Wagner and Vince Locke which explores how an act of heroism unexpectedly changes a man's life. Tom Stall (Viggo Mortensen) lives a quiet life in a small Indiana town, running the local diner with his wife, Edie (Maria Bello), and raising their two children. But the quiet is shattered one day when a pair of criminals on the run from the police walk into his diner just before closing time. After they attack one of the customers and seem ready to kill several of the people inside, Tom jumps to the fore, grabbing a gun from one of the criminals and killing the invaders. Tom is immediately hailed as a hero by his employees and the community at large, but Tom seems less than comfortable with his new notoriety. One day, a man with severe facial scars, Carl Fogarty (Ed Harris), sits down at the counter and begins addressing Tom as Joey, and begins asking him questions about the old days in Philadelphia. While Tom seems puzzled, Carl's actions suggest that the quiet man pouring coffee at the diner may have a dark and violent past he isn't eager to share with others -- as well as some old scores that haven't been settled. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide

Warning:  This product is intended for mature audiences only. It may contain violence, sexual content, drug abuse and/or strong language. You must be 17 or older to purchase it. By ordering this item you are certifying that you are at least 17 years of age.

Theatrical Feature Running Time:

96 mins

Complete Cast:

Director(s):

David Cronenberg

Writer(s):

Josh Olson

Producer(s):

J.C. Spink, Chris Bender

Theatrical MPAA Rating:

R(Adult Humor, Profanity, Not For Children, Adult Situations, Nudity, Drug Content, Graphic Violence, Strong Sexual Content)

Categories:

Mystery & Suspense, Foreign

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• 2005 - A History of Violence - American Film Institute - Best Picture
• 2005 - A History of Violence - Chicago Film Critics Association - Best Director
• 2005 - A History of Violence - Chicago Film Critics Association - Best Supporting Actress
• 2005 - A History of Violence - Dallas/Fort Worth Film Critics Association - Top Ten Film
• 2005 - A History of Violence - Los Angeles Film Critics Association - Best Supporting Actor
• 2005 - A History of Violence - Los Angeles Film Critics Association - Best Picture (Runner-up)
• 2005 - A History of Violence - Los Angeles Film Critics Association - Best Director (Runner-up)
• 2005 - A History of Violence - National Society of Film Critics - Best Supporting Actor
• 2005 - A History of Violence - National Society of Film Critics - Best Picture (Runner-up)
• 2005 - A History of Violence - National Society of Film Critics - Best Director
• 2005 - A History of Violence - New York Film Critics Circle - Best Supporting Actor
• 2005 - A History of Violence - New York Film Critics Circle - Best Supporting Actress
• 2005 - A History of Violence - Online Film Critics Association - Best Director
• 2005 - A History of Violence - Online Film Critics Association - Best Supporting Actress
• 2005 - A History of Violence - Online Film Critics Association - Best Picture
• 2005 - A History of Violence - Phoenix Film Critics Association - Top Ten Film of the Year