How I wanted to love this film! But alas, I did not. I admired aspects of it, but the key relationship lacked passion. “Carol” is visually striking and emotionally flat.
My expectations were high. I have kept my eye on the director Todd Haynes since his difficult film about AIDS, “Poison” (1991), blew open the cinematic discussion of the pandemic. In Carol, the two lead actors Cate Blanchett as Carol and Rooney Mara as Therese Belivet are saturated with talent. And most important, the movie is based on Patricia Highsmith's novel The Price of Salt (1952), which was the second lesbian novel (after Well of Loneliness) I ever read – way, way before Stonewall or the movement. I have my original paperback: it cost 35 cents.
The story begins with a mutual glance of attraction between a married fur-draped Carol and a younger, single salesgirl Therese. Their love affair is full of inequalities and risks. Neither Carol’s husband nor Therese can understand the closeness of Carol’s connection with her main-ex Abby (i.e., her previous most important lesbian lover), well-played by Sarah Paulson. Carol’s husband employs a private investigator who gathers enough ammunition that Carol capitulates to the husband’s insistence on having full custody of their child. The book itself was noted for being the first lesbian novel to avoid having a tragic ending.
In Haynes’ film, Carol and Therese are both exquisitely beautiful. Too beautiful. Carol is what we used to call an Ice Queen: regal, dripping with privilege, perfectly coiffed, highly made-up, and never getting mussed, god forbid, even in bed. Therese is like a lost lamb – ungrounded, darling, and unable to get a grip on her life or feelings.
Too much time is spent gazing through rain soaked car windows, especially by Therese, leaving us with a dripping barrier to the protagonists. The frames are lovely, the poses are dramatic, and the aesthetic is arresting – but where’s the emotion? Where’s the buzz, the heat, the lust, the humor? Because the spark at the center of the narrative is missing, the lovers remain two-dimensional.
In discussing the director’s work on “Carol” with a friend, she said. “It’s the male gaze. The gay male gaze on lesbians. It’s looking from the outside in, thrilled with the beauty, but missing the connection.” The initial look across the crowded store floor brought promise to the early scenes, but unfortunately that was more or less the last sexy vibe we were to feel. Affected elegance and mournful stares replace recognizable lesbian sexuality and drama.
I recommend “Carol” because of its potential and the talent involved in its production, but I warn viewers to look for the artistry and the scenery, since the sweaty, beating heart and the throbbing arousal are nowhere to be found.
Here's the trailer
Sue, thanks for the review. You put your finger on something that disquieted me when I saw the film. I went to see it with 6 other Lez-Fems. We were all in a festive mood about seeing the film. When we came out we all had a brief discussion on the sidewalk and then departed. My one criticism was the way they kissed. I couldnt help thinking of the Madeleine Kahn line from Young Frankenstein,"No tongues!" You're right that it lacked that wonderful emotional fire and electricity that I have felt when watching films that have.lesbian romance. Films like Desert Hearts, Les Bische(sp.), The Killing of Sister George and more recently, A Room In Dome. Thanks for your insights.
Posted by: Nancy Myron | 30 December 2015 at 15:56
Nancy, thanks for writing. I saw it with a bunch of dykes as well and we all left deflated. But I never heard of "A Room in Dome," so thanks for that - something to live for.
Posted by: sue katz | 30 December 2015 at 16:00
Sorry Katz, its A Room In Rome
Posted by: Nancy Myron | 30 December 2015 at 22:37
How interesting! I have read several rave reviews, and a dyke friend was blown away by it just the other day. I have yet to see it, so I'll reserve judgement, but the dynamic is troubling; when I read your description of Therese above I was forcefully reminded of The Killing of Sister George -- and not in a good way.
On the other hand, watching the trailer I was struck by Rooney Mara's resemblance to Audrey Hepburn. In a GOOD way.
Thanks as ever for your insights, Katz.
Posted by: Marj | 01 January 2016 at 21:03
Thanks for your thoughtful comments, Marj, and Happy New Year.
Posted by: sue katz | 01 January 2016 at 21:06
Thanks for your thoughtful review. I think I'll save my money for something more exciting!
Posted by: Steph | 10 January 2016 at 03:24
Steph, a lot of women really loved the film, so don't reject it only on the basis of my reaction!
Posted by: sue katz | 10 January 2016 at 18:38
I've heard other women have similar reviews of "Carol" - those whose opinions I generally agree with on things of this nature. And, I've had the feeling I won't like it anyhow. Movies are too expensive and my time too precious to spend recklessly. Thanks again for the review.
Posted by: Steph | 19 January 2016 at 02:55