A showdown between two kids: about eleven, in a local playground. Swollen lips, broken teeth… Now the parents of the “victim” have invited the parents of the “bully” to their apartment to sort if out. Cordial banter gradually develops a razor-sharp edge as all four parents reveal their laughable contradictions and grotesque prejudices. None of them will escape the ensuing carnage. Carnage, which runs at 79 minutes since it plays out in real time, is directed by Roman Polanski, it’s based on Yasmina Reza’s Tony-winning play God Of Carnage. The two sets of parents in question are portrayed by Jodie Foster, John C. Reilly, Kate Winslet and Christoph Waltz. The film is set for release December 16th.

What was it about Carnage that sparked your interest? You’ve worked on a number of films based around family.

Kate Winslet: I suppose when you are I parent, and you come from a very big, very close family like I do, I think it’s just apart of your emotional makeup. I suppose I have found myself subconsciously drawn to these types of stories that include everybody, they include every family member, they include the complexities of a family dynamic, especially involving children. Being a parent myself I’m familiar with school playground politics and how complex that can be — and sometimes how ridiculous that can be, and funny. So when Roman approached me about being involved in God Of Carnage, first of all when Roman Polanski asks you to join him on any project you really don’t say no. The script was so extraordinary, I had seen the play in New York so I was already very much a fan of the piece. I just felt extremely fortunate to be included.

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