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'A History of Violence' leaves a dark, enduring lesson

There is actually very little violence in David Cronenberg's remarkable new film, but the threat of mayhem hovers over the anything-but-academic A History of Violence on almost every frame.

Based loosely on a graphic novel whose bloodshed is far more graphic, this is an iconic contemporary western, or at least a mid-western, since much of it takes place in the picturesque, placid, small town of Millbrook, Ind. There a mild-mannered diner owner named Tom Stall (Viggo Mortensen) lives a peaceful existence with his loving, frisky wife, Edie (Maria Bello), and his Americana kids, but Tom may not be exactly what he seems to be.

New Line Cinema 'A History of Violence' A The verdict: A look at the nature of violence in a seductive, chilling yarn of identity from a masterful Cronenberg. Director: David Cronenberg Starring: Viggo Mortensen, Maria Bello, Ed Harris, William Hurt, Ashton Holmes Run time: 96 minutes Release date: September 23, 2005 Rating: R for strong brutal violence, graphic sexuality, nudity, language and some drug use. See showtimes On the web Official movie site View the trailer    Trailers require Quicktime Rate 'A History of Violence'   Go see it   Make it a matinee   Wait to rent   Don't bother Voter Limit: Once per Hour View Poll Results

Cronenberg is no stranger to the gruesome and grotesque, having made such movies as Dead Ringers, The Fly and The Dead Zone. But he is too smart a director to make movies with empty jolts. Beneath those tales not meant for the squeamish is usually an exploration of identity, the central theme that also lurks within A History of Violence.

As if to justify its title, the film begins with a jump-start of brutality — tastefully muted, that is — as a pair of probable no-goodniks check out of an anonymous motel by matter-of-factly dispatching the proprietor at his office desk. Later that evening, when the snarling duo stop for coffee at Stall's diner, we already expect them to shoot their way out of paying the check. Yet when they do pull a gun on him, mild-mannered Tom finds himself reflexively leaping over the counter and swiftly killing them both, becoming an instant media star and town hero.

Cronenberg gets us rooting against the bad guys, cheering Tom, thrilling to the swift efficiency of his violent outburst. But his family begins to withdraw from him, not recognizing the killer instinct he displayed. One who is pretty sure he does recognize it is a black-suited, scar-faced Philadelphia thug named Fogarty (Ed Harris, all coiled anger) who arrives in a sleek limo and insists on calling Tom "Joey Cusack," a gangster from back East whom he has long been hunting.

Did Tom turn suddenly violent in an extreme situation to protect his customers, his staff and himself? Or is he a killer with a past, who has been lucky hiding his primal nature, but his luck has run out?

In the course of a seductively involving story, Cronenberg and screenwriter Josh Olson ask some perplexing questions about the nature of violence and — by extension — our long-established affection for the vicarious thrill of violence on the silver screen.

Mortensen is ideally cast, for he seems to be built for fighting, yet clearly has a vulnerable side too.

Ultimately, the movie has to declare whether Tom is really Joey, but Mortensen keeps that mystery active until that moment. Harris, too, has built a career on his explosive outbursts, but he is most effective in their anticipation. A treat late in the film is the appearance of William Hurt, who has his juiciest role in years, and plays it to the hilt.

A History of Violence is a thought-provoking look at our dark side, but one that is laced with humor too. Cronenberg earns the laughs, even though they catch in the throat. He has made more horrific films, but perhaps none that is as hard to shake off as this enduringly disturbing fable.