MovieChat Forums > A History of Violence (2005) Discussion > Was Joey/Tom a former Airborne Ranger?

Was Joey/Tom a former Airborne Ranger?

posted 3 years ago by [deleted]
3 replies | jump to latest

I mean I understand living the life of a mobster/criminal requires you to be good at violence...but Joey was a step or two above everyone else...even seasoned mobsters.

Was it really all sheer talent? Or did he have the kind of training only the military can provide in terms of hand to hand combat?

You’d think that would be mentioned by someone in the movie. Crazy Joey who got a Section 8 for being too crazy and violent for the military.

One does wonder just how he got so good at dispatching opponents with such ruthless efficiency and lethality.

[–] Bootselectric (165) 3 years ago

Sheer talent.

[–] [deleted] 3 years ago

There’s only so far that can get you no?

[–] Bootselectric (165) 3 years ago

Yes, but in Joey’s case it was apparently far enough for him to handle his business and consistently come out on top.
There are other factors to consider as well, timing, luck, chance....
I’m not meaning to sound lame here but as Sheriff Little Bill stated in Unforgiven, and I’m more than paraphrasing here, the controlled, calm, and methodical fighter will more than likely come out ahead.
When Joey fought/killed he was like Michael Jordan taking the game winning three, completely focused, while everyone else is at best, scrambling to react.