Carol

Carol (2015)

Directed by: Todd Haynes
Starring: Cate Blanchett, Rooney Mara
Competed for the Palme d'Or at Cannes 2015.

The film explores the relationship between an aspiring photographer, Therese and a married woman, Carol. Carol is on the verge of divorce, but her husband won't let her have the custody of their daughter if she divorces him. Therese also comes away from a potential relationship. They both find each other, in the 1950s when things were a lot more conservative. The way the film is shot - it actually feels like a 1950s movie - the production design, and even the texture of the footage - it's not super pristine, the grain and distortion is very well recreated. A lot of frames like the Hitchcock films from the 50s. Rooney Mara was terrific, she initially brings the submissive nature in the relationship come through, but the both of them later discover how much Carol needs her and longs for her.

The husbands, partners of both the women are not made to be caricatures. It's so easy to have made them alcoholics who come home and beat up their wives, but then their choice to find themselves would've seemed like an escape to misery. But them being with each other is a choice, and not a survival mechanism. That's why when Carol makes an offer in the court hearing, the husband feels bad. The boyfriend of Therese says that he won't try to kiss her again if she feels weird. We know, it's not about that. The way the intimacy is shot - it's very endearing and empathetic towards the characters. When they kiss, we go, yes, yes! They deserve to be with each other. Though there is nudity, the sex is not meant to be titillating, I felt the same as when I was watching The Portrait of a Lady on Fire.