A History of Violence (2005), directed by David Cronenberg, is a gripping thriller that explores the dark and inescapable ties between violence, idenтιтy, and morality. Adapted from the graphic novel by John Wagner and Vince Locke, the film stars Viggo Mortensen as Tom Stall, a small-town diner owner whose quiet life is upended by an act of heroism that thrusts him into the national spotlight—and back into a past he thought he had left behind. Mortensen’s nuanced performance anchors this tense and deeply human story, while Cronenberg’s direction turns a seemingly simple narrative into a complex meditation on human nature and the cost of violence.

The story begins in the idyllic town of Millbrook, Indiana, where Tom lives with his loving wife, Edie (Maria Bello), and their two children. Their peaceful lives are shattered when two violent criminals attempt to rob Tom’s diner. In a shocking display of skill and brutality, Tom kills the would-be robbers, saving his customers and becoming a local hero overnight. However, this act of self-defense draws the attention of dangerous figures from Tom’s past, including the sinister Carl Fogarty (Ed Harris), who claims that Tom is actually “Joey Cusack,” a notorious mobster from Philadelphia. Tom’s denial of his past becomes increasingly strained as the violence from his former life encroaches upon his present.

Viggo Mortensen delivers a powerhouse performance as Tom/Joey, embodying a man torn between his peaceful family life and the violent persona he once inhabited. Mortensen’s portrayal subtly shifts throughout the film, revealing hints of the brutality and ruthlessness that lie beneath his calm exterior. His internal struggle is palpable, as he tries desperately to suppress the violent instincts that once defined him. Mortensen’s performance is complemented by Maria Bello, who gives a standout portrayal of Edie, a woman grappling with the horrifying realization that her husband may not be who she thought he was. Bello captures Edie’s turmoil, love, and growing disillusionment as she confronts the dark truth about her husband’s past.

The tension escalates when Carl Fogarty and his men arrive in Millbrook, determined to force Tom to acknowledge his past as Joey Cusack. Ed Harris is chilling as Fogarty, bringing an air of menace and dark humor to the role. His interactions with Mortensen are fraught with psychological tension, as Fogarty’s presence slowly peels away the facade that Tom has carefully constructed. The clash between Tom and Fogarty is not just a physical confrontation but a battle over Tom’s true idenтιтy and whether it is possible to truly leave a violent past behind.

David Cronenberg’s direction in A History of Violence is precise and unflinching. Known for exploring the darker aspects of human nature and body horror, Cronenberg brings a visceral intensity to the film’s depiction of violence. The film’s brutal scenes are sudden, raw, and unglamorous, emphasizing the physical and emotional consequences of violence. Cronenberg does not shy away from showing the aftermath of each act, highlighting how violence leaves lasting scars on those who commit and witness it.

The film also delves into complex themes, such as the nature of idenтιтy, the allure and horror of violence, and the struggle for redemption. Tom’s past as Joey represents a darker, primal part of himself that he has worked hard to bury, but which surfaces in moments of extreme stress and danger. As the film progresses, it becomes clear that Tom’s attempt to escape his violent past is both a personal and societal struggle. The story raises questions about whether people can truly change or if they are forever defined by their past actions.

The relationship between Tom and Edie is a central aspect of the film, providing both its emotional core and some of its most harrowing moments. Their marriage, once a symbol of stability and trust, is tested by revelations of Tom’s past. A scene in which they argue and later make love with a mix of anger, pᴀssion, and despair is one of the film’s most memorable and raw moments, capturing the complexity of love, betrayal, and desire.

In addition to its exploration of personal and familial conflict, A History of Violence reflects on broader societal themes, such as the American mythos of heroism and the thin line between heroism and brutality. Tom’s transformation from local hero to a man with a dark, violent history mirrors society’s fascination with and revulsion toward violence. The film’s тιтle itself invites viewers to question whether violence is an intrinsic part of human history and idenтιтy, and whether it is ever possible to break free from its cycle.

The final act brings Tom face-to-face with his past in a climactic confrontation with his brother, Richie (played by William Hurt in an Oscar-nominated performance). Richie’s appearance is brief but impactful, providing a stark reminder of the life Tom left behind and the violence that still defines him. The tense and bloody showdown underscores the inescapability of Tom’s past and the cost of trying to suppress it.

In conclusion, A History of Violence is a masterfully crafted thriller that transcends genre conventions to become a profound exploration of idenтιтy, morality, and the consequences of violence. Viggo Mortensen, Maria Bello, and Ed Harris deliver outstanding performances, while David Cronenberg’s direction ensures that every moment of tension and violence resonates deeply. The film leaves audiences questioning the true nature of idenтιтy and whether it is possible to escape one’s past—a testament to its depth and enduring impact.

A Farmer’s Misplaced Hammer Led to the Largest Roman Treasure in Britain

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November 16, 1992 was the day which changed Suffolk-resident Eric Lawes’ life in a huge way. What he thought would have been an innocent search for a hammer he had misplaced on his farm in Hoxne Village, Suffolk, England ended up bringing him much more than he had bargained for — namely, uncovering the hiding spot of a long-hidden treasure. Based on the Guardian’s coverage of the story, Eric Lawes had been previously gifted a metal detector upon his retirement as a parting token. He decided to put his retirement gift to good use in order to locate the hammer which he had had some trouble finding. According to a 2018 Smithsonian Magazine article, when the device started recording that there was a strong signal coming from the earth, he knew that he was about to discover something big. As he started digging, it soon became clear to him that he had unearthed a treasure trove.

The Guardian reports that, when Lawes saw that his preliminary digging had yielded a few gold coins and silver spoons, he immediately contacted both the local archaeological society and the police department. Archaeologists came to the property the following day and had the area of earth holding the treasure carefully sectioned-off and removed. Their hope was that at a later stage, in their laboratory, they could examined the items in order to identify both their age and how they were stored.

When all was said and done, close to 60 pounds of items made from silver and gold were found on the site. These included more than 15,000 Roman coins, 200 gold objects, and several silver spoons. For archaeologists, this find — which later became labeled as the Hoxne Hoard — was an incredible discovery. AP News reported that archaeologist Judith Plouviez was over-the-moon about the discovery, saying that it was “an incredibly exciting and amazing find.” What’s more, another archaeologist, Rachel Wilkinson, told Smithsonian Magazine that this discovery was “the largest and latest ever found in Britain.”

Ordinarily, archaeologists would use radiocarbon dating as a means of identifying the age of ancient relics. However, they couldn’t locate any suitable material from the haul. Consequently, they determined the age by examining writing on the coins, as well as the ruler carved into them, estimating that the treasure was probably buried in either 408 or 409 AD.

Roman-era archaeologist Peter Guest told Smithsonian Magazine that “if you look at them a little more carefully, then they should be dated to the period after the separation of Britain from the Roman Empire.” He offers as part of his evidence the fact that almost all of the coins found in the Hoxne Hoard were clipped – in other words, small chunks of their edges had been taken off. These clippings would have been used to create coins which were similar to the Roman coins of that era.

Guest has a logical reason for this, arguing that “The Roman Empire wasn’t supplying Britain with new gold and silver coins, and in light of that, the population tried to get over this sudden cutoff in the supply of their precious metals by making the existing supplies go further.”

Archaeologists also believe that the treasure belonged to a Romano-British family. During that time, considering that there was so much societal discord and upheaval, it was common for Romans who had settled in Britain to bury their most prized possessions.

That said, one archaeologist is of the belief that the hoard had a lot of sentimental value for the Romano-British family to whom it is believed to have belonged. In her book The Hoxne Late Roman Treasure: Gold Jewellery and Silver Plate, Catherine Johns claims that the manner in which the treasure was kept supported this claim. Some of the items which were recovered had been packaged in small, wooden boxes which were lined with leather. What’s more, pieces of wood, locks, and nails, among other things, surrounded the gold and silver pieces. This leads Catherine to assert that the package was carefully buried and not simply chucked away in a rush.

Interestingly enough, the items unearthed might shed some light on the identity of the family who owned them. They cite a gold bracelet bearing the inscription “UTERE FELIX DOMINA IULIANE,” which roughly translates to “use this happily Lady Juliane”. A second name “Aurelius Ursicinus” has also been discovered. This has consequently led some to believe that Juliane and Aurelius were the couple and the original owners of the treasure. That said, that has yet to be confirmed.

All in all, the discovery was a real treasure for archaeologists, and by extension, for Lawes. According to Smithsonian Magazine, in recognition of his discovery and willingness to contact authorities, the British government rewarded him with over £1.7 million, an amount which he shared with the farmer whose land was dug out in order to get the treasure. Funnily enough, apart from the treasure, Lawes also found his lost hammer — which now resides in the British Museum.