Carnage Review

31st Jan 2012

Polanski takes a swing with this dramedy and hits big with a cast comprised largely of only Jodie Foster, John C Reilly, Kate Winslet and Christoph Waltz.

Winslet and Waltz’ 11 year old son has struck and damaged the son of Foster and Reilly in a playground bicker. The adults come together at one of their apartments to try to talk out and resolve the issue as best as possible. But in a meeting that begins with pleasantries and cake (masking hidden venom); the issue and true nature of the hosts and guests soon boils to the surface.

Much has been made already of the almost already infamous “puking” scene. Probably because it’s such a sudden thing, don’t let it overshadow all the diamonds glistening under the surface as there is far more here to enjoy.

It’s very clear that this is stage play material; but the actors handle the space and dialogue very well. There are times when you question the dialogue spoken out loud (would you really be so open about your personal problems so fast with a strange couple whose son beat yours up?), but considering that we are watching the debasing of adult and mature behaviour, you largely let it all slip by.

Waltz probably walks away with top honours as his accepting, yet guarded lawyer spends most of his screen time on his mobile phone much to the irritation of his company. Foster is worth noting firstly for letting her age appear naturally on screen, but for a real powerhouse performance that comes off like Monica Gellar probably would be outside of the funny side of Friends.