"Carol" - Review

An Angel Flung From Space

Rooney Mara and Cate Blanchett in Carol

Nothing hurts more than unquenchable longing, especially when you are told that it is wrong to long so deeply for it. You do not know quite why you yearn for it, but you know that you do. When it comes to a love that society views as taboo, the view of the thing you beg for is often obscured by smoke; by doubt. As Therese does in the film Carol she begs to look through the smoke surrounding her figure of affection Carol. Fear could stop her. Or the excitement of doing something "bad" could hopelessly draw her closer. She hopes that when she is finally to touch, not just look, that there will finally be a sense of sanctuary and purpose. She has to take those steps first. Is the curiosity worth the ridicule and judgement?

Director Todd Haynes explores this in the beautiful Carol, adapted from the landmark novel The Price of Salt written by Patricia Highsmith. Highsmith originally wrote the novel in the 1950's under the pseudonym Claire Morgan. Even she had to hide her work of art under a veil of smoke just to get it made so she was not lambasted by every critic who knew her. Many gay and lesbian individuals drew to the novel's defiance of gay stereotypes and plot contrivances and it grew to be very popular among the community. Fast forward nearly 60 years later and it is still a taboo story. Just mentioning it around some people close to me who share more conservative values I get many scoffs and furrowing of eyebrows. "Oh. THAT movie." "Of COURSE that one is so popular. Hollywood has an agenda." Regardless of these silly people, the film now exists and people are falling in love with it, giving it a much deserved attention that is leading to plenty of Oscar buzz. Consider me part of it.

This is an absolutely lovely film. This is not your typical Oscar season melodrama film. It is subtle in so many lovely ways. It allows its story to explore its characters and deliver natural scenes of both conflict and intimacy that are impossible to resist. The 50's period style production is grand and is shot with an eye for detail that is all too rare. Every frame is a work of art. Costumes, make-up, props, everything fits into the picture with a sense of purpose and beauty. The musical score accentuates all of this nicely and never overpowers what is already on screen or becomes too obvious. Where The Danish Girl often hamfisted its "emotional score", Carol never overstates itself. You could say its on the opposite side of the spectrum as far as its thematic nuance goes. 

The real buzz of the film is coming from its two leads Cate Blanchett and Rooney Mara. Their chemistry is out of this world. There is an excitement and erotic tension between them that is absolutely delightful, but these characters are never viewed as just romantic leads. Their characters are well drawn and have a tremendous amount of depth that comes through in subtle acting choices. There is so much that is said with every passing glance and longing stare. It is pure visual poetry the way that these two actresses interact with each other.

As I alluded to earlier in regards to its musical score, the greatest accomplishment this film achieves is how it is able to be so moving without going into typical hysterics. Yes, there are a few rare moments where characters may get upset, but it is never played for melodrama or "screamy" moments. The greatest dramatic performances are always the ones that play the material as subdued and internal, rather than obnoxiously screaming it out so all sense of subtlety is completely absent. Trust your material and trust your audience and your intentions will be made clear in a more powerful way. Todd Haynes and his actors achieve this here and it is quite lovely.

This is a gorgeous film and definitely deserves the attention it is getting this awards season. It is a lovely and melancholy film with some of the best performances and directing that you'll see all year. Check this out before it leaves the theater and try to find the biggest screen you can. Only a few dull moments in the last third of the film keep me from giving this top marks. Carol is still one of the best movies you can see right now and it gets my full recommendation. 

Grade: A.

Carol is now playing.