Carol

Movie Details:

Cast & Characters:

• Cate Blanchett as Carol Aird
• Rooney Mara as Therese Belivet
• Sarah Paulson as Abby Gerhard
• Jake Lacy as Richard Semco
• John Magaro as Dannie McElroy
• Cory Michael Smith as Tommy Tucker
• Carrie Brownstein as Genevieve Cantrell
• Kevin Crowley as Fred Haymes
• Nik Pajic as Phil McElroy
• Kyle Chandler as Harge Aird

Storyline:

Aspiring photographer Therese spots the beautiful, elegant Carol perusing the doll displays in a 1950s Manhattan department store. The two women develop a fast bond that becomes a love with complicated consequences.

About Carol Movie:

Carol is a historical drama romance film directed by Todd Haynes, based on Patricia Highsmith’s 1952 novel The Price of Salt (republished as Carol in 1990). The screenplay was written by Phyllis Nagy and features a star-studded cast including Cate Blanchett, Rooney Mara, Sarah Paulson, Jake Lacy, and Kyle Chandler. Set in 1950s New York City, the film tells the story of a forbidden love affair between an aspiring female photographer, Therese Belivet (Mara), and an older woman, Carol Aird (Blanchett), who is navigating a difficult divorce.

Plot Summary

The narrative begins during the Christmas season of 1952 when Therese works at Frankenberg’s department store. She meets Carol while Carol is shopping for a doll for her daughter. Their initial interaction is marked by subtle flirtation when Carol leaves her gloves behind, prompting Therese to send them back, which leads to further contact between the two women.

As their relationship develops, Carol invites Therese to her home for Christmas. However, Carol is embroiled in a custody battle with her estranged husband, Harge (Chandler), who threatens to use Carol’s sexuality against her in court. This tension drives the plot as Carol decides to take a road trip with Therese to escape the pressures of her divorce.

During their journey, they share intimate moments that deepen their connection, culminating in their first kiss and sexual encounter. However, their happiness is short-lived when they discover that they are being followed by a private investigator hired by Harge to gather evidence against Carol.

The film explores themes of love, identity, and societal constraints as both women confront the realities of their situation. Ultimately, Carol chooses to fight for her daughter while sacrificing her relationship with Therese, leading to an emotional separation.

Production and Reception

Development for Carol began in 1997 when Nagy wrote the first draft of the screenplay. After years in development hell due to various challenges including financing and rights issues, principal photography commenced in March 2014 in Cincinnati, Ohio. The film was shot on Super 16 mm film by cinematographer Edward Lachman.

Carol premiered at the Cannes Film Festival on May 17, 2015, and was released in the United States on November 20 and in the United Kingdom on November 27. The film grossed over $42 million against an $11 million budget and received widespread acclaim for its direction and performances. It was particularly praised for Blanchett’s and Mara’s portrayals of complex characters navigating societal norms.

The film garnered numerous accolades, including six Academy Award nominations, nine BAFTA Awards nominations, and five Golden Globe nominations. It won several awards including five Dorian Awards and recognition from various critics’ circles.

Legacy

Carol has been recognized as one of the best LGBTQ films of all time by the British Film Institute and was named one of the greatest films of the 21st century by the BBC. Its exploration of love between women during a repressive era resonates with audiences today, making it a significant entry in both LGBTQ cinema and romantic drama.

Budget & Box Office Collection: