Review of Carol (2015) by Filmphonic — 05 Jan 2016

It’s probably controversial in today’s political climate to say that a gay love story is unconventional, but given the 1950s social climate in which the story is set, ‘Carol’ is very much that, as was Patricia Highsmith’s source novel which was published at the time in question.

There’s no doubt that the nature of a lesbian relationship in the 50s is a driving factor for the narrative in ‘Carol’, as Highsmith’s original book soft-cover claimed, this is “The novel of a love society forbids”.

But the careful and considered treatment that’s given to the story, plus masterful craftsmanship by director Todd Haynes, means that you quickly move past a gay love story into a non-traditional yet familiar and tender relationship drama which most adult audiences will relate to.

The irrepressible Cate Blanchett stars in the titular role as woman in repressed turmoil who struggles to balance her character with her family obligations and societal constraints, a distinguished and subtle performance that’s a perfect counterpoint to her Oscar-winning turn in ‘Blue Jasmine’. Rooney Mara also delivers a strong measured performance as an equally uncertain “Therese Belivet”, a girl struggling with youth-related inner turmoil, and who is the catalyst for “Carol’s” inner revolution.

Much has been made of the visual stylishness of the film and indeed the achievements of the cinematographers and costume designers deserve the praise they’re receiving. By rejecting digital and choosing to shoot in 16mm film, Todd Haynes has achieved a vivid colour palette and texture that’s faithful to the cinematic aesthetic of the period in which it’s set.

‘Carol’ carefully walks the line between a tender romance and a melodrama, occasionally stepping over that line with convenient and unlikely story turns and characters that are mostly one-note, apart from the leads. Indeed the narrative is unbalanced with everything revolving around “Carol” while simultaneously portraying characters that no matter how understated, are all fundamentally self-centered. In that sense ‘Carol’ has distinct 21st century characteristics.

Despite strong and subtle performances from the leads and a commendable attempt at a realist depiction of a period romance, regardless of sexuality, the central love story is beautiful but just not that compelling.

The Bottom Line….

Director Todd Haynes has managed to beautifully craft a subtle period-piece romance about “forbidden” love that backs away from melodrama and delivers a universally relatable narrative, despite some character flaws and a slightly underwhelming core courtship.