Film Review: Carnage

About Carnage (2011) Roman Polanski directs this comedy of manners adapted from the play by Yasmina Reza, who also co-writes the screenplay. A stripped-back four-hander, the film tells the satirical tale of two sets of well-heeled New York City parents – Penelope and Michael Longstreet (Jodie Foster and John C. Reilly) and Nancy and Alan Cowan (Kate Winslet and Christoph Waltz) – who meet for a discussion after their sons are involved in a violent incident in the school playground. Despite their honourable intentions, long-suppressed resentments and hostilities soon flare up both between and within the couples, leading to a rapid deterioration in civilities.

Starring: Jodie Foster, Kate Winslet, Christoph Waltz, John C. Reilly, Elvis Polanski

Directed by: Roman Polanski

Runtime: 80 minutes

Studio: Sony Pictures Home Entertainment

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Review: Carnage

It’s the Longstreets vs the Cowans in Roman Polanski’s comedy. The respective sons of both parents have been involved in a fight at school where one has struck the other with a stick leading to some dental work. Alan (Christopher Waltz) and Nancy Cowan (Kate Winslet) meet with Michael (John C Reilly) and Penelope Longstreet (Jodie Foster) at their home to write a joint letter to the school and bring an end to the whole sorry mess. What begins as an amicable discussion and the agreement that the warring boys should make peace soon descends into chaos as four strong personalities compete and refuse to give an inch.

Penelope is strong-willed and insistent that her son has done no wrong being the victim in the school dispute. Michael’s loyalty veers during the exchange and he tries to be the good guy in maintaining the peace and offering nibbles for the guests. Nancy seems agreeable at the outset but the slightest word from Michael or Penelope leads to her taking offense and arguments quickly ensue. Alan is a workaholic and divides his time between talking with Michael and Penelope and answering his mobile which seems to ring every few minutes, slowly annoying everyone else in the vicinity. The film takes place entirely in the Longstreet residence as the two couples battle it out. Inevitably the odd household item becomes victim to the duel but will they make peace in the end?

Though Carnage falls short of the 90 minute mark it is still impressive work from Polanski to have this set entirely in one apartment and simply be the Cowans and Longstreets having some pretty vicious arguments. The irony is they have come to resolve a somewhat childish falling out at school only to prove they are far more juvenile than their own children. The four leads are all great and it’s certainly a privilege to have Oscar winners Winslet and Foster facing off against one another. In the end I prefer Reilly’s tactic of grabbing a whisky when things get very heated! Audiences looking for a more eventful film should probably look elsewhere but this a funny and well scripted comedy.

Carnage successfully maintains the interest despite the one apartment setting. This must have been a gamble for Polanski but he has ensured the film never becomes monotonous or dull at any point. A great cast, funny script and lessons in what not to leave on your coffee table are all here in abundance.

Verdict: 4/5

(Film source: reviewer’s own copy)

About the Author:

I was born in Barnsley, South Yorkshire, England and have always been a bookworm and enjoyed creative writing at school. In 1999 I created the Elencheran Chronicles and have been writing ever since. My first novel, Fezariu's Epiphany, was published in May 2011. When not writing I'm a lover of films, games, books and blogging. I now live in Huddersfield, West Yorkshire, with my wife, Donna, and our six cats - Kain, Razz, Buggles, Charlie, Bilbo and Frodo.

David M. Brown – who has written 809 posts on Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dave.

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