As Christmas approaches, this week we discuss the lovely, bittersweet romance, Carol.
Directed by Todd Haynes, the 2015 film is an adaptation of Patricia Highsmith’s 1952 novel. Cate Blanchett stars as Carol Aird, a society woman in New York who, in the midst of divorcing her husband Harge (Kyle Chandler) falls for Therese (Rooney Mara), an aspiring photographer. The ensuing relationship between the two women is at once beautiful and romantic, while also fraught with the dangers of violating the era’s “traditional family values.”
Blanchett and Mara were both nominated for their perfect, captivating performances. Their initial attraction is effortlessly charming. As their feelings intensify and their relationship deepens, it’s easy to get swept up in every embrace or lingering look. Maintaining the 1950s setting and social mindset allows the audience to enjoy a beautiful lesbian romance while also understanding the constraints of the time. We can feel both anger and pity for Harge, a man who loves a woman who can never love him back. And we understand choices that must be made, even while wishing things could have been different for all of them. The film is both specific in its setting and timeless.
When it premiered at Cannes in 2015, the film received the Queer Palm award. Director Desiree Akhavan, speaking on behalf of the jury, said at the time:
It is more than just a simple film — it is a historic moment — the first time a story of love between two women has been treated with the respect and importance that we accord to all other cinematic romances.”
Carol earned six Academy Award nominations. Phyllis Nagy, who first attempted to bring the story to the screen in the 1990s was nominated for Adapted Screenplay. Additionally, Sandy Powell’s costume design, Edward Lachman’s cinematography, and Carter Burwell’s original score were also nominated.
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