I have been wanting to see “Carol” ever since I first read about it weeks ago, from several reviewers, all in awe of this movie. Today the hubby and I went to see it, and it did not disappoint. In fact, it was even better than I expected it to be.
When the movie ended, hubby looked at me and said, “It’s over, already?” This despite the fact that this movie runs the standard almost 2 hours. It is so absorbing that time flies.
I’m not going to get into much of anything specific about the plot of this movie, other than to say it takes place in the fifties, and hence, is about the “love that cannot be named” and exactly when that was true.
The director, Todd Haynes, is gay. In reading a couple of interviews with him, I was struck by his challenge here, to portray a gay love story in a time when there were no easy words for that, and to do it in a way that didn’t fall victim to anachronistic traps. To portray this romance in the way that is really true of all romances---a look, a smile, a touch. The chemistry of love, no matter your sexual preference.
And I think that the need to do this, portrayed the rare, beautiful gay love story in cinema, that many can identify with. No politics, no talk of rights, although that is implicit at times in the movie, no lecturing. In short, just a love story, like many other love stories. And that in itself is a huge victory for Haynes, IMO.
Cate Blanchett, Rooney Mara, and Kyle Chandler (of “Friday Night Lights” fame---the coach. And more recently, a brilliant turn in “Bloodline”) put in excellent, authentic and stirring performances. Cate Blanchett, as always for me, makes me believe whatever she wants me to believe. Rooney Mara is a revelation. A young actress who is mesmerizing.
And, last but way far from least, oh my God, the cinematography. What a feast of beauty, light, and the moment, captured with such loving care.
So, I will expand my title to say, really, just two words: See it!