As a cinephile with a penchant for the darker side of cinema, I must say that David Cronenberg‘s work has always held a special place in my heart. His unique ability to blend brutality and introspection creates a cinematic experience that is both visceral and thought-provoking.
David Cronenberg, a multitalented Canadian filmmaker recognized for pioneering the genre of body horror, is celebrated for his unique approach to biological and technological transformations. His early success as a director came with science fiction horror films such as ‘Shivers’ (1975), the cult favorite ‘Scanners’ (1981) and ‘The Fly’ (1986). However, Cronenberg isn’t confined to one style; he has also used his penchant for grisly scenes and contentious themes in various genres. Remarkably, two of the most acclaimed action films of the 2000s, or even ever, bear his signature: ‘A History of Violence’ and ‘Eastern Promises’, both released consecutively.
Interestingly, both these movies share themes related to the mob or mafia, a subject rich with possibilities for physical conflict, making it an ideal setting for Cronenberg to delve into his preferred topics. As he once stated to Cinephila Beyond, “For me, the fundamental truth of human existence is the human body.” To him, ignoring any part of the human body is a philosophical compromise. When discussing the grisly nature of his work, he said, “I never feel that I’m being exploitative in a crass or sensational manner, but rather it serves a purpose which I can clearly articulate.” This perspective is evident in both of his action movies, resulting in two critically-acclaimed projects that could be seen as the zenith of his 21st century filmography.
‘A History of Violence’ (2005)
In the 1997 graphic novel adaptation titled “A History of Violence“, we delve into the narrative of Tom Stall, a resident of a peaceful town. His life takes an unexpected turn when he bravely slays two robbers in his diner, earning him local hero status. However, the tale soon spirals into darkness as a Philadelphia mobster appears on the scene, asserting that Tom, portrayed by Viggo Mortensen, famously known for his role in “The Lord of the Rings“, is none other than Joey Cusack — a former mafia enforcer who had escaped from the city years prior.
As Tom’s real persona unfolds and the ethics behind his actions are scrutinized, we witness a thrilling game of cat-and-mouse. Renowned film critic Roger Ebert pointed out that the movie’s title carries multiple meanings: “(1) someone with a violent past; (2) using violence to solve conflicts historically; (3) the inherent violence seen in Darwinian evolution, where stronger organisms replace weaker ones over time.
Indeed, the movie “A History of Violence” delves into each of these concepts by examining the violent nature, both innate and learned, of every member in the Stall family, not just Tom. During Tom’s endeavor to reconnect with his long-lost criminal brother, we encounter some unsettlingly brutal scenes that seem painfully authentic, more so than what is typically found in action films. The entire film is directed with an ominous air of impending doom, which keeps viewers captivated but also leaves a sense of impending dread.
A History of Violence Is One of the Century’s Best
The film, titled A History of Violence, received swift recognition for its exceptional qualities. Both viewers and reviewers applauded the actors’ performances, the compelling script, and the captivating atmosphere Cronenberg managed to construct. William Hurt was recognized with an Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actor, while Josh Olsen was nominated for Best Adapted Screenplay. This action-oriented film, known for its emphasis on character development over plot twists, was frequently highlighted by notable institutions like the Toronto International Film Festival and the BBC. In a 2016 survey of 177 international film critics, it was ranked among the top 100 films since 2000.
In his critique for Rolling Stone, Peter Travers referred to Cronenberg as an under-appreciated genius in the film industry. He commended not only the director’s innovative concepts but also his flawless execution: “Cronenberg understands that violence is ingrained within our genetic makeup. His work demonstrates how we harbor a covert desire for what we publicly denounce. This makes for an incredibly potent thriller, and Cronenberg’s unique touch ensures it remains indelible in our memories.
‘Eastern Promises’ (2007)
In the 2007 action movie “Eastern Promises,” directed by David Cronenberg, Viggo Mortensen and Naomi Watts joined forces once again, following their collaboration in “A History of Violence.” This film delves into a gritty narrative about the Russian mafia. To truly appreciate the versatility of a talented actor, one need only compare Mortensen’s performances in these two films; he masterfully assumes distinct characters, even though both films were directed by the same person and fall under the same genre.
In this rephrased version: The author, Watts, introduces a character named Anna, a Russian-British midwife. She assists in the delivery of a baby girl, Natalia, who unfortunately dies during childbirth. What makes this birth unique is that the diary of the biological mother, filled with accounts of being trafficked, falls into Anna’s hands. As she endeavors to find the baby’s family, Anna becomes entangled in a dangerous network of ruthless career criminals who are not shy about using deception or violence, particularly when they discover the existence of the diary detailing Natalia’s past.
In the intricate web spun by the enigmatic Seymon, or Armin Mueller-Stahl, I find myself treading cautiously, alongside his trusted fixer Nikolai (Mortensen) and troubled son Kirill (Vincent Cassel). If my aim is to safeguard the infant and unravel the mystery surrounding Natalia’s destiny, then indeed, I have a formidable challenge ahead.
Eastern Promises Depicts a Violent Reality
In the gritty crime drama “Eastern Promises“, there are numerous gruesome executions, notably using linoleum knives instead of guns, a surprising choice given today’s standards. This film by David Cronenberg showcases his signature blend of brutal violence and introspective examination of the human body (and its inner workings). One of the most renowned fight scenes in cinema history unfolds here, taking place in a nude-only bathhouse where Viggo Mortensen engages in a life-or-death combat. This scene is among Cronenberg’s bloodiest, yet it also serves as an exceptional lesson in choreography, editing, and acting. With no clothing to conceal anything, we witness every ounce of tension in Mortensen’s muscles as he meticulously executes (quite literally) the fight.
The movie “Eastern Promises” received high praise, especially for its accurate portrayal of criminals. Viggo Mortensen, who played a criminal in the film, went to great lengths to prepare for his role. He studied Russian gangsters, consulted with an organized crime expert from the United Nations, and learned about the intricate and symbolic tattoos often found on members of the Russian mafia (which covered his character extensively). In fact, during filming, people on set would become fearful when he entered a location until he clarified that his tattoos were not real, demonstrating both how convincing they looked and how potentially dangerous real gangsters must be.
Eastern Promises Is Recognized for Its Greatness
The movie “Eastern Promises” is frequently compared to “A History of Violence.” While both are highly acclaimed, “Eastern Promises” leans towards the darker and more action-oriented side, whereas “A History of Violence” offers suspense with a hint of black comedy. The Toronto Film Festival honored “Eastern Promises” as the Best Film in terms of audience response, and it garnered 12 Genie Award nominations and three Golden Globe nominations. Viggo Mortensen won Best Actor at the British Independent Film Awards and was also nominated for an Oscar for his performance. In 2005 and 2007, Cronenberg’s films were consistently included in numerous “Top Ten” lists of the best movies of their respective years by several reliable sources.
Due to the overwhelming success of the movie, it’s no wonder that David Cronenberg considered making a sequel. As a matter of fact, a script for the continuation of Eastern Promises was being written as early as 2013, but the project suddenly fell through. When asked about the reason, Cronenberg pointed the finger at James Schamus at Focus for cancelling it. However, those sequel ideas eventually transformed into a standalone movie: the upcoming film Small Dark Look, starring Jason Statham and directed by Martin Zandvliet. The latest news about this project, though, dates back four years, so it might have met its end again.
Maybe one day Cronenberg will offer us another thrilling masterpiece to enjoy, but in the meantime, these two blockbusters should keep you entertained. If you’re interested, you can rent or purchase “A History of Violence” on platforms like Prime Video, Apple TV, YouTube, and Google Play. As for “Eastern Promises”, it is currently streaming on Paramount+ and Hulu. Here’s a link to watch them: [Link provided below]
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2024-11-24 06:02