Directed by: Todd Haynes
Written by: Phyllis Nagy & Patricia Highsmith
Starring: Cate Blanchett, Kyle Chandler, Rooney Mara
Cinematographer: Edward Lachman
Costume Designer: Sandy Powell
Production Designer: Judy Becker
Runtime: 1 hour and 58 minutes
Carol is based off the novel The Prince of Salt originally written by Patricia Highsmith. Carol centralizes around two characters; Therese (Rooney Mara) who is a very shy shop girl and Carol (Cate Blanchett), a beautiful and confident housewife who struggles in her heterosexual marriage. In the 1950’s, same sex relationships were frowned upon, however, there was nothing frowning about these two characters being together.
We first meet Therese in the department store where she works. She sells dolls, but aspires to be a photographer. She stands confined behind her counter as if she’s waiting for something. We know she surrounds herself with lots of men and is kind of seeing a man named Richard. Carol enters the department store to purchase a doll for her daughter. She’s currently divorcing from her husband Harge (Kyle Chandler). She enchants Therese and in return, Therese leaves a lasting impression on Carol.
They soon reconnect based on a series of circumstances. Carol invites Therese out to her house in New Jersey. While Therese is there, Carol and her soon to be ex-husband Harge get into an argument. Harge, upset by the split and the realization about Carol’s sexuality threatens to take sole custody of their daughter.
As the holidays soon approach, Carol and Therese go on a road trip together. It seems that Carol is driving away from her problems, but driving to a place where their relationship can fully exist.
From a film standpoint, I could analyze Carol all day long. From the colors that Todd Haynes incorporates in the characters and in the narration of the story; to the costume design, cinematography and the production value. The cinematography that we see on screen guides us with structure, beauty and light. It’s no secret that I feel positively about it.
The movie also evoked a sense of sadness in me. Therese appears to be timid, but she’s actually super fucking brave. She acts on a feeling, on an instinct and takes a risk. I look at myself right now, at this point in my life and I wonder do I still have that kind of bravery in me? Do I take enough risks in order to be happy? It brings me back to this feeling of being trapped and thinking this is it for me…is this all life has in store?
I am sure when you see me on snap chat, meet me in person, or hear me talk one might automatically assume that I am loud, crazy, confident, maybe even a tad annoying? I so associate with the shy girl we meet in Therese. I also envy her fearlessness.
Furthermore, I strive for the kind of confidence that Carol embodies. Carol’s not afraid to be Carol. I hope to wake up one day and fully feel satisfied to be Stephanie(that’s me, the one writing this review). Carol carries herself with grace and style. I hope to personify those characteristics as I continue to grow in this world.
Yoga Pose: Four Arm Stand