Carnage 2011 ****

Yasmina Reza adapted her own play for Roman Polanski’s overlooked domestic comedy drama from 2011. Bookended by understated scenes depicting their children at play, Carnage never attempt to defuse the theatrical originals of the material, and is all the better for it. Two affluent NYC couples Michael and Penelope (John C Reilly and Jodie Foster) and Alan and Nancy (Christoph Waltz and Kate Winslet) are drawn together to smooth over a mild playground assault, but their politeness gives way to an afternoon of explosive argument. All four actors are on top form, and Polanski seems to revel in exploding the myths of polite society as a full on screaming match that provides top-class entertainment.