First Images From Polanski's GOD OF CARNAGE

Though director Roman Polanski remains at the center of a decades-old controversy - and likely will provoke strong reactions for the rest of his life no matter how his legal issues are eventually resolved - the man retains a huge degree of respect within the industry, respect that enables him to assemble incredibly high powered casts for his films.

Take the upcoming Venice-selected God Of Carnage as an example. Playing the four leads here are Jodie Foster, Kate Winslet, John C Reilly and Christoph Waltz - a cast that would be the envy of just about any other arthouse director working today.

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.

The first batch of images have been released from the film prior to the Venice premiere. Check out a selection in the gallery below.