10.26.2008

deep throughts: Fernandes reviews Cronenberg

A Future of Violence, director David Cronenberg's long unanticipated prequel to face-breaking epic 'A History of Violence' will succeed where the first failed. whereas AHOV revolves around the unmerciful pigeons of thug-turned-niceguy Tom Stall coming home to roost in the quieter post-murderous moments of his life, AFOV delves mainly into the pubescent years of the main character. Stall's future penchant for violence is ominously foreshadowed by the turbulence of his battles with hormonal changes and intolerant parents.

"I hate you!" shouts a young Stall at his mother for no apparent reason other than dissatisfaction with his slow physical maturity, " And I'm purposefully repressing this anger so that it will surface sometime in young adulthood, mom!" amidst the overwhelmingly poignant and daring non-acceleration of the plot, intermittent but carefully timed outbursts like these are what show Cronenberg's deft handling of the tension, the calm-vs-rage duality, that was way too subtle in his previous effort. furthermore Cronenberg adds complexity to his heavy-hearted protagonist, drawing parallels to AHOV's inspired 69 scene, with a tender flashback to a young Stall, tears flowing freely, discovering masturbation.

A Future of Violence is sure to leave a previously dissatisfied audience with the sense of closure it clamors for. it will be in limited release soon.

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