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A History of Violence

A History of Violence is a 2005 action thriller film directed by David Cronenberg and written by Josh Olson.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

A History of Violence is a 2005 action thriller film directed by Canadian filmmaker David Cronenberg and written by Josh Olson. Based on the 1997 graphic novel by John Wagner and Vince Locke, the film stars Viggo Mortensen, Maria Bello, Ed Harris, and William Hurt. It premiered at the 2005 Cannes Film Festival and was released in the United States in September 2005.

Plot

The plot follows Tom Stall, a small-town diner owner, whose act of self-defence in killing two robbers makes him a local hero. The event brings him public attention and forces him to confront a violent past that threatens his family.

Production and adaptation

The screenplay was written by Josh Olson, adapted from the 1997 DC graphic novel by John Wagner and Vince Locke. David Cronenberg directed the film. The film was directed by Canadian filmmaker David Cronenberg, making it relevant to Canadian film history and audiences interested in Canadian directors working in international cinema.

Release

The film premiered in competition for the Palme d'Or at the 2005 Cannes Film Festival. It was released in the United States in limited release on September 23, 2005, and in wide release on September 30, 2005. Distributed by New Line Cinema, the film has an R rating for strong brutal violence, language, nudity, graphic sexuality, and some drug use.

Reception and legacy

A History of Violence has been widely discussed as a notable work of 2000s cinema and has appeared on various greatest-film lists.

Key facts

  • The film is an adaptation of the 1997 graphic novel by John Wagner and Vince Locke.
  • It was directed by Canadian filmmaker David Cronenberg.
  • The film premiered at the 2005 Cannes Film Festival in competition for the Palme d'Or.
  • It stars Viggo Mortensen, Maria Bello, Ed Harris, and William Hurt.
  • The film has an R rating for strong brutal violence, language, nudity, graphic sexuality, and some drug use.
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Canadian context

The film was directed by Canadian filmmaker David Cronenberg, making it relevant to Canadian film history and audiences interested in Canadian directors working in international cinema.[1][5]

Frequently asked questions

What is A History of Violence about?
It follows a small-town diner owner whose violent act brings him fame and then exposes a threatening past.
Who directed A History of Violence?
David Cronenberg directed the film.
Is A History of Violence based on a book?
Yes. It is adapted from the 1997 graphic novel by John Wagner and Vince Locke.
Who stars in the film?
The main cast includes Viggo Mortensen, Maria Bello, Ed Harris, and William Hurt.
When was it released?
It premiered at Cannes in 2005 and was released in the United States on September 23, 2005, in limited release, followed by wide release on September 30, 2005.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A_History_of_Violence
    Supports: Director, writer, adaptation source, cast, release dates, Cannes premiere, and general synopsis
  2. British Film Institute — https://www.bfi.org.uk/film/c83d6f60-b394-5233-a1e4-7183a9f4806e/a-history-of-violence
    Supports: Directed by David Cronenberg and running time
  3. Rotten Tomatoes — https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/history_of_violence
    Supports: Synopsis, director, writer, distributor, rating, runtime, and release dates
  4. Common Sense Media — https://commonsensemedia.org/movie-reviews/a-history-of-violence
    Supports: Plot summary, runtime, rating, and release information