Carol [Blu-ray]

Cue the song ............"Some enchanted evening, you may see a strangerYou may see a stranger across a crowded roomAnd somehow you know, you know even thenThat somewhere you'll see her, again and again." **In CAROL, the some enchanted 'moment' glows for two women drawn to each other in an unexpected and unstoppable romance. A visually striking atmospheric drama with exquisite cinematography, meticulous elegant production design, iconic fashion, and an evocative, haunting score that communicates the inner landscape between the sophisticated and enigmatic Carol Aird (Cate Blanchett) and the bashful but unhesitating Therese Belivet (Rooney Mara), a younger woman searching for her place in the world who becomes self-aware of her true nature. Blanchett and Mara deliver compelling performances as two women gradually moving towards each other in an electric force of instinctual attraction and yearning. How they unveil the complex human drama of Carol and Therese is outstanding. So much is said without verbiage: a touch, a subtle gesture, a gaze, a lingering smile — reveal a quiet storm of emotions. When they finally surrender to their mutual desire the lovemaking is intensely intimate, sensual, and memorable. The emotional power of the final scene is staggering. Carol and Therese find themselves in each other, but forbidden love ultimately comes with a cost and both must face choices that will forever transform their lives.This film is not a formulaic romance movie. This is a love story about longing set in an era where there was no language to describe what Carol and Therese meant to each other. Even the use of the word "lesbian" did not exist in the vernacular of the times. The dialog between these two lovers is not obvious — it is internal and nuanced. To understand their story we are persuaded to consider the personal journey of each woman, and contemplate their courage and hopes. Throughout the film subtle metaphors convey undercurrents (e.g. the continual repetition of a moving train seen or heard; the three-sided vanity mirror in her daughter's room where Carol's divided reflection is missing from the center, but in the mirror at the Waterloo motel, with Therese, she is fully visible). This adaptation of "The Price of Salt" by screenwriter Phyllis Nagy is remarkable. Unlike the original story, which is rendered entirely from Therese's point of view and wherein we see and hear Carol through her perception, Nagy molded Carol into a three-dimensional character. In the film version we experience the essence and completeness of both women. It took 18 years for this lesbian story about falling in love, and the universality of being in love, to advance from script to screen and the result is an extraordinary work of cinematic art that stays with you, and will lure you to watch again.CAROL was shot on Super 16mm film using 35mm lenses to create a grainy image that would be reminiscent of late 40s/early 50s street photography, particularly photographs shot with Ektachrome. Cinematographer Ed Lachman won the prestigious Golden Frog award at Camerimage (The International Film Festival of the Art of Cinematography). Cinephiles will recognize the scene that bookends the story of Carol and Therese — their meeting at the Ritz Tower Hotel — as an homage to "Brief Encounter", the classic 1945 romance film.CAROL is based on "The Price of Salt" (retitled "Carol" in 1990 by author), the unprecedented 1952 lesbian romance and semiautobiographical novel by Patricia Highsmith published under the pen name Claire Morgan, in the midst of the McCarthy era, during a time when homosexuals were not expected to have happy endings and homosexuality was regarded as a mental disease; and many lesbians were institutionalized and subjected to psychiatric treatments that promised a "cure" for homosexuality. In the scene at Harge's parents house the 1953 inaugural address by President Eisenhower is playing on the television set: it is noteworthy that in April of the same year Eisenhower issued "Executive Order 10450" regarding security risks posed by federal employees. The order, which also regulated federal contractors, included "sexual perversion" as disgraceful conduct and was used to ban homosexual men and women from the ranks of the federal government. The prohibition fed the "Lavender Scare" persecution of the 1950s. (The directive was revoked 42 years later, in 1995, by President Clinton.)Among Patricia Highsmith's many works are novels "Strangers on a Train" (produced and directed by Alfred Hitchcock in 1951) and "The Talented Mr. Ripley" (adapted as 1960 French film "Plein Soleil" and under original name in 1999 by director Anthony Minghella).** ("Some Enchanted Evening" from the Rodgers & Hammerstein musical, SOUTH PACIFIC.)

Was glad to see a HAPPY ending making each other happy - happiness so hard to find

Disc arrived on time and in perfect condition. Not for kids.

I have taken a lot of my time to view many lesbian films and apply myself to lesbian literature as well as pop culture on some occasions. This is not only my favorite film under the "lesbian" tag, but my favorite current film of all time.From the behind the scenes work of using authentic 16mm film to replicate the late 50's early 60's time period, to the eleven years it took to produce the film itself.The use of color in every shot is incredible. Carol is seen clad in browns and beiges, an oppressive color that marks her wound of society's time. Yet the more she goes out with Therese, there's more use of a scarlet red. In fact, the scene of Therese and Carol driving together on the start of their trip, she finally sheds the light brown fur coat as an implied act of freedom.Therese, herself, typically wears a neutral green. The mix of these both apply to the winter theme and seasonal celebration. However, overtime, Carol and Therese are seen wearing each other's signature colors. Therese with some crimson, and Carol with the olive.The novel itself, written by Patricia Highsmith, "The Price of Salt", is an incredible novel. At this time, it was considered the first and only lesbian novel that technically had a "good ending". Basically, all lesbian pulp-fictions at the time would often make a point to put the leading lesbian(s) in insane asylums, unhealthy heterosexual marriages, or would write them to be killed off in some fashion. The book, which I have read twice, is incredible. However, this is not a review about the book.Long story short, this is an incredible movie. Even after a standing ovation at the Cannes film festival, I believe there is yet to be the appropriate outstanding audience response for this film.Please take the time to watch this. If you start this with an open mind, you will almost fall in love with Carol and Therese as the movie progresses.If you read all of this, thank you for your time.

There aren't too many movies shot in film anymore, so it was really lovely to see this one was. The story was simple, yet gorgeous and the acting fabulous. Cate Blanchett was phenomenal as always. I'm glad to see more queer love stories that aren't made for the heterosexual male titillation.

Forget the LGBT status of this film, it is so much more than that.in essence it is a mesmerising and deeply touching story of two people who are inexplicably drawn to each other despite the social and circumstantial barriers standing in their way. Beautifully put together, amazing attention to period detail and a musical score that underlines and accentuates the characters’ emotions. Cate Blanchett and Rooney Mara are incredible - their performances subtle yet so powerful and the chemistry between them I see palpable, so. I have passing between them in just stillness and a look, that you ache for them both in different ways. hand on Herat this is one of the best films I’ve seen, not least because it reminded me of what it felt like to fall deeply in love with someone for the first time. I’ve seen this film several times and I will return to it again and again. Brilliant.

Carol in my opinion has the potential to become a classic lesbian film. It is about a young woman who works as a sales person in the toy department of a shopping centre. An older glamorous, wealthy married woman comes in to purchase a present for her daughter for Christmas. The two women become unlikely friends and go on a road trip to avoid the older woman's jealous husband, who she is in the process of divorcing.The film focuses primarily on how lesbian women in the 1950's could become trapped and risk loosing their children; if they chose to get married to men, have children with them and then later decide to pursue what they really want from life. The film does a good job of portraying the confining and limiting rules that many lesbian women felt they had to accept at that time. As well as the manipulative and malicious actions of a husband who feels entitled to control the actions of his wife. It also does a fairly good job at portraying the confusion and mixed emotions of the younger woman, who is trying to forge a relationship with the older woman under these trying circumstances. It must also be said the film captures the atmosphere of the 1950's beautifully; from the classic hollywood glamour of Cate Blanchett's attire, to the soundtrack and props. Overall this is an excellent lesbian film that has atmosphere, pacing, and good acting, it certainly has the potential to become a lesbian classic.

No wonder this film scooped more than eighty awards, the attention to detail is sumptuous – 5 StarsCarol is based on the novel “The Price of Salt” by Patricia Highsmith. Written in the 1960’s, it was the first lesbian book that gave the lovers at least the hope of a happy future.Set in 1950’s America, the film details the developing relationship between Carol, an elegant socialite, and Therese, a young department store assistant. For both women, the relationship is complicated by their situation. Carol is going through a messy divorce and her controlling husband is cruel enough to use their young daughter as a bargaining chip in an attempt to control her. Therese, on the other-hand, is not yet twenty years old, and, has to come to terms with her feelings for Carol.There are so many plus-points to this film, that it’s difficult to know where to begin. The screen adaptation has been done so sensitively; this is one film to which I had entirely the same response as when I first read the book decades ago. The sets are beautifully detailed and the acting, particularly from Blanchett and Mara is outstanding. Perhaps though, it’s the cinematography that pushes Carol in to the realms of film greats. So much of this film is about what’s not said, but each captured gesture and glance speaks more than a hundred words of script ever could.A stunningly beautiful and moving romance – Highly recommended.

I can't say enough good things about this film. Shot in 50s New York the cinematography is flawless and synonymous with films from the actual 50s. The storyline is tender, thoughtful, surprising and heartfelt. There is tension, spontaneity, love, loss and heartache, tears and laughter. It is a beautiful film with superb and exquisite performances from Cate Blanchett and Rooney Mara with the rest of the cast providing excellent supporting roles. The musical score is sublime, haunting and perfectly pitched. I could (and do) watch this film over and over again. There are so many aspects of the film you notice on watching again. I can't recommend it enough. Excellent quality blu ray.

A superb example of all the components of excellent film making coming together in harmony. Having read the book it is based on 'The Price of Salt' by Patricia Highsmith, it is as if the intended story has been delicately lifted off the canvas as it were. For it to be so true to the orignal story one must give maximum credit to the artistry of screenwriter Phyllis Nagy, the intuitive direction of Todd Haynes, the beautiful cinematography (the film is shot in super 16) of Ed Lachman and the utterly stunning performances of Cate Blanchett and Rooney Mara. For this to have worked so magnificently, it was important to have interpreted the silences, the awkward moments when it was that which was left unsaid rather than that which was spoken and this component is portrayed to perfection. . . total credit to all involved. I am sure Ms Highsmith would have approved.This was an era, the early 1950s, when it was taboo to express intimate feelings towards one's own gender, sublety was necessary, a delicate candour in private and a sophisticated approach to romance were all part of making it possible to dodge all the obstacles society put upon those who challenged the norm. It was a time when courtship romance was still alive, a time when it developed, smouldered, grew out of tender anticipation and desire and all this is reflected so well in this remarkably well crafted film. The soundtrack is good blending in the likes of Gerry Mulligan, Jo Stafford and many more appropriate artists. The cinematography is astonishingly beautiful and it is crowned by Carol's adorable bronze/beige Packard motor car.Oh how I wish that all films were as all round good as this, everyone involved deserves credit for the team work that made it.