Review of Carol (2015) by Marit — 30 Dec 2015
Carol is absolutely stunning in all senses of the word. A masterclass of powerful restraint. Both Blanchett & Mara are exquisite; their sensual connection is overwhelming. Support from Paulson & Chandler is solid, sympathetic.
Cinematography uses street photography images to conjure up post-WWII New York. Sandy Powell's costumes are spot-on as always. Carter Burwell's score mixes well with off-beat standards of the period. We are transported back to the early 1950s - gritty & anxious - not the rose-colored memories of our Disney-fied youth.
Nagy's script strips the sometimes-plodding Highsmith novel to its basic elements & events move very quickly with all the extraneous material purged. As a film it works better than the best-seller on which it is based.
Oscar voters will have a hard time figuring out which actress to honor. Of course, if this were a straight romance, both would be nominated in non-competing gender-separated lead categories & both would likely win.
This is an embarrassment of riches, as they say, since both Blanchett & Mara are giving career-best performances. This is the peak of director Haynes' career, focusing on the strong emotions evoked when one first falls in love.
No political agenda. No cynicism. The only cinematic "trick" is the use of a structural formula lifted from "Brief Encounter"; it works, adding an element of mystery to the proceedings.
He has left his ego at the door and put all his skills to the service of the story. Blanchett & husband Andrew Upton are listed as producers on the film. She has been attached to this project for almost ten years, since she first discovered Highsmith's work while working on "The Talented Mr Ripley.
" She stuck with it through cast & director changes & we should all thank her for her perseverance, along with the folks at Killer Films. For just under $12 million they have delivered a masterpiece that rivals any $150 million extravaganza, and will probably last longer in the hearts of its viewers.
[Note: as of 28 Dec 2015, "Carol" has grossed over $8 million in limited release.
This review of Carol (2015) was written by Marit on 30 Dec 2015.
Carol has generally received very positive reviews.
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