Carol is one of the best lesbian films ever made, maybe because it is based on a novel written by a lesbian, Patricia Highsmith’s The Price of Salt. Being directed by by Todd Haynes who is both an excellent director and an openly gay man probably helped as well. A stunning 50’s period piece, Carol, explores the relationship between two women during a time when same sex love was challenging and sometimes dangerous. Yet the main characters pursue each other with little regard to what anyone else thinks. Cate Blanchett plays Carol, an older woman in a loveless marriage who meets 20-something shop girl Therese (Rooney Mara). They first meet at a department store while Therese works at the doll counter. Their eyes meet across the room and their connection is palpable. The movie pace could be described as a slow burn. It relies as much on what is not said as what is. Their relationship grows and culminates on a road trip. Ultimately they have to decide what they are willing to sacrifice in order to be together.
The movie was a film festival darling, taking home numerous awards. The film won the Queer Palm at the 68th Cannes Film Festival and Rooney Mara took home the award for Best Actress. The picture also scored six Oscar nominations.
- Great adaptation of the novel.
- Beautifully acted and believable.
- Why were there men in this film again?