Review of Carnage

This movie directed by Roman Polankski is really unique, as most of the film was shot in real time, without breaks and, with the exception of the park scenes, in a single location. It reminds me of previous one room stage plays works turn into feature films like Alfred Hitchcock's 1948 'Rope', Sidney Lumet's 1957's 12 Angry Men or 1966's 'Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf' by Mike Nichols. I love how the movie is shot in one location. It's does give that small time playwright play feel as if the viewer is an audience member in a silence sitcom watching these events unfold in front of them. The movie tells the story of two boy's parents meeting in Brooklyn apartment to discuss the matter of their children getting into a fight in the park that results in one boy, hitting the other, in the face with a stick. Alan (Christoph Waltz) and Nancy Cowan (Kate Winslet), visit the home of Michael (John C. Reilly) and Penelope Longstreet (Jodie Foster), to talk about the issue, only to find out that their intended short meeting became drawn out longer due to various circumstances. They soon overstay their welcome, and the peaceful conversation turn ugly; as the two sets of families continue to try to get the upper hand over the other family in verbal battle of wits over issues ranging from dead hamsters, cell phone use, to prescribed drugs. Sooner than later both sets of parents find themselves at each other throats. The movie is surgically exposing the true layers of social convention with dry wit mean-spirited humor. While, some people might find this annoying or unlikeable to listen to. I found myself, very interested in what was being said. I also found myself, laughing at times at the smart humor. It's definitely not everyone's cup of tea but if you enjoy subtle, refined humor it is well worth your time to give it a watch. Other humor like the vomit gag kinda turn me off from the film. I have to say, the humor is well-rounded. All of the actors did their parts, very well. John C. Reilly really comes across as the well mattered laid back Average Joe whom would simply appreciate an apology from their child and quickly forget about it. Jodie Foster really knows how to act like an arrogance stuck up author with a pushy agenda. She never seems to want to shut her mouth against people, she secretly despise. She has this unpleasantly overbearing preachy attitude that you can help, not hating. Christoph Waltz indeed waltz into the right role as the aloof over busy brutality honest Pharmaceutical spin doctor businessman. It was funny, how often, he had to pick up his cell phone for a call. Kate Winslet is truly amazing as the over emotional bi polar train wreck who find herself, going to extremes in both in mania and her lows. The movie is well written, and very faithful to the Tony Award winning play God of Carnage by French playwright Yasmina Reza. Although set in Brooklyn, New York, the film was shot in Paris, because of Polanski's fugitive status. You really couldn't tell the different, since most of the film was indoors. The opening and closing scenes, ostensibly filmed in Brooklyn Bridge Park, were shot by a second unit. The movie is well shot and shows why Roman Polanski is a good director. A lot of critics might hate this film, due to the fact, that Polanski is a controversial figure. In 1977, after a photo shoot in Los Angeles, Polanski was arrested for the rape of a 13-year-old girl and pleaded guilty to the charge of unlawful sex with a minor. To avoid sentencing, Polanski fled to his home in London, eventually settling in France. I have to say, while I'm not a huge fan of Polanski, the person, I do praise his works as director. He has a secret cameo in the film that worth checking out. Overall: I believe in the god of carnage. The god whose rule's been unchallenged since time immemorial. This movie showcase their power and it works as a pretty good comedy. What are you still doing here? Go home and watch the film. It's that good.