French Poster of [God of] Carnage

Nat at The Film Experience just posted this nice little preview of the hysteria to come in Roman Polanski’s Carnage.  Unfortunately, the decision was made to change the title from God of Carnage to Carnage, which changes the whole meaning of the play/movie.  God of Carnage slathers the whole thing with the idea that there is nothing particularly peaceful about the nature of man nor the justifications for violence in the name of religion (if you want to take it that far).  Carnage just means … well … mayhem, violence, mess.  Taking God out of the title is the coward’s way out all the way.  Presumably they figured American audiences can’t handle the God.  Or maybe it threw people off too much.  Either way, I can’t imagine trying to sell it or discuss it without that great and well chosen title.  Note how the French have no problem with God in the title.  Actually, it looks like the French might also be using Carnage.

The play, which I saw here in Los Angeles this year, starred James Gandolfini, Marcia Gay Harden, Jeff Daniels and Hope Davis and was about two sets of parents who meet to discuss a fight between their sons.  Throughout the evening accusations are hurled, intentions questioned, secrets revealed — each of them finding a place for their primal rage.  Humans as animals is the idea here – animals who lash out violently when threatened and who bury much of what they really feel beneath the veneer of civility.  Each character has a spectacular acting moment.  The favorite of these for me was James Gandolfini owning his inner barbarian.  But Hope Davis projectile vomiting was also a treat.  I’d see it again with those four actors in heartbeat.  With these actors I hope it is every bit as good.