Review of Carol (2015) by Barracuda89 — 25 Jan 2016

It’s not often that a film like Carol comes along. A film so beautifully shot, about such important subject matter, so flawlessly acted; leaving one in a state of shock after the first time they have seen it. Such an important film, Carol is one that will restore your faith in the current state of cinema. In the age of Hollywood blockbusters, simply trying to fill seats with copious amounts of action, it is reassuring that a work of true film art, such as Carol, is still being so exceptionally made.

To pose the claim that Carol is one-dimensional could not be farther from the truth. Love, self, society, and sacrifice are explored in the film Carol; issues which affect each individual. Passively observing her life unfold, Therese Belivet (Rooney Mara) exists as an unfulfilled being in all aspects of her life. Living in a shabby New York apartment which she cannot even afford to adequately heat, Therese stumbles through her daily existence. Riding on the handlebars of her insipid “boyfriend” to her daily work at a department store where she is reduced to just another holiday hat wearing drone, it is clear to see that Therese is unhappy with the dull ache that has become her life. Finding refuge in her photographs, Therese escapes her unhappiness and finds fulfillment in honing her photography talents. One magical day changes the course of Therese’s mundane existence. A stunningly classic beauty exuding wealth named Carol (Cate Blanchett) happens upon Therese’s display at the department store. There is moving art in their exchange, as one can soon pick up on the discontent Carol projects ever so subtlety. Carol Aird is a prisoner of her own life; stuck in a loveless marriage, mother to a child she adores, Carol is living proof that even when one enjoys great wealth, as she does, happiness can still only be an illusion. Sharing a mutual distaste for their own lives and harboring feelings they themselves were often too afraid to feel, Carol and Therese set out on to travel; to escape their glum realities, even temporarily. As the two continue their quest, protected by isolation, their inhibitions dissipate, and they begin to explore the loving reality that is their relationship. The internal struggle of being a married lesbian mother in the early 1950’s proves too much for Carol to bear, as she abandons the trip and returns home to fight for custody of her daughter against her imposing husband Harge (Kyle Chandler) Devastated at the seeming end to the purposeful existence she has so longed for, Therese finds it impossible to return to her normal work at the department store. Invigorated by a new sense of purpose, Therese channels her pain in her pictures, taking a job at a newspaper where she can explore photography full-time. Carol also finds it intolerable to return to her prior life; renewed with strength, Carol finally stands up to Harge, vowing to never again go against her grain. Carol is what she is, whether society approves or not, and after she realizes that, there may be hope yet for true love.

Based on the novel The Price of Salt, by Patricia Highsmith, Carol is beautifully photographed against the seminal images of life in the 1950’s. Edward Lachman’s cinematography work on this film is nothing short of poetic, as the audience is guided deeper and deeper into the crux of forbidden love in the “good ole’ days”. Cate Blanchett turns out a career best performance as the titular character defined by the society she is a part of, yet wants nothing to do with. Rooney Mara’s performance of a young girl learning about even the suppressed facets of her own self was stellar. The direction of Todd Haynes was extraordinary in delivering such a raw, relentless love, told almost exclusively through subtlety. Powerfully shot with a heavy reliance on filming through windows or opposite mirrors, Haynes allows the audience to explore how much of their selves can only be viewed from within, and how much of a distorted display our true self is when exposed to those around us. Accompanied by a powerful score, Carol is a masterpiece to be viewed the world over for its brilliance in capturing feelings so relatable to everyday life within the human condition.

Brilliantly written, with remarkable production design and costumes, Carol is the most beautiful film I’ve seen in years. A truly intoxicating experience; if given the chance, Carol transforms the viewer to a place where it is not ok to be who you are meant to be, and on some level, everyone can relate to this feeling. A rare form of near perfection is captured on screen through Todd Haynes’ masterwork. Carol is a film that should be enjoyed by masses for years to come.