Review of Carol (1990) by George M — 06 Jan 2016

"Carol" is a exquisitely filmed, beautifully acted masterpiece. It is based on the 1952 Patricia Highsmith novel "The Price of Salt". She is also known for such works at "The Talented Mr Ripley". Cate Blanchett stars as Carol Aird and Rooney Mara as Therese Belivet. Kyle Chandler is Carol's soon to be ex-husband Harge. Sarah Paulson rounds out the cast as Carol's BFF Abby.

Everything about this movie is gorgeous The score is compelling. The cinematography is stunning. We see many shots of the characters through windows, windshields, etc. The colors are crisp. The color palette is all pinks and greens. The sets and costuming are beautiful. Everything is quite proper (as it was during that time). Everything except for Carol who can't bear to spend the rest of her life pretending to be a dutiful wife.

We see the budding relationship between the two woman as Carol visits a toy store in New York and (accidentally on purpose) leaves her gloves. Therese of course goes out of her way to return them. Carol takes Therese to lunch as a way to thank her... and they fall in love at first sight. Carol is divorcing her husband. He knows she favors the ladies and is going to make her pay by keeping their daughter from her. Carol decides to leave town for a while and asks Therese to join her. And just like that, Therese quits her job and travels cross country with a woman she barely knows. Much is said without words. There are long yearning stares.

I won't give away the rest of the story since you really need to see it. Suffice to say, when Carol returns home she tries to lead a "normal" life in order to see Rindy. Will she conform or face the consequences?

Finally a movie (spoiler alert) that doesnt involve lesbians dying, being carted off to an insane asylum, or being "cured". Hallelujah! Phyllis Nagy does an excellent job with the screenplay. She apparently wrote the first draft some 20 years ago. Todd Haynes as the director handles everything to perfection. "Carol" deserves all the awards this year.