CAROL – The Review

In a landmark year for gays and gay-themed films CAROL, a period romance with a twist, stands out. As in his films FAR FROM HEAVEN, POISON, and VELVET GOLDMINE, director Todd Haynes revisits themes of taboo romance set against the backdrop of a more restrictive era. CAROL is a terrific film.

CAROL tells the story of Therese (Rooney Mara), an aspiring photographer with a devoted fiancé named Richard (Jake Lacy) who works in the toy department of a large Manhattan store in the early 1950s.  There she encounters Carol (Cate Blanchett), an elegant older woman looking for a Christmas present for her daughter. The two women seem to have an instant love connection. Carol, though still married, is recently out of a scandalous lesbian relationship, but she knows what she wants and what she wants is Therese. The younger woman is confused and slow to understand her feelings, but the pair begins an affair that is challenged by more than the societal pressures of that era. As the two embark on a road trip to get away, Carol’s angry husband, Harge (Kyle Chandler), has the lovers followed by a private eye and takes steps to gain full custody of their daughter. As the custody battle intensifies, Carol finds herself having to choose between her new-found love, her daughter, and her freedom.

This convincing evocation of 1950s tear-jerkers is gorgeously designed, stunningly photographed by Edward Lachman, ravishingly scored by Carter Burwell, and directed with great gay style by Haines. He gets awards-worthy work from his cast. Rooney Mara is appropriately naïve as Therese, a nice gal who at first keeps her opinions and feelings to herself. Her relationship with Carol changes everything from her looks to her attitude. Maybe her romance with this older woman is no healthier than her relationship with the somewhat possessive Richard but it definitely transforms her. It’s Cate Blanchett, however, who runs away with CAROL. The two-time Oscar winner has always carried herself like a classic movie star: assured, bold, and always ready for her close-up. Carol is wrung through the ringer emotionally. She must make the choice to give up something important to her, her sexuality or her daughter, and Blanchett is great in a challenging role. As good as these two actresses are, let’s not overlook a pair of outstanding performances from the actors playing the two men in these women’s lives. Jake Lacy makes up for his involvement in LOVE THE COOPERS portraying of a decent guy who may be a bit controlling, but only wants what he thinks is best for Therese. Even better is Kyle Chandler as Harge, frustrated and angrily lashing out at the wife he really wants back. These two characters are just as essential to the story as Ann Hathaway and Michelle Williams were to BROKEBACK MOUNTAIN and the actors deserve to be recognized.

CAROL combines so many timely topics and ideas into a film that feels like it could have been made in the period in which it takes place (except for the naked Rooney Mara) and manages to be thought-provoking and satisfying without feeling overstuffed or unfocused. Cate Blanchett’s performance alone guarantees that CAROL will be an award season contender and I highly recommend it.

5 of 5 Stars