The month of January is, for the most part, a dead zone as far as new movies are concerned.

One major studio is releasing “The Devil Inside” without benefit of any advance screenings, likely for fear of bad press.

So now is the time to catch up, if possible, with the independent films, which may be a challenge given the limited release options.

CARNAGE (Rated R)

At the risk of sounding like a cultural snob, I had the pleasure of seeing the original Broadway production of “God of Carnage,” in which James Gandolfini (of “The Sopranos” fame) delivered a tour-de-force performance.

The Yasmina Reza play has now been adapted for the screen in “Carnage,” directed by Roman Polanski and starring a capable, talented cast different than the one that appeared on stage.

The basic elements of a four-character play remain essentially in place. The story is simply about two couples locked in a showdown after their adolescent sons are involved in a playground squabble that results in one boy being wounded.

The parents of the injured child, Penelope and Michael Longstreet (Jodie Foster and John C. Reilly), invite the parent’s of the other child, Nancy and Alan Cowan (Kate Winslet and Christoph Waltz), into their Brooklyn home.

The purpose of the meeting is an attempt by the four adults to settle the dispute, and while the conversation is initially courteous, lingering resentments and strife escalate into full-blown incivility.

Retaining its fundamentally theatrical nature, “Carnage” is so constrained by the setting of the Longstreet apartment that the characters are inevitably drawn into protracted discord.

Nancy and Alan are seemingly oblivious or indifferent to the moral dilemma posed by the misbehavior of their son. For his part, Alan spends much of his time on his cell phone in crisis management mode for a high-powered client.

Meanwhile, Penelope is overly sensitive and easily agitated by the lack of concern evidenced by the Cowans. At first, Michael strikes a conciliatory tone, but gives in to more savage impulses when libations are enjoyed.

“Carnage” revels in the thin veneer of gracious behavior disintegrating with great haste. Even the spouses turn on each other in sharp, bitter exchanges of hostile recriminations.

Though often dramatic, “Carnage” is caustically funny as the result of the scathing, acerbic wordplay on display in this very talkative film.

THE ARTIST (Rated PG-13)

One of the best movies of the past year is the most unlikely candidate for mass appeal. Demand for black-and-white silent films has been on the wane since Herbert Hoover was in office.

I must admit to being initially skeptical about the unique throwback to an era before the talkies that is realized with a truly masterful independent film called “The Artist.”

Amazingly, the simple technique of a silent film is magically developed by the deft direction of French filmmaker Michel Hazanavicius, whose last name would stump a spelling bee champion.

Jean Dujardin, not a household name even after his “OSS 117” films, is perfect for the prominent role of silent screen star George Valentin, a matinee idol of his time in 1927 Hollywood.

Like many others of that era, Valentin is unable to make the transition when talking pictures become the rage, and studio executives determine he’s no longer the right fit.

Near the end of his silent career, Valentin discovers a great film ingénue and dancer, Peppy Miller (Berenice Bejo), who goes on to great acclaim in the new medium.

While Valentin sadly scrounges for relevance in the changing film world, his life turns to shambles on a personal and professional level.

As his loveless marriage disintegrates, he moves out of his stately mansion and ends up sharing a grungy apartment with his faithful dog, Uggie, who also performed in many of his master’s silent films.

Meanwhile, Peppy remains faithful to her mentor Valentin when his career crumbles. Of course, there’s a romantic spark between the dashing Valentin and the pretty dancer with the notable beauty mark.

“The Artist” is a work of art, for it captures the feel of an old-fashioned entertainment but with the style, grace and energy of all that modern technology offers.

Save for one surprise, there is no spoken dialogue, but the musical score is so outstanding that the film’s soundtrack should garner its own commendation.

I believe the last silent film to receive an Academy Award dates back to 1929. “The Artist” is such a great film that it would be a shame if it is not considered a top-tier candidate for the ultimate award.

DVD RELEASE UPDATE

Fans of the original “Hawaii Five-O” series, starring Jack Lord as the no-nonsense head of the state police unit, now have a chance to complete their DVD collection.

“Hawaii Five-O: The Twelfth and Final Season” DVD is being released. It’s amazing to think the show had such longevity.

As good as the new “Hawaii Five-0” series has been, now in its second season, I would not wager that it will last another decade.

On the other hand, the original series holds up surprisingly well, even with the addition of some new characters to McGarrett’s special unit.

The series finale features a showdown between McGarrett and his longtime, ultimate nemesis Wo Fat.

Bonus features are lacking, with the exception of a music video tribute labeled “Hawaii Five-0: Crime Wave.”

Tim Riley writes film and television reviews for Lake County News.