Carol directed by Todd Haynes is a lush period
piece set in the 1950s. The cars are vintage. The sets are stylish. New
York City absolutely shines. The stars are stunning.
Cate Blanchett won her Oscar for Blue Jasmine because
she dominated the screen. In Carol she has to share it with
Rooney Mara and it’s worth it. This is a low key artsy flick about
forbidden love.
It’s very modest, unassuming, and totally hot.
Carol (Cate Blanchett) is rich, married, a mother, and yet
very much on the prowl. Therese (Rooney Mara) is young and working a
Macy’s counter in the 1950s. Cate leaves her gloves. The rest is magic.
This is a complicated tale of a growing fascination and
love. Therese is almost engaged to a young man. Carol is married to the
very rich and powerfully conceited Kyle Chandler. How could she resist?
And yet, her college friend (Sarah Paulson) provided complications in the
marriage. Now Therese is bait. There’s a road trip where the women bond. It’s
all done tastefully and discreetly and yet there’s Carol’s child
involved. Mental health issues. It’s a tough judging world in 1950s and
Therese is collateral damage in the fight for love.
Rooney Mara is a gamine Audrey Hepburn. She’s young,
beautiful, with huge soulful eyes and a soft manner. Cate Blanchett exudes
style and rich knowledge. She’s dangerous and magnetic. What shall win
out?? This is a very classically made film with good pacing, beautiful
sets, and excellent acting. Nothing blows up, except a few hearts. Both
performances are Oscar worthy but shall probably cancel each other out.
Carol is just a really nice film, absolutely worth your time and
effort.
