Carnage (2011)
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AUDIENCE SCORE
Critic Consensus: It isn't as compelling on the screen as it was on the stage, but Carnage makes up for its flaws with Polanski's smooth direction and assured performances from Winslet and Foster.
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Cast
as Nancy Cowan
as Penelope Longstreet
as Alan Cowan
as Michael Longstreet
as Zachary
as Ethan
as Walter
as Dennis
as Mother
as Secretary
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Critic Reviews for Carnage
All Critics (185) | Top Critics (48) | Fresh (132) | Rotten (53) | DVD (3)
The acting marathon is adroitly blocked and paced by Polanski and impeccably shot by Pawel Edelman.
Brief, brutal and barmy.
Where previously we felt as trapped in Polanski's apartments as his characters, in Carnage we only ever peek in through the window.
The actors seem to have fun, particularly Foster, working against type as the thoroughly unlikable Penelope. But "Carnage" isn't nearly as bloody as it thinks it is.
What are supposed to be transgressive observations about the holy state of parenthood and matrimony instead come across as self-satisfied and shallow as the pieties Reza intends to puncture.
If we grant that "Carnage" is a low-impact exercise in stripping away the social veneer, it's nonetheless brisk and enjoyable.
Audience Reviews for Carnage
A very funny comedy of manners adapted from an acclaimed play and elegantly directed, even if a bit repetitive after some time - and it takes place entirely inside an apartment, sustained by a sharp dialogue and exquisite performances, with Winslet and Waltz stealing the show.
Super Reviewer
I really wanted to watch this movie and now that i've seen it i am not disappointed! Its going to be a Marmite kind of film, your either going to Hate it with a passion or just absolutely Love it ! Me personally i Loved it! I thought it was original, written extremely well, it was acted beautifully which isn't a shock when its such a great cast! Its nice to see that Polanski has done one better than Ghost Writer as that was a truly dreadful movie! Its made beautifully and it sticks to the true form of being a play, which is great! Its Just a good movie that is thoroughly enjoyable and i just loved the ending a true play form which i loved!
Super Reviewer
Too unsubstantial to be a great movie. Pretty much two couples in one room arguing about a physical fight their sons got into. I believe it is adapted from a play. As such it feels unnatural and strained that they all stay in the room, annoyed as they are at each other. Performances are good. I'm not a parent, so the topic was not overly exciting to me. Maybe others would get more out of it.
Super Reviewer
Carnage Quotes
| Nancy Cowan: | Look at him all hunched over like he was left on the side of the road. |
| Alan Cowan: | Keep on stroking your own ego. It's beautiful. |
| Michael Longstreet: | Penelope, what happened to your sense of humor? |
| Penelope Longstreet: | I don't have a sense of humor, and I don't want one! |
| Nancy Cowan: | How can you let her call our son a criminal? We come over here to work things out with them and they, they insult us, they browbeat us, they lecture us about being good citizens of the planet! I am glad our son kicked the shit out of your son and I wipe my ass with your human rights! |