Home 2000s 2005 Movies A History of Violence

A History of Violence

67

96 minutes – Drama
Festival release date: May 16, 2005 (Cannes)
Release date: September 23, 2005
Canadian distributor: Alliance Atlantis

Based on the graphic book by John Wagner, screenwriter Josh Olson adapted the story for the screen, and quite a story it is. It revolves around Tom McKenna who is your average, everyday, ordinary, quiet family man living and working in a small U.S. town. When his seemingly tranquil life is invaded in a powerful performance from Stephen McHattie, everything he was lived and worked for is changed. What should have been a small act of heroism becomes fodder for the national press, mid-1950s style, and his new noteriety brings some unwelcome and unsavory visitors from his past. The film premiered at Cannes in May 2005 and was nominated for the Palme D’Or. While it did not pick up any awards, reviews were overwhelmingly positive for the film, its leading players and director, David Cronenberg. Made for an estimated $32-million, it made more than $60-million at the box office.

Also see: An article about A History of Violence from our Take One archives.
The poster for A History of Violence was scanned from an original in the Northernstars Collection.

A History of Violence, movie poster

Crew:

Producer:

Chris Bender
J.C. Spink

Executive Producer:

Kent Alterman
Cale Bender
Toby Emmerich

Co-Producer:

Jake Weiner

Director:

David Cronenberg

Screenwriter:

Josh Olson

Cinematographer:

Peter Suschitzky

Editor:

Ronald Sanders

Composer:

Howard Shore

Cast: Roles:

Viggo Mortensen
Maria Bello
William Hurt
Ed Harris
Ashton Holmes
Heidi Hayes
Stephen McHattie
Greg Bryk
Peter MacNeill
Steve Arbuckle
Jason Barbeck
Sumela Kay
Ian Matthews
April Mullen
Connor Price
Evan Rose
Kyle Schmid
Morgan Kelly
Aiden Devine

Tom Stall/Joey Cusack
Edie Stall
Richie Cusack
Carl Fogaty
Jack Stall
Sarah Stall
Leland Jones
Billy Orser
Sheriff Sam Carney
Jared
Thug
Judy
Ruben
Lisa
Kid
Hulk Boy
Bobby Jordan
Bob’s friend
Charlie Roarke