Carnage (2011)
Jodie Foster, Kate Winslet, John C. Reilly and Christopher Waltz star in this movie about parents who meet to talk about a fight that happened between their kids. What initially starts as a short meeting ends up as a very long conversation between them and where the social norms slowly seem to break down.
Carnage is originally based on a play and it’s something you will notice very soon. The whole movie takes place in one apartment, which could work (look at something like Hitchcock’s Rear Window), the question is if it does here. When these parents meet it is clear that they have never met each other and the fact that one of the kids had his teeth knocked out forces them to talk to each other. Now would these people talk to each other for a long time if this was real life? It depends whether or not they like each other, but it’s pretty clear that they don’t in this case. This, to me, made the movie feel artificial, with reasons having to be made up for these people to stay together for the whole movie. Even if Waltz and Winslet’s characters are about to leave they re-enter the apartment for coffee.
This is a comedy and there are some laughs to be had, most of them thanks to Christopher Waltz. His character is constantly on the phone which becomes a recurring joke. In general though I didn’t laugh enough to really enjoy it and the whole movie just dragged way too much for my liking. Having seen more Polanski movies I expected more. The thing is though that comedy can be very personal, so your opinion might differ. Give the trailer a look to make up your mind.
Score: 4
I agree that the reason they stay in one apartment seem unrealistic, but I like the simplicity.
I don’t mind movies that stay in one place, but I just couldn’t get into this one.
I am saddened you did not get as much from this as I did. But I understand your concerns.
thanks Nostra!
Well, we can’t agree on everything Scott
I really wanted to see this, but it never opened anywhere close to me! I’ll probably still Redbox it when it comes out. I’m always fasinated with movies that film in one location and are able to stay somewhat entertaining throughout. This sort of reminds me of ‘High and Low’ from Kurosawa. Thanks for the review Nostra.
It is interesting when they are able to shoot in one location, but it doesn’t always make for the best movie.
Ouch, tough review. I am still interested in checking this out — it seems more up my alley. Gotta love the cast, too. Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Nostra!
I think you should Eric as I seem to be in the minority here, but that’s the way I felt about this movie.
Waltz looked to be the funnest to me in this film, yet it still isn’t one I am rushing out to go see.
Waltz was really enjoying himself here indeed.
I understand when you’re coming from. After I found out that it was originally a stage play, I wondered how it would be reworked so that the characters staying in the same room for 90 minutes would make sense.
I’d still like to see this, and that is purely down to its excellent cast.
Like I said in another comment, you should see it for yourself as I seem to be the minority here.
I was really interested to see this film, although I didn’t realise it was a comedy. I’m a big fan of Kate Winslet and I loved John C Riley in We Need To Talk About Kevin so think I’ll still check this one out. It’s a shame you weren’t the biggest fan of it though, just proves that big stars don’t necessarily mean big success
Well, over here it’s not really promoted much and is only playing in the smaller cinemas, so don’t think it will be very succesfull here, but then it’s not a movie for a big audience.