Carnage - A Movie Review

How much longer are we discussing this matter?

Carnage is a 2011 film. Two sets of parents discuss a fight that happened between their children. The couples become hostile towards one another as they step into discussions that were not intended about parenting, their relationships, and lifestyles.

Carnage infuses every theme about human interactions and their relationships in less than 90 minutes. Set in real-time, the direction for Carnage is noteworthy with the more misery that is unpacked from the situation. The characters attempt to find common ground amidst the conflict, only to hammer into their relationships.

Jodie Foster, Kate Winslet, Christoph Waltz, and John C. Reilly star as a set of couples who argue over their children’s fight. Each character has a different dynamic and personality which is important to the story. The cast excels in their performances.

At the time of seeing this film, it had been a while since I saw Jodie Foster on the screen. Foster does not disappoint, delivering icy remarks about the situation. You can always tell how she’s feeling based on her facial expressions. I honestly felt bad for her character and how her husband treats her. Penelope is so done with everything in the climax.

In all the films I’ve seen him in, this is the first time I’ve seen John C. Reilly as an unpleasant person. His personality and trashmouth were so repugnant! It defines how versatile of an actor he is.

Dialogue is an integral part of the film. The conversation changes every minute. Most of the conversation derives around how to parent and unresolved issues. It’s a fast-paced film. First, the characters start as polite, though the tension is there from the start. The characters only get themselves into these arguments because they can’t let the situation go.

Having an assortment of conversations, they never stay on topic on the real reason why they’re here. Carnage is one of those rare movies that takes place in real-time. Roman Polanski effectively uses this one location to his advantage. The sun slowly starts to set in the background.

Set entirely within a Manhattan apartment the real-time format creates an intimate sense of immediacy and claustrophobia, allowing the audience to experience the unfolding drama as if they were right there in the room.

The blocking is done well with characters rarely sitting and traversing around the apartment looking at the other's belongings. Nobody has to stay in this confined apartment. It’s the argument at play.

Several times, one couple exits into the hallway, about to take the elevator down when they’re triggered to go back inside and finish the argument. That’s a good example of staging and direction.

Be warned, the most disgusting vomit scene is in this film. You need to keep a story going but the scene is so repulsive! To anyone with vomit triggers, avoid this one scene because it lasts a while. Major credit to the actors for committing to this scene as they have to clean the mess up afterward. I couldn’t even look at my screen it was so awful.

I’m surprised I didn’t count the number of times one character answers his phone. Carnage is both a comedy and a drama. Once the characters start drinking that’s when they say whatever they please. The film's sharp, witty writing amplifies the unease, exposing the absurdity of everyday interactions and the fragility of human relationships.

Carnage doesn’t have the strongest ending. It doesn’t have a resolution, though by the main characters that is. Take a look at Carnage.