Summary
Screenwriter Josh Olson reacts to the news thatA History of Violencehas been named one of the films of the century. Written by Olson anddirected by David Cronenberg, the action thriller tells the story of a once even-keeled man who grapples with the aftermath of a heroic act of violence that left him revered by his community but shocked at his own capability.A History of Violencestars a leading cast including Viggo Mortensen, Mario Bello, Ed Harris, andWilliam Hurt, and was nominated for Oscars for Best Writing, Adapted Screenplay for Olson, and Best Supporting Actor.
Taking to Twitter,Olsonreacts to the news thatA History of Violencehas been named one of the defining films of the 21st century bySight and Sound.
Olson delivered a post with a picture of a page from the physical magazine that revealedA History of Violence’s placement. Olson calledA History of Violence’s place on the list"A truly incredible honor.“In his post, Olson elaborated that he is “so proud of the way the movie’s stood the test of time.” He joked that one should blameSight and Soundif he is “insufferable for the next day or so.”
What Other Films Has Sight and Sound Liked Recently?
The Publication Is Respected For Its Rankings
Olson is right to be immensely proud of hisSight and Soundlist feat. The journal is credible in its evaluation of films, known for thorough analysis and high regard for quality and talent. Since 1952,Sight and Soundhas conducted a poll every 10 years to determine the greatest films of all time. In between that decennial list-making, the magazine will form other lists, including top lists within genres and given time periods. This most recent list hailed one era-defining movie from each year of the 21st century, each chosen by one of a team of 25 critics.
2022 markedSight and Sound’s most recent poll of thebest films of all time, butA History of Violencewas not among the 21st century movies that made it. Only 10 were able to make the official top 100, withIn the Mood for Lovehighest at #5. Even when looking at the expanded list of the top 250, which included 30 movies made since 2000, the Cronenberg film was not among them.
2000
5
2001
8
Portrait of a Lady on Fire
2019
30
2016
60 (tie)
The Gleaners and I
67 (tie)
75 (tie)
90 (tie)
2017
95 (tie)
2004
The difference in this latest list is likely due to methodology, asA History of Violencewas nominated by a single critic, as opposed to the aggregation of over 1000 top 10 lists. Nevertheless, any recognition fromSight and Soundis a prestigious honor, and one that is well-deserved for Olson and the rest of theA History of Violenceteam. Perhaps, if its standing continues to endure, the movie might even appear in the 2032 re-ranking.
A History of Violence
Cast
A History of Violence, directed by David Cronenberg, follows a quiet family man whose life changes dramatically after he becomes a local hero following an act of self-defense. As media attention grows, his past comes back to haunt him, revealing hidden truths and impacting his family’s perception of him.
