Roman Polanski’s Carnage will have its world premiere at the 68th Venice Film Festival before making its North American premiere at the 49th New York Film Festival. The film is adapted from Yasmina Reza’s Tony-winning play, God of Carnage, which focuses on two couples who attempt to resolve their sons’ playground altercation only to engage in arguments of their own.
The limited setting and exploration of the darker side of human nature seem especially suited to Polanski’s sensibilities. Anticipation for the film has increased with the news that it would open NYFF. Read film critic Anthony Kaufman’s reaction here. Given the fact that the source material won a Tony and that both Polanski and three quarters of his principal cast are Oscar winners, is Carnage guaranteed to bring the goods? Regardless of awards, is Polanski’s body of work (and likewise, each actor’s) enough to suggest that Carnage will be a home run?
Three years ago, Doubt seemed to be in a similar position. A Tony-winning play, an Oscar-anointed cast, an awards-friendly release schedule. While certainly not a bomb by any reasoning, Doubt did not become the runaway critical darling it seemed poised to become. Praised (though not unanimously) for its performances, the film however failed to garner a Best Picture nomination come Oscar season. Academy Awards are not the only (or even the best) barometer by which to gauge a film’s (potential) success, and yet they are not totally useless in such figuring. Were Doubt‘s shortcomings also attributable to its director, John Patrick Shanley, who lacked experience directing motion pictures?
What say you, Crassholes? Do you have high hopes for Carnage? (Let’s please limit our discussion of Polanski to his filmmaking.) What stage to screen adaptations (specifically plays, as musicals present a unique set of challenges) do you consider among the best? The worst?
