The film opens on a wide shot of a group of young boys arguing in a playground, the urban sprawl of New York City towering behind. Juxtaposed by a rousing title soundtrack reminiscent of the thriller genre, the scene sets up expectations that are simply obliterated by the rest of the film.
Directed by Roman Polanski (of The Pianist and Rosemary's Baby fame), Carnage takes place in the apartment home of Penelope and Michael Longstreet, currently discussing with Nancy and Alan Cowan a fight that occurred between their two sons. Starring Jodie Foster and John C. Reilly (as the Longstreets), and Kate Winslet and Christoph Waltz (as the Cowans), the film is engrossing, insofar as to say the talent on screen holds your attention for its relatively short 79 minutes. Unfortunately, the film as a whole is destined to be hit and miss with audiences.
The Film is Typical of the "Polanski Genre"
Dark comedy, a fixed setting and a small cast of characters, Carnage is recognizably a Polanski film. From the word go I expected a thriller, but it soon became apparent that the narrative was to take place in the apartment and nowhere else. It is easy to see why Polanski is acclaimed as a great filmmaker, although the slow-moving plot (so typical of his style) may be off-putting for fans of the more traditional and classical Hollywood narrative. Focused on the development of relations between the four protagonists, Polanski's film is in keeping with the rest of his work. Encased in a mid-sized high rise apartment, the four characters make attempts to go their separate ways during their meeting, but end up re-arguing the same points over and over - eventually getting drunk and showing their true colors.
Winslet, Waltz, Foster and Reilly - An All-Star Cast
The narrative of Carnage is basically a study of the development of the relationships between four strangers, who meet when their sons fight. Polanski's exploration into social etiquette, morality and civilized behavior is intriguing, and he proves his worth as one the film industry's greats. Jodie Foster steals the show as Penelope Longstreet, who believes her son to be completely innocent of any fault, and the sole victim of a brutal attack by the Cowans' son Zachary. Beginning as a picture of propriety and fair-mindedness, the encounter with the Cowans chips away at her composed exterior - producing an unhappy and distraught mother, who realizes that she is not as "fair-minded" as she first thought. The breakdown she undergoes is provoked by both the Cowans and her husband Michael (John C. Reilly). Eventually, all four characters are drunk and sliding between extremes of anger, laughter and generally getting on with each other. Winslet's transgression to her inebriated state is of the most comic value. It is wise to keep one eye on Winslet during the other characters' dialogue, as her attempts at composure and smugness produce the most entertainment.
Audience Reception of Carnage
I experienced the film with my sister and my friend. Within the first fifteen or so minutes, my sibling whispered to me how slow she found the narrative progression. In contrast I could hear my friend chuckling to herself at the dark comedy of the film. My opinion of Carnage is that is a clever idea, and has been executed with perfection by Polanski. And although story-line intrigued me, I found it did not hold my attention long enough for me to be engrossed by it.
The film clearly shows Polanski's mastery of the medium of film, and is well worth watching - good quality films are hard to come by these days.
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