By Tommy Bond, Film Critic
When you violently tear away all of the fancy clothes, expensive liquor, and notions about what is prim and proper, what are you left with? Acclaimed director Roman Polanski might argue that the answer is Carnage.
His latest work is based on the stage show, The God of Carnage, and it stars John C. Reilly and Jodie Foster as the Longstreets, and Christoph Waltz and Kate Winslet as the Cowans-two married couples of the upper-crust society, who sit down to discuss, like the dignified adults they are, the very unfortunate fight between their two boys.
It’s a simple plot really, with one simple set (a plush apartment), that in 80 simple minutes shows us just how horribly despicable people can be as their facades of dignity and self-importance are eroded away by an array of toxic conversation.
As old bourbon is poured and vomit is projected, the conversation ranges from job prestige to artistic taste, to a lack thereof, to a downright assault on all that is good and holy in this world. And everything in-between.
Darkly, darkly amusing and impeccably acted with perfect notes of timing, Carnage has something for everyone, reminding us all of the times we are asked, “Now, is this really worth getting angry over?”, and we, knowing full well that it isn’t, decide to get violently irate anyway. Just because we can.
Rated R for language.
Running Time: 80 Minutes.
Released in theatres: December 16th, 2011.
