In "The Violent Heart," truth-telling is at the heart of the drama. This was a theme underscored in Shakespeare's "Hamlet," which was being studied in the senior English class taught by Joseph, the father of the protagonist, Cassie.
Some of the best scenes in the film involved the blossoming relationship between Cassie and Daniel, whom she meets at the local auto repair store. A precocious and articulate young woman, Cassie is constantly trying to support Daniel as he struggles with his past.
The film turned into a spellbinding whodunnit with clues revealed to Cassie about the death of Daniel's older sister Wendy fifteen years in the past. Despite the often melodramatic nature of the narrative, the dialogue was engaging and the performances were first-rate.
By the end, Cassie is roughly in the position of Horatio at the end of "Hamlet," as he vows to set things right in Denmark through recounting the truth about what he has witnessed. In "The Violent Heart," the truth witnessed by Cassie is shattering for two families.
Some of the best scenes in the film involved the blossoming relationship between Cassie and Daniel, whom she meets at the local auto repair store. A precocious and articulate young woman, Cassie is constantly trying to support Daniel as he struggles with his past.
The film turned into a spellbinding whodunnit with clues revealed to Cassie about the death of Daniel's older sister Wendy fifteen years in the past. Despite the often melodramatic nature of the narrative, the dialogue was engaging and the performances were first-rate.
By the end, Cassie is roughly in the position of Horatio at the end of "Hamlet," as he vows to set things right in Denmark through recounting the truth about what he has witnessed. In "The Violent Heart," the truth witnessed by Cassie is shattering for two families.