CAROL
Directed by Todd Haynes
Screenplay by Phyllis Nagy
Based on the novel by Patricia Highsmith
Starring Cate Blanchett; Rooney Mara; Sarah Paulson; Kyle Chandler; and Jake Lacy
In 1950s New York, a department-store clerk who dreams of a better life falls for an older, married woman.
It is an against the odds love story, and it works.
Well I am not going to go through everybody but look above and see the list. Everyone of those actors have a reputation of taking small roles and making them memorable. All of them are fantastic working actors. I really do think this is one of the main reasons of why it works.
What also works is the chemistry between the two main characters Carol and Theresa.
Cate Blanchett is perfect as always here as the flighty Carol who is pulled between Theresa and her upset (rightfully so) husband (played wonderfully by Chandler).
Then we come to the interesting Theresa played by Mara. She is getting a lot of Oscar attention here. The funny thing is, if you get a chance to see this, note that Mara really does not talk much. She watches most of the time. Observing. Almost innocent and taking things in. As the film goes on watch how she changes from frumpy dress to tailored well put together outfits. You can see her become more confident, fighting for herself as the film moves on. So, yes, an odd part, but a well deserved Golden Globe nod. And most likely an Oscar nod.
This is a hard film to review without giving up spoilers. At one point there is a road trip (I am a sucker for road trip films) I think that is the highlight where these two can be themselves and we learn a lot about them. I almost did not want to see them return back to the city, because in the city the outside forces pull at them.
Is it as good of a love story as Brooklyn? No. However there is a sweetness to it that can't be denied.
4 stars out of 5 for this well acted film.
From the shadows as always thanks for your time
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