A History of Violence

Unassuming small-town diner owner and family man Tom Stall foils a robbery, killing the hold-up men, and becomes a hero. This new status brings the unwanted attention of a trio of men who claim to be from Tom's past. And a very violent past it turns out to be. Cronenberg, with the exceptional help of a great cast, deftly and cleverly plays with the notion of identity and reality, while he takes a jab at the audience's knowledge of and expectations for action movies and their conventions. It's all very cool and engrossing, but he makes you squirm a little for enjoying the ride.