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| Carnage (2011) |
My Long Over Due Film Review of Roman Polanski’s Carnage.
From the stiff social awkwardness of the first twenty minutes, to the chaotic screaming and tantrums of the last, Roman Polanski’s new dark comedy Carnage is engrossing from start to finish. Based on Yasmina Reza’s play God of Carnage, the film looks at two sets of parents meeting to discuss a recent incident in which their children quarrelled, resulting in one child being physically hurt. The plot is thrilling, thought provoking and supports itself beautifully throughout. It snakes through the tensions of the two couples marvellously, creating uncomfortable, shocking and hilarious moments. The script is witty and captivating and really draws out the complexity of the characters in comparison to the simplicity of the plot.
From the stiff social awkwardness of the first twenty minutes, to the chaotic screaming and tantrums of the last, Roman Polanski’s new dark comedy Carnage is engrossing from start to finish. Based on All four lead roles are perfectly cast and executed with the utmost care. Kate Winslet’s blank expression and stone faced persona is believable and the transitions we see the characters undergo throughout the film are seen most severely here within her character, Nancy. Winslet seems to have a true gift for showing sudden change in character in a humorous, yet realistic way. Christoph Waltz, in the role of Nancy’s husband Alan, plays his role with intelligent and witty subtlety which, combined with the other personas, has great comedic effect. John C. Reilly’s laid back attitude in the role of Michael is the perfect contrast to Jodie Foster’s stunning performance as the high maintenance Penelope.Carnage sees Foster in a domestic role like no other. Her internal performance leaks onto the screen and is utterly convincing, representing the dark side of marriage and motherhood. All four performances merge into one as the plot develops and the famous faces vanish behind the masks of these realistic and fascinating characters.
Besides the accurate portrayals of this social discomfiture and the sharp harshness of the script,Carnage is a success due to everything it represents about modern life and the modern family. A father’s lack of interest in his son and another’s lack of humility towards a rodent stands for so much more. The film criticises our reliance on technology, our snobbery in regards to art and culture and society’s obsession with appearance and the fakery that consumes us. For everything it stands for, for every giggle it provides us with, Carnage is not to be missed by anyone. It’s complexity of character and simplicity of storyline makes it an understated gem that should be seen by everyone; both genders and all ages.
Thanks for reading and let’s all keep supporting our beloved film industry.
Hannah McHaffie 