Review: Carol

In the last year or so, I definitely have been seeing films that I would not usually see at the cinema. This particular feature got a lot of buzz at the Sundance Film Festival that is known for kicking off the film year where a lot of the best independent films showcase their works to attract funding from any major studios that could see them as potential Oscar contenders.

Director Todd Haynes latest creation seemed to generate the most interest, and that is basically why I got intrigued by this. Well, and Cate Blanchett and Rooney Mara being in it which sealed the deal for me. I sadly have not seen any of Haynes' previous work. His successes seem to be set in the 1950's and this is where we heading with Carol.

Most same sex stories within films are rarely artistic and more glamourised that makes it look trashy at times. However, Haynes and his team seem to have such a delicate made love story to match that of any romance film.
When I say a movie is slow-paced, that does generally that it is boring. But this definitely does not fit into that category. The slow-burning story seems to have given the director time to make it such rewarding viewing.
The story is a simple, but it is the detailed development of the characters that makes this gripping. Haynes and his team manages to make every scene important and beautiful to look at.

Cate Blanchett and Rooney Mara are quite astonishing together as our two leads. Blanchett is pure class and fits into the era like a glove. It reminded of her portrayal as Katherine Hepburn in The Aviator. As for Mara, she gives us the right amount of subtlety and under-stated too make this a powerful performance. I could easily get lost in her captivating eyes and this is where her performance lies. These two are surely some of the major front-runners to win Best Actress.
Their on-screen partnership is obviously the main cog, and it moves along at such a pleasant pace. Their characters have a unique type of relationship. It may seen as love, but the characters make it look like that they don't what to call it.

There were no negatives that were noticeable. But the only thing stopping this from being one of my films of the year is from a personal point of view. This is not the type of film that I go nuts over more times than others. There are some relate-able films that are high up on my list, but I am afraid this one just did not captivate me enough.

Despite my personal feelings getting in the way, this definitely has all the makings of an Oscar contender in several departments.
It is directed so carefully. The pacing and cinematography is delicately done and it never loses discipline by suddenly being let loose. The set design and costumes are terrific. I have always found the 1950's an interesting decade, especially in America and this really puts you into that time period. And finally the score by Carter Burwell, although repetitive was put really well at the right times.
Everyone should see just for Blanchett and Mara's performances that reminded so much of Brief Encounter.

Rating: 8/10