History of Violence = Yawn......

Films/DVD Asylum

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Overall it was pretty dull. Neither the violence or the pair of over extended (and fairly graphic) sex scenes made this one all that interesting. After it is revealed that the protagonist isn't the small-town-everyman that he has led the locals to believe, the movie begins to get predicatble in a hurry. (This revelation happens in the first 30 minutes so its hardly a spoiler.)
Possible spoilers ahead, buyer beware! As we begin to realize that Vigo isn't the typical family man we think he is, the director leads us through a series of events which illustrate how violent behavior can be passed down through the generations. While it wasn't totally spoon fed, this theme wasn't delivered very subtly, a la metaphors or a similar techinque. I didn't have a problem with the violence, but after a couple of "episodes" it got a bit repetative. (I suppose one could argue that the repetition is intended to show how violence can become more "routine" once it begins to seep into your life.) Another theme was the strengh and acceptance of family which I though was executed a little better. Perhaps this worked better because the director used less blatant means to make his point.
The acting in History of Violence wasn't so great either, especially in the the cases of the son and the wife. Neither were very convincing and were actually comical in a few places, although I don't think that was the director's intention! The scene where the wife barfed and the scence where the son asked his old man if would "wack" him actually had me laughing out loud. Don't they screen movies anymore before they release them? On a more positive note, the final scene of the movie was a bit of a surprise. I don't know if it was actually a pleasant surprise as it seemed a bit forced. Overall I give History of Violence a C+.

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Amplified Parts

Topic - History of Violence = Yawn...... - PdL 16:44:17 10/01/05 (5)

I suppose I'm no movie critic...cuz I liked it - Troutbum 16:03:45 10/04/05 (0)

Agree with your assessment. nt - Daryl Zero 21:47:33 10/02/05 (0)

Re: History of Violence = Yawn...... - townsend 19:27:33 10/01/05 (0)

People here have spoken of "graphic sex" and violence . . . how often do you see movies? - mr grits 18:54:29 10/01/05 (0)

Take "Kontroll" of your life and join Netflix. I'm surprised by - tinear 18:12:15 10/01/05 (0)

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