Article Category: Movies

This brief report from the LA Film Festival quotes director Hossein Amini about his "affection for novelist Patricia Highsmith and the film's male star Viggo Mortensen -- and their ability to bring the dark side of human nature to the fore. 'I love the cruelty in her writing,' he told the audience at the festival. 'Viggo really embraces the ugly side of characters... Not a lot of stars do.'"

The reviewer is hooked by The Two Faces of January: "The performances are wonderful: Mortensen, as a man maintaining a battered façade of respectability, even as he disintegrates in alcohol and jealousy; Dunst, as a wearying sex-bomb looking for a way out; and Isaac, whose quality of watchfulness sets him apart from other young actors."

Viggo Mortensen talks about playing Chester MacFarland in The Two Faces of January and why the script and the subtle nature of it provided something a little bit different from the normal thriller. He also talks about his career post-Lord of the Rings and why he goes about choosing his roles in the way that he does.

Reviewer Gonsalves appreciates Philip Ridley's vision, even though he realized it's not for everyone: "By the time you get to the giant glittering silver shoe floating in the river, you'll know whether The Passion of Darkly Noon is your kind of insanity." Barely mentions Viggo but gives an interesting perspective on what he terms "another way-off-center masterpiece by Philip Ridley." Rating: 5/5 stars.

Two of the first images from The Road, with a quote from Viggo Mortensen.

Brief interview with Cronenberg and Mortensen explores the bathhouse scene, tattoos, and the polonium poisoning that occurred nearby while they were filming. “"We hear the Russian criminals are loving the movie because of the accuracy,"” Cronenberg said. “"The moral aspect of it is not really the issue for them. The issue is are we being mocked and did we get it right? Or did we get it wrong? And so far we have passed.”"

Press release announcing the release of the soundtrack CD for A History of Violence describes the origins of and inspirations for Howard Shore's original score. "The main character, Tom Stall, struggles with his own capacity for violence," says Shore. "The composition and its counterpoint were constructed to reflect Tom's dual nature.The film portrays the consequences of violence and its effect on family and community."

Critic applauds the mastery of Cronenberg's filmmaking while questioning its morality. He calls it "guilty pulp," "a Charles Bronson picture in Oscar-bait clothes, complete with a handy anti-violence message that's delivered with perfect timing, after the bad guys have been blown away." About Viggo's performance, he says, "Mortensen's transitions are so subtle that you almost buy his barely credible character."

Regarding the soundtrack for A History of Violence, Nick Joy says that Howard Shore has "fashioned an ominous score that is essentially structured around two or three themes, and primarily around the character of Tom." In his review, he explores the details of each track, concluding that this is "probably the most accessible Cronenberg score to date and certainly a welcome addition to the Shore canon."

Reviewer was deeply affected by A History of Violence, noting that the film left him with "a haunting image I am still digesting weeks later." He calls attention to Viggo Mortensen's performance: "One of the reasons why this film works so well is that Mortensen does a brilliant job at being such a humble, honest, hardworking man that we want to believe that’s who he actually is.... Mortensen’s power comes directly from his eyes. They speak much more than any line he delivers in the film and offer an astounding glimpse into the psyche of his character."

Reviewer gives A History of Violence 7/10 points, saying he liked the twists of the plot but didn't feel it had enough depth.

Under the heading, An Early Tip, Punters, you will find this reviewer's opinion: "The film of the [Cannes] festival so far has been David Cronenberg's A History of Violence." He quotes Viggo several times, including: "The real glory of it, said Mortensen, is that, from the first frame, you don't know what to make of it: 'You think: is this a bad movie? Is this really bad acting or is it good? You can't tell. But 10 minutes later, you stop asking yourself those questions.'" (Free registration required.)

Excellent in-depth review compares the film to the works of Hitchcock, Peckinpah and Lang, calling it "a uniquely American genre film that has the structure of a classic Western (with shootouts and showdowns) and the narrative of a morality play about the duality of human nature and the battle between good and evil." He rates it "A-," considering it to be "tautly directed, superbly acted and meticulously crafted, ... Cronenberg’s most watchable and accessible film in a long time." Finally, about Viggo, "Combining the handsome looks and charismatic presence of a leading man with the acting style of a character actor, Mortensen is perfectly cast as a classic American hero, a man of action but of few words. The details that have gone into his work show with the way his character moves, speaks, and dresses." (See also Levy's comparison between A History of Violence and Where the Truth Lies.)

Reviewer Liam Lacey explores the disturbing details that lie beneath the surface of A History of Violence, as Cronenberg explores the effects of violence on the family and individuals. Interesting comments from Viggo Mortensen, Maria Bello and David Cronenberg, in particular Bello's description of the filming of a violent (though consensual) sexual encounter that left her feeling physically and emotionally battered.

Thumbs up from Ebert for A History of Violence and Viggo Mortensen in "one of the best performances of his career."

Reviewer quotes Viggo pointing out the meaning behind the violence in A History of Violence.

Although A History of Violence may well be Cronenberg's most mainstream film in years, the 62-year-old Toronto native still aimed to make the audience do a little work for its entertainment. It is that characteristic, says Mortensen, that drew him to the project.

Review based on interview with Cronenberg at Cannes discusses the nature of the violence and sexuality in A History of Violence.

Detailed and analytic review concludes that as "one of [Cronenberg's] more straightforward pictures, [A History of Violence] should delight mainstream audiences who prefer their action pictures to have some depth of character, several twists in the plot and a satisfying conclusion."

Reviewer focuses on how A History of Violence explores the nature of violence, observing that "the uncomfortable mix of humor and violence is meant to make people think." Includes quotes from Viggo Mortensen and David Cronenberg.