He's fairly overrated and forumlaic, IMHO. Granted, he's a great director, but art-house types tend to overpraise him whereas I see him as a hit or miss filmmaker, who pretty much peaked in the 80's, save "Naked Lunch".
I think the term "genius" is grossly overused, especially in entertainment. He's creative, and was once inventive, but using the same elements time and time again, and then applying them to a movie that they don't work in doesn't fly.
You seem to have edited out the part of your post where you said that "the difference here is that I share a basis for my opinion; others don't." but I'll just say that I don't really feel the need to sit here and defend David Cronenberg to you. His talent and ability to make critically acclaimed films isn't on trial. And for the record, however well you think you explained the basis for your opinion, you didn't say a whole heck of a lot beyond "fairly overrated and forumlaic" and "hit or miss." A few buzz words for sure, but there wasn't any real substance to that declaration of his product as overhyped and deficient in the genius department. You call him 'hit or miss,' I call him understated and unflinching. More often than not, it's the viewership that's hit or miss.
Cronenberg has been at it for decades and is a master of his craft. He possesses a unique sensibility, a keen eye, a deep understanding of subtlety (complimented by the ability to appropriately forego subtlety to acheive a desired effect), and while his films are often rooted in science fiction and/or horror, they almost always deal with far deeper themes that function on multiple levels. He does about a million things right when it comes to filmmaking and story telling. 'A History of Violence' was vintage Cronenberg and dealt with many of humanity's less desireable traits in a gritty, entertaining, and meaningful way - while succeeding on a basic storytelling level as well.
I'll agree with you that the label 'genius' is used too often when it comes to the entertainment industry - but for Cronenberg it is 100% applicable - he's spent 35 or so years earning it. For me 'A History of Violence' only goes to show that he
hasn't peaked yet. I'm looking very forward two his next two projects 'London Fields' and 'I Kill.' If 'A History of Violence' is any indication, they'll be fantastic.