David Cronenberg and Viggo Mortenson suprised everyone when A History of Violence was released in 2005. Mortenson was coming from the incredibly successful and iconic Lord of the Rings franchise and Cronenberg was known for darkly psychological creep-outs like Crash, Naked Lunch, and Dead Ringers. It seemed like an unusal partnership and an unconventional choice for both of them.

A History of Violence is an incredible film, and Cronenberg has finally acheived widespread recognition as a master director. Mortenson, of course, continues to build his reputation as an exceptionally talented and devoted actor, despite his leading man good looks.

As Tom Stall, Mortenson takes the audience on a ride and you're not so sure if he's driving or simply riding beside you. When thugs happen into his small-town diner, the mild-mannered Stall shocks the sleepy town and his family by skilfully killing the two men in a burst of almost-instinctive violence. As life in a small-town does, things begin to settle down until the arrival of a mob boss (Ed Harris) claiming that he knows Stall arrives.

It's a terrific film that is relentless in its pace and mystery. You'll be guessing whether Tom Stall is who he says he is up until the very end, and then more importantly, does it matter who he is?