After seeing the trailer for Roman Polanski’s Carnage, I immediately had high hopes because of the exceptional cast. Namely, Kate Winslet, Christoph Waltz, John C. Reilly and Jodie Foster. These seasoned performers play two sets of parents who decide to meet at one of their homes after their sons are involved in a fight. Before too long, as you can imagine, things get pretty dramatic and amusing.
Based on the play by Yasmina Reza, understandably, 98% of this film is set in one room. This is far from a bad thing because at no point did I yearn for different scenery; everything that happened was just that engaging.
The dialogue in Carnage is beautifully written and delivered. The lines spoken by Waltz’s character made me laugh the most, thanks in part to his character’s highly committed relationship with his phone. One might even argue that, though uncredited, that phone is very much a key member of the cast.
There’s also the highlight that’s the seriously uptight and judgemental mother played by Foster. I confess that I saw a little bit of myself in all the four main people in this story. However, I shan’t divulge which one person in particular.
I really enjoyed this movie. In some ways, more so because I’ve never seen the play. I therefore don’t have anything to compare it to. And, besides amusing me, Carnage highlighted the fact that the cause of most, if not all, personal conflict is judgment. Particularly judgment of the blatant and unapologetic variety.
Watch it because it’s good and fun.
Happy Film loving,
G
