Movies: Carol

(Drivebycuriosity) - New York City. The 1950s. Carol, a wealthy married woman, meets Therese, a young shopgirl. Love happens. But it gets complicated. That´s the story of the movie "Carol" (imdb). The film is based on a novel by Patricia Highsmith, who was a master of psychological studies, but don´t expect a murder thriller.

Director Todd Haynes and cinematographer Edward Lachman created a gorgeous movie. Everything in this film is perfect."Carol" immerses the audience into Manhattan in the 1950s and let the viewers participate in the emotional roller coaster of Carol & Therese and the dance of different social classes. 

The cinematography is a piece of art and I indulged myself in Lachman´s brilliant picture language. One of the film´s manifold pleasures is an erotical choreographed love scene between "Carol" & "Therese" (even that the sex was not as intense and bold as in "Blue is the Warmest Color - here my review driveby -  this is America in the 50s and not contemporary France).

Cate Blanchett - as "Carol" - proves again that she is one of the brightest stars on Hollywood´s fimament. She is charming, bitchy, arrogant, strong/vulnerable - and irrestible. Rooney Mara - as "Therese" - impressed me with her intensity. Her powerful eyes and her gazes cast a spell - not just on "Carol" . The actress made clear that she is on her way to the top of Hollywood´s elite.

"Carol" is certainly one of the best movies of the year and a real Oscar contender.