Carnage (2011)

 Director: Roman Polanski

Rated: R

Length: 80 min.

In this Roman Polanski film about the difficulties of parenting violent young adolescents, we find that our children can help bring out our truest emotions. Polanski, who has directed such great films as The Pianist, does a terrific job with both role reversal of characters and portrayal of absolute absurdity. Michael & Penelope Longstreet (John C. Reilly & Jodie Foster) play the parents of the abused child who are trying to find a civilized way to work out a solution for the brutal altercation that took place between the two children. On the other hand, Alan & Nancy Cowan (Christoph Waltz & Kate Winslet) could care less about their child's violent course of action. Waltz portrays the inconsiderate corporate businessman to a tee, which is reminiscent of the antagonist he played in Inglorious Basterds. As the film progresses and the Cowans can't seem to leave the Longstreet household for a number of ridiculous reasons, the true emotions of the characters are unveiled. What was originally a civilized conversation between adults, evolves into a therapeutic session for both couples to work out their own marital issues. The obvious noticeable difference in social class is particularly apparent in the film's beginning, but the consistent variation in character bonding breaks down that barrier and makes for a fun filled adventure with a very realistic conclusion. I thoroughly enjoyed this film from start to finish, and Polanski does a fantastic job in displaying the oddity of the situation at hand. I would suggest this film to all you oddballs out there who enjoy a good laugh and can appreciate the awkwardness of everyday life. Carnage.