About Carol

Explore:

• About
• Making / Production
• Actors
• Trivia / Interesting Facts
• Awards
• Quotes
• Music
• Soundtrack

About

Carol is a 2015 drama film directed by Todd Haynes. Based on the novel "The Price of Salt" by Patricia Highsmith, the story is set in the 1950s and follows the relationship between a young photographer named Therese Belivet and an older woman named Carol Aird. As their connection deepens, they must navigate the complexities of societal expectations and personal desires. The film beautifully explores themes of love, identity, and repression in a time when same-sex relationships were heavily stigmatized.

Making / Production

The production of Carol involved a meticulous attention to detail in recreating the 1950s setting and capturing the essence of the era. Director Todd Haynes aimed to transport viewers back in time by ensuring every aspect of the film, from the costumes to the set design, captured the spirit of the post-war period. The film was shot on Super 16mm film to achieve a vintage look, further enhancing the nostalgic atmosphere. The production team also extensively researched and consulted archival material to accurately depict the fashion, music, and cultural nuances of the time.

Actors

• Cate Blanchett as Carol Aird: Blanchett delivers a powerful and nuanced performance as Carol, capturing the character's strength and vulnerability.
• Rooney Mara as Therese Belivet: Mara delivers a breakthrough performance as the young photographer, portraying Therese's journey of self-discovery with subtlety and grace.
• Sarah Paulson as Abby Gerhard: Paulson plays Carol's close friend and former lover, bringing depth to the character's complex emotions.
• Kyle Chandler as Harge Aird: Chandler portrays Carol's estranged husband, showcasing the internal struggles and external pressures he faces.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• The film received critical acclaim for its acting, direction, screenplay, and visually stunning cinematography.
• Carol premiered at the Cannes Film Festival in 2015 and went on to receive multiple nominations and awards.
• Rooney Mara won the Best Actress award at Cannes for her role as Therese Belivet.
• The film was praised for its authentic portrayal of same-sex relationships and its exploration of female desire.

Awards

Carol received numerous accolades, including six Academy Award nominations. Cate Blanchett was nominated for Best Actress, Rooney Mara for Best Supporting Actress, and the film itself received nominations for Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Cinematography, Best Costume Design, and Best Original Score. While it did not win any Academy Awards, Carol was widely recognized for its exceptional performances and craftsmanship.

Quotes

• "Just when you think it can't get any worse, you run out of cigarettes." - Therese Belivet
• "Tell me you know what you're doing... because I'm terrified that you don't." - Carol Aird
• "I never looked like that." - Therese Belivet

Music

The musical score for Carol was composed by Carter Burwell. The score beautifully captures the emotional depth of the film, complementing the romantic and melancholic atmosphere. Burwell's music enhances the visual storytelling, adding layers of intimacy and tension to the narrative.

Soundtrack

• "Opening" by Carter Burwell
• "Drive Into the Night" by The Chromatics
• "New York One More Day" by Jake Bugg
• "Easy Living" by Billie Holiday
• "Smoke Rings" by Les Paul and Mary Ford