Review of Carol (2015) by Joel M — 15 Jan 2016

Writer-Director Todd Haynes film "Carol" is not filled with carols of joy, but works very effectively. It centers on a lesbian relationship set in 1950's New York between a chain-smoking socialite named (see title of movie) and a shy shopgirl named Therese. As many of Haynes movies, it has that cinematic aura of the golden era of Hollywood; which he puts his Haynes on for. The character Carol, genuinely played by the great Cate Blanchett, is going through the first phases of a divorce from her alcoholic & abusive husband Harge; and yes, Harge was a bit harsh on Carol. Carol then unexpectedly meets Therese at the department store where Therese works at, and an instant connection develops that consequently develops into a gradual unification. Rooney Mara was astounding as Therese and is very worthy of her Best Supporting Actress nomination; even though "Carol" should have really been titled "Therese", you get my Therese thrift? Chandler (who is a profoundly underrated) was strong as Harge in his supporting performance. Carter Burwell's soothing score was the best I have heard in a motion picture this year; score that one for an Oscar win in my book. "Carol" does move a bit slow (in more ways than one) so please be patient with it, but at the end I am sure you will enjoy the "Carol".

**** Good.