Slow start, fine film

I almost gave up on A History of Violence because it starts so slowly. Indeed, about ten minutes in, I asked my wife, "Do you have any idea what this is about? I mean, why should I care?" This typically would be my exit line -- but I stayed and I'm glad I did. Ten minutes later I was riveted into the story. But this does show the peril of a slow, leisurely beginning in a movie, though I realize now there was a thematic purpose to this. A better strategy in this case usually is "a false hook," something more quickly gripping that actually isn't related much to the story but keeps the butts of the impatient, like myself, in their seats. At any rate, this drama about a man trying to escape his violent past is quite good once it gets into gear.