Based on the play "Le Dieu du Carnage" by Yasmina Reza, the
premise is simple; the parents of two children involved in a
playground fracas meet face-to-face for the first time in an
attempt to resolve the incident.
It's impressive that a scenario so seemingly straight-forward
can pack such a powerful punch and yet we were pleased to see that
director Roman Polanski managed to retain the overall feel of the
original piece.
Played out in real time, in one room and with only four actors,
much of the forced dialogue and movement clearly belonged on a
stage, rather than in front of a camera.
As protective mothers defending their sons, Kate Winslet and
Jodie Foster doubtless get the best lines. Both also manage to keep
the pace high, all the while retaining an underlying level of
tension, highlighting the thoroughly awkward situation. And
when watching a showdown this beautifully uncomfortable, there
really is nothing else to do but laugh.
As you might expect, chaos soon descends upon the household,
with razor sharp words hurled from one defensive parent to another,
despite the constant distraction of ringing phones, attempts to
leave and eventually, alcohol induced rage.
A fascinating insight into the lives of two everyday couples
pushed to their absolute limits.
5/5 In cinemas 3 February 2012
