QIs 'A History of Violence' based on a book?
AYes, the movie is based on a graphic novel of the same name, written by John Wagner with the art drawn by Vince Locke. The movie does take a significantly different track regarding the climax, ending, and several characters.
QWhat's the significance of the ending?
AThe final scene uses facial expressions and body language alone, with no dialogue spoken, to pose three questions for the viewer to answer for themselves. First and most immediately obvious, is whether Edie can forgive Tom, and can the family move on and be a family again. Second, will anyone else from Joey's past come looking for him? (As Richie tells Tom/Joey, 'Boys in Boston are just waitin' for me to go down). Third and less obvious, is whether Jack will finish growing up with the same talent for violence as his father-- once pressed, he gave Bobby such a savage beating as to put him in the hospital.
QWas Richie offering to spare Tom's life when he calls him in the middle of the night?
ANot at all. Richie makes it very clear from the start that he is summoning his brother home to settle the score between them, and that he wants Joey dead as much as Fogarty did. By giving Tom/Joey a choice to either come to Philadelphia or else have Richie come out to his home, Richie was offering to spare, not Joey, but Edie and the kids. Richie knew that Tom's wife and children knew nothing about him and he could afford to let them live if Tom came to see him. If Richie had to go out to Tom's house, Edie, Jack and Sarah would be eliminated as witnesses and collateral damage. Tom/Joey clung to a thread of hope to avoid a direct showdown, but Richie shows that this is not an option. Richie's question, 'Are you gonna come see me, or do I have to come see you?' sets the stage for the inevitable confrontation between Joey and his older brother.
Share this
