Schoolyard Brawl

Image of "Carnage" - Sony Pictures Classics

FIGHT! FIGHT! FIGHT!

With the current uprising awareness on bullying, I became increasingly intrigued by Roman Polanski’s return with his latest motion picture, Carnage, based on Yasmina Reza’s Tony-award winning play, God of Carnage. Since this film was relatively brief, I will attempt to keep my review in the same vain.

In current cinematic presentations, Mtv inspired editing and mind-boggling cinematography has been placed on a high pedestal. This is all good and well, however we seem to have forgotten about well-written screenplays as in addition to acting. With a bold move, Roman Polanski strips away all shiny objects in order to focus solely on the actors’ brilliant performances. No need for neither multiple locations nor groundbreaking wardrobe for the here and now is what is important. For those who do not know much about the play, the story is about two young boys who partake in an argument. About what, we don’t know, however the end of their personal dispute becomes public information when it becomes known that one hits the other with a stick. From this point on, the audience follows a conflict that quickly arises between the boys’ parents. Adversaries are Mr. and Mrs. Longstreets (John C. Reily and Jodi Foster) versus the opponents, Mr. and Mrs. Cowans (Christoph Waltz and Kate Winslet). In short, Cowans’ son, Ethan, refused to be involved with the Longstreets’ son, Zach, scheme. Zach bullied Ethan and in return, Ethan expressed his annoyance by using physical contact. Being responsible adults, they follow societies “law” that grown-ups are to handle such occasion with a mature attitude by using reasonable conflict resolution. The Longstreets welcome the Cowans in their apartment to conduct such affair civilly. Funny thing is, being an adult just means knowing bigger words, but the verbal affray is just as catty as a schoolyard brawl.  While attempting to leave on more than one occasion, the Cowans are harassed, first kindly then maliciously, back into the Longstreets’ home. Polite sharing or courteous small talk is just one big expose of bourgeois hypocrisy. Big tree branch sticks are replaced with high-tech cell phones and 18-year-old scotch. Even cute nicknames, like Darjeeling and Doodles, become tools for callous mocking.  Inner securities that are born from childhood are still alive, however adults tend to cleverly cover such flaws with self-righteousness. Sticks and stones make break bones, but words will always be emotionally hurtful.

In order to round up viewers into the mess, Roman Polanski keeps the action in two locations – inside the apartment and the hallway to the elevators. This develops a claustrophobic sensation. All emotions plus egos are deeply entrapped, therefore, quickly boils into childish bickering about unnecessary laden topics such as misogyny, Darfur and animal cruelty.  Unfortunately, I have not seen the play, but doing a bit of research on it, it appears Polanski missed the mark. The live play pushes the audience to participate in the madness by occupying the same space as the actors. The audience is part of the gang of spectators circulating around the two couples whereas with the film version, the connection isn’t given. Nevertheless, what kept this film from being a huge disaster was the outstanding battle of the wits between Foster, Reily, Waltz and Winslet.  If you have 80 minutes to spare to witness the English language sharply utilized in illustrating modern relationships, I recommend checking out Carnage. Even if you are not a fan of Polanski and his personal past, it is still fun just to observe his direction in having four highly acclaimed actors insult each other. Any civil pretentiousness and superficial bigotry towards others beliefs calls for detention. Forewarning: Verbal vomit isn’t the only spew that’s brought forth to the table.

Recommendation: Apple-Pear Cobbler Recipe

In the beginning of the film, as a peace offering, the Longstreets serves apple-pear cobbler to the Cowans. My goal is whip up such treat hopefully by this weekend. The recipe comes from Ms. Barefoot Contessa, Ina Garten. If any of you make this crisp, please let me know!

Apple-Pear Cobbler Recipe

FYI, Mrs. Longstreets’ secret ingredient is Gingerbread crumbs.