Tuesday, March 6, 2012

MOVIE REVIEW ... CARNAGE

 
carnage-movie-poster-2011Based on Yasmina Reza’s play ‘Carnage’ is a black comedy focussing on parental responsibilities.  The topical theme has garnered much recent media attention.  It’s often difficult adapting such works for cinema without making it seem too ‘theatrical’ although Roman Polanski does so with ease.  Directing a strong cast, one almost feels his glee as he puts various issues under the microscope.
 
Michael (John C. Reilly) and Penelope (Jodie Foster) are parents of a boy bullied by the son of Alan (Christoph Waltz) and Nancy (Kate Winslet).   Meeting to discuss a solution the quartet initially meet on cordial grounds.   Soon many revelations surface as the polite exchange soon turns anarchic.  Their differing views become a huge barrier to any permanent resolution as they trade heated words.
 
Exploring a clash of ideas and personal neurosis, ‘Carnage’ is slyly engaging.  Set within the confines of Michael and Penelope’s abode the maelstrom of egos and temperament slowly surface.  This forces them to vent their many grievances against each other and the way they have raised their children.  Almost becoming a long overdue couple’s therapy session, Polanski ensures the humour and drama of the concept is naturally interwoven making moments believable.
 
He is well served by an energetic cast braving the minefield of their character’s foibles.  Making their roles strikingly unique they attempt to not over-play their characters emotions.  Occasionally having a tendency to ham it up, they generally bring much pathos to their role’s fractured personas.  The short running time enables clarity of focus with the ironies of the couple’s words versus their children’s true actions readily apparent.
 
An interesting study of parental attitudes ‘Carnage’ wrings much from its premise.  Working out their differences is often telling with the parents usually behaving less adult than the children in their care.
 
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Movie Review Rating  7 / 10
Movie Review by Patrick Moore
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Patrick Moore's Movie Review is an alternative look at current movie releases in Australia.
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