Carol

A high-quality lesbian milf movie set in the 1950’s? Say no more

CATE BLANCHETT IS LITERALLY THE ULTIMATE MILF AMD THIS MOVIE WAS JUST 10/10 LOVED HOW EVEN THE SILENCE MOMENTS HAD SO MUCH EMOTION

- I love older women so I get it
- However, the age gap was icky
- Beautiful cinematography
- Love the ending
- A bit slow
- Idk man it was good, I’m gay, I’m yearning, but I’m also feeling a bit 🫤
- Why does she have the exact same haircut as her daughter bro

Todd Haynes's Carol is an exquisitely crafted historical romantic drama that transports viewers to the subtly oppressive yet alluring world of 1950s New York City. Based on Patricia Highsmith's groundbreaking novel The Price of Salt, the film tells the story of a forbidden affair between Therese Belivet (Rooney Mara), an aspiring female photographer, and the elegant, older Carol Aird (Cate Blanchett), who is navigating a difficult divorce. My initial reaction was one of immediate captivation; the film's stunning visuals, evocative atmosphere, and the palpable chemistry between its leads drew me in completely. My overall impression is that Carol is an absolute masterpiece of restrained emotion and meticulous filmmaking, a profound and deeply moving portrayal of illicit love and self-discovery that deserved every accolade it received and cemented its place as one of the greatest LGBTQ+ films of all time.

Rating:
8.3/10 ⭐️ (★★★★ - Excellent)
An excellent rating for a film that is a masterclass in subtle storytelling, boasting breathtaking cinematography, and phenomenal lead performances that beautifully capture a tender and transgressive love story.

The Good:
* Narrative & Story (Strengths): Phyllis Nagy's screenplay is a triumph, delicately adapting Highsmith's novel by capturing its "intense, subjective point of view" while broadening the perspective to include Carol's inner life. The narrative unfolds with exquisite restraint, building tension through glances, gestures, and unspoken desires. The pacing is deliberate, allowing the audience to fully immerse themselves in the characters' burgeoning emotions and the societal constraints of the 1950s. Themes of forbidden love, identity, societal repression, and the courage to pursue authentic connection are explored with profound sensitivity and nuance. The framing device adds a layer of reflective melancholy.
* Characters (Strengths): The performances by Cate Blanchett and Rooney Mara are nothing short of phenomenal. Blanchett delivers a captivating and multi-layered portrayal of Carol Aird, embodying elegance, vulnerability, and a fierce independence. Her subtle expressions convey a world of suppressed emotion. Rooney Mara is equally mesmerizing as Therese Belivet, capturing her quiet intensity, nascent artistic awakening, and profound infatuation. Their chemistry is electrifying, communicated through stolen glances and tentative touches, making their bond utterly believable and deeply moving. Sarah Paulson as Abby Gerhard and Kyle Chandler as Harge Aird also provide strong, nuanced supporting performances.
* Directing & Filmmaking (Strengths): Todd Haynes's direction is a masterclass in period detail, psychological insight, and visual poetry. He crafts a world that feels both authentic to the 1950s and imbued with a dreamlike, almost melancholic beauty. Edward Lachman's cinematography, shot on Super 16mm film, is breathtakingly gorgeous, justly earning numerous accolades. He uses natural light, evocative color palettes, and voyeuristic framing (inspired by Ruth Orkin, Saul Leiter) to create a sense of intimacy and clandestine longing. The editing by Affonso Gonçalves is precise, contributing to the film's controlled pacing and emotional impact. Carter Burwell's haunting and melancholic score is a perfect complement, subtly enhancing the film's tender and tragic undertones.
* Technical Aspects (Strengths): The production design, set in 1950s Cincinnati (doubling for New York), is meticulously recreated, from the department store to the cars and homes, immersing the viewer in the era. The costumes are exquisite, perfectly reflecting the characters' personalities and the societal norms of the time. The use of Super 16mm film stock gives the film a soft, grainy texture that feels authentic to the period and enhances its timeless quality. The digital intermediate process refined the "slightly spoiled palette," adding to the film's unique aesthetic.
* Enjoyment & Engagement: Carol is a profoundly engaging and deeply moving film. Its exquisite craftsmanship, compelling love story, and subtle emotional power keep the audience utterly captivated. It's a film that resonates on multiple levels, offering a beautiful depiction of a forbidden romance, a piercing social commentary, and a visually stunning cinematic experience. The admiration it generated, leading to a "Cult of Carol" fandom, speaks volumes about its impact.

The Not So Good:
* Narrative & Story (Weaknesses): While its deliberate pacing is a strength, for some viewers accustomed to more explicit narratives, the film's subtle storytelling and slow burn might require a higher level of patience. The lack of overt dramatic confrontation could be perceived as a weakness by those expecting a more traditional romance or melodrama.

The Verdict:
Carol is an exceptional and deeply moving cinematic masterpiece that transcends its genre to deliver a timeless and universal story of love, desire, and self-acceptance. Todd Haynes's visionary direction, coupled with the breathtaking performances of Cate Blanchett and Rooney Mara, creates a film of unparalleled beauty, restraint, and emotional power. Its meticulous period detail, stunning cinematography, and haunting score combine to produce an immersive and unforgettable experience. Widely lauded as one of the best films of 2015 and a landmark in LGBTQ+ cinema, Carol is an absolute must-see for anyone who appreciates profound storytelling, exquisite filmmaking, and the enduring power of forbidden love. Its lasting impression is one of tender beauty and quiet defiance.

Optional Additional Categories:
* Genre & Tone: The film is primarily a historical romantic drama with strong neo-realist and melodrama influences. Its tone is consistently subtle, melancholic, elegant, and deeply contemplative, reflecting the societal repression of its era.
* Target Audience: It caters to adult audiences who appreciate sophisticated character dramas, period films, and LGBTQ+ narratives. Its critical acclaim and artistic merit also draw in cinephiles.
* Originality & Innovation: While an adaptation, the film's innovation lies in its masterful, restrained portrayal of a lesbian romance in the 1950s, allowing the love to unfold through glances and gestures rather than overt declarations. Its specific visual aesthetic, influenced by postwar photography, is also highly original.
* Themes & Messages (Further Discussion): The film profoundly explores themes of forbidden love, identity, societal repression, class differences, the complexities of divorce, the pursuit of individual happiness, and the courage required to live authentically. It's a powerful commentary on the invisibility of queer lives in certain historical contexts.
* Comparison to Other Films: It directly invokes comparisons to David Lean's Brief Encounter for its themes of illicit love and the emotional depth of its characters. It also stands alongside other acclaimed LGBTQ+ dramas, but its specific period setting and aesthetic make it unique. Its delicate portrayal of unspoken desire distinguishes it from more explicit romantic dramas.

Why did it end off like that?😞

Bit boring at times