A History of Violence (2005)

Screenplay Genre: Crime / Thriller / Drama

Movie Time: 96 minutes

1. INCITING INCIDENT

When Tom realizes that Leland and Billy plan to kill everyone in the diner, Tom acts fast, killing both men, getting stabbed in the foot during the shootout. (00:21:48)

2. LOCK IN (End of Act One)

Fogarty claims Tom is actually Joey Cusack, who used to run with the Irish Mob back in Philadelphia. Tom fails to convince Fogarty otherwise and is now forced to deal with this mistaken identity. (00:29:14)

3. FIRST CULMINATION (Midpoint)

Fogarty asks Tom if he has anything to say before he kills him. The Joey within Tom responds: "I should have killed you back in Philly." Fogarty smiles but before he can finish the job, he gets a load of buckshot in the back courtesy of Jack. The Stall's survive, but they all know Tom really is Joey. (00:52:15)

4. MAIN CULMINATION (End of Act Two)

When Sam the Sheriff leaves after Edie confirms her husbands identity as Tom, she turns away from Tom in revulsion, slapping him and shouting: "Fuck you, Joey!" Joey/Tom pushes her down onto the staircase, and they engage in an intense and violent sex scene, which contrasts an earlier romantic/playful lovemaking scene. (1:04:17)

5. THIRD ACT TWIST

Richie, Joey's brother and mob boss, gets locked out of his own house with Joey inside. He lowers his gun to get out his keys to reenter when Joey opens the door and shoots Richie in the head. Joey is finally free from his violent past. (1:26:24)