OK for kids 16+
Talky play-based film examines parental woes; some swearing.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that this Jodie Foster/Kate Winslet dramedy based on the play God of Carnage and directed by controversial filmmaker Roman Polanski starts with a simple enough premise: Two couples get together to discuss why one pair's child hit another at the playground. But the movie is actually an intense examination of how the couples' "civil" conversation gets derailed and becomes a squabble. The subject matter and tone aren't likely to interest tweens or younger teens (though there's definitely loads to think about), but older teens might actually find it an interesting film to dissect with their parents, as it looks at issues of personal responsibility, parenting styles, and the like. The main iffy content is swearing (including "f--k") and drinking (the couples get pretty drunk as the afternoon wears on).
- Families can talk about how the movie portrays parenting. Are the characters good parents? How do they compare to other parents you've seen in the movies/on TV?
- Are either or both sets of parents hovering too much over their kids? Or are they the opposite? Is either style better than the other?
- Can you tell that this movie was based on a play? Do plays generally translate well to the big screen? Why or why not?
The good stuff
-
Messages: In some ways, the film is sort of depressing, with the couples airing their dirty laundry and parenting woes. But there is a cautionary message about the dangers of parents channeling their own issues through their children's lives.
-
Role models: At times, all of the characters are insufferable and disingenuous, but they're also all quite human and are trying to make their way. They're ostensibly meeting out of concern for their kids, and you get the feeling that that's definitely true, though other agendas, known and unknown, rear their heads.
What to watch for
-
Violence: Some yelling among the four main characters and frank discussions about bullying. One couple's child hit the other's with a tree branch, injuring him, but the incident isn't shown.
-
Sex: Not an issue
-
Language: Relatively infrequent swearing, but words include "f--k," "bitch," "damn," and more.
-
Consumerism: Not an issue
-
Drinking, drugs and smoking: The two couples progressively get plastered during the afternoon they spend discussing their sons' quarrel.
Fan Reviews provided by
4
Disturbing Film by johnboy32064
Excellent acting by everyone. Jodie deserves a nomination. I hadn't seen the play and had didn't read reviews, so I didn't recall the plot. It was a difficult film for me to sit through--not because of the fact it's essentially a filmed play--and the dialogue doesn't easily transfer to film, but the fact that, while obviously funny in scenes, I didn't laugh once. The underlying passive agressiveness and utimate hostility of Kate and Christophe's characters are so palpably disturbing I couldn't find humor, even in the funny parts. I left very disturbed by the film, but I will say, I've never been so shaken by a film. Not perfect, but worth seeing. Actually quite haunting.
3
The stakes are lost on me by ska-triumph
The movie's tagline - comedy of no manners - along with the pedigree play and cast should've been a winning formula. Polanski and a film 95% interior should've had tension racketed up. But he's always seems to be troubled with comic forces throughout most of his work. The film just didn't live up to the hype. I didn't believe in the victim's parents - Penny and Michael; Foster's wife was over-the-top and Reilly's husband took to long and to mutely unravel. Waltz and Winslet were much more evenly matched. I just don't think the tension and/or stakes were increased as time wore on, and the liquor poured. It was quite forgettable after it was done.
4
Powerful Performances By All. by Alon Patterson
This film?s an eclectic situational examination in parenting turned psychological introspective. It focuses on four distinctly different personalities, superbly executed by "A" list players. One would be hard pressed to find a more engaging work on the screen today. Although this movie is currently in limited release, expect it to go wide soon, despite being directed by the politically unpopular and alleged sex criminal Roman Polanski. There's greatness in the performances here though, and all seem to be at the top of their game. See it. It's well worth the price of a theater seat. You won't be disappointed.
5
Carnage by onemovieaweek
Amazing movie. Laughed, rationalized, sided, reacted. One of the reasons for choosing Carbage were the actors and of course they were amazing. I would highly recommend for adults who love movies with great dialogue.
3
Carnage by mmageeusa
There are good to great performances by the 4 actors but the story is like watching Who's Afraid of Virginia Wolff for couples! It's not a film for the light at heart!
4
Carnage by touchofevil59
This movie shows what happens when diplomacy fails. Two couples get together to discuss a fight that their children had but along the way their true self's emerge and things turn ugly. Jody Foster and John C. Reily play the couple of the child that was hit and Christoph Waltz and Kate Winslet play the couple of the child that was the attacker. What starts off as a calm discussion devolves into yelling and fighting between people who are up right citizens but have a lot of personal issues. Everyone in the movie played their roles well so well that you kind of dislike their character. Jody Foster is the over liberal person who feels that she is right about everything. Christoph Waltz is the business man who lives on his phone. Kate Winslet is the business woman who is mostly concerned with outer appearances and John C Reily is the everyday man trying to keep things in order. The whole movie takes place in an apartment which adds to the tight feeling when the characters argue.
4
Sad and funny by qusheba
The acting was very good. We found ourselves laughing out loud and trying not to be too loud. It makes us want to see Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf again.
5
Top 5 so Easily! by NassaDane
So wonderful! This movie had so much to it. The fact that there are only 4 characters that stay in one apartment the whole time is perfect. The characters break down into their most basic and true forms throughout the film and the ride through these transformations is a thrill. I was laughing so much. This year wasn't very potent with strong films like other years but this movie gave me hope that movies this great are still coming out. You end up pretty much hating all the characters and then loving them then hating them again all throughout the film and I loved that. Bliss in Movie Form.
5
Carnage....leave the kids at home. by mangoface
Very entertaining, dark humor, and I would see it again. This is adult conflict, marital conflict, self-worth, economic status, and conflict avoidance, all coming at you from each of the four actors. The evolution of the conflict, especially when alcohol is added to the mix, is fascinating to watch. Every married couple will see a little bit of themselves, from at least one of the actors, at some time in this very enjoyable, fast-paced drama-comedy. Kate Winslet looks great! Jodie Foster is an amazing banshee!
5
Theatre gone "positively" mad by shermnpat
Go see this! If you like plays you will feel like you are there. The interplay between the couples is fascinating and it is disturbing and intriguing to see how the alliances shift throughout the film. There are NO bad performances here. Jodie Foster is at her finest as a wife waiting for the opportunity to actually speak the truth about her feelings. Two scenes that are absolutely hysterical are the one where they all get drunk and spill their guts to one another, and the scene within that where Kate Winslet spews vomit everywhere! It's a tragedy played out at its funniest and barest in looking at the human spirit and the truths we all hold within. Magnificient.