Carol: An Angel Flung Out Of Space

"Carol" is a visually stunning film, with every frame meticulously crafted to capture exquisite and delicate details. From the reflections in the car window to the characters' expressions, every aspect is thoughtfully considered. The film opens with a long shot of a man walking through the streets of New York, setting the stage for Therese and Carol's reunion. As they stand on the brink of a difficult decision, their moment is abruptly interrupted by a stranger. Therese then leaves in a car, her face reflected in the window against the backdrop of the city lights, as the memories begin to unfold. Through its poetic imagery and language, "Carol" beautifully tells its story.

Todd Haynes once again demonstrates his directorial prowess in "Carol," showcasing his adept understanding of women's emotions. From Cathy Whitaker's (Julianne Moore) portrayal in "Far from Heaven," depicting a cross-class love story with a black gardener, to Mildred Pierce's (Kate Winslet) ethical tragedy with her daughter's lover in "Mildred Pierce," Haynes makes compelling narrative and casting choices. In "Carol," the film's beauty extends beyond its retro elegance, fitting soundtrack, and smooth narrative flow; it's embodied in the two female leads. Cate Blanchett's regal demeanor perfectly embodies Carol's elegance and confidence. With her fur coat, enchanting fragrance, and calm, wavy blonde hair, Blanchett's portrayal aligns closely with the character described in the original novel, "The Price of Salt."

In "Carol," Cate Blanchett's acting prowess shines in a scene where she confronts her husband in a mediation courtroom. In just two minutes, she masterfully portrays a mix of concession, dignity, and the threat of mutual destruction. Rooney Mara also delivers a standout performance as Therese, a 19-year-old filled with nerves, inexperience, and bravery. The narrative, told from Therese's perspective, hinges on her emotional journey, driving the story forward. Rooney adeptly captures Therese's evolution from fascination with Carol at Frankenberg Department Store to deep infatuation, shock at sudden changes, and eventual blossoming while working at Times.

"Carol" has made some minor changes from the original novel "The Price of Salt." One clever alteration is changing Therese's hobby from stage design to photography, which better reflects her secretive feelings for Carol. Additionally, the pair of gloves that are "left behind" during their initial encounter at Frankenberg feels more natural than Therese directly sending a greeting card in the book, showcasing a stroke of genius in the adaptation.

The most memorable line for me in the movie is when Carol first invites Therese out and says, "What a strange girl you are, flung out of space." It's as if she's saying that Therese is like an alien or that she often has her mind wandering. Later on during their road trip, during one of their sex scenes, Carol says to Therese, "My angel, flung out of space." I think this might be the most heartfelt confession Carol makes throughout the entire film, besides saying "I love you."

During the interview, Cate Blanchett mentioned that she vividly remembers a line from the movie:

But there’s a real sense, and I think that the film really describes this, of the women’s isolation. And I think that’s kind of that space man in orbit, it’s that lack of — she connects with people, and then somehow they miss one another, and then when she connects with Carol you kind of have that feeling like, “Oh, thank God.”

Director Todd Haynes said that just as Cate mentioned:

It’s also exactly as you described, the universal unknown of falling in love. Where your entire sense of self is rooted in the biggest question of all which is do they feel the same way that I feel. There’s no bigger definition of being flung out of space than in the mercy of the unknown of that person who you just want to know, and that’s what lurks for both of these characters.

I'm grateful that Todd Haynes directed this film because "The Price of Salt," being a lesbian novel by a lesbian author, deserves to be handled with care. It's never too late for Patricia Highsmith, the author, to acknowledge her creation, even 40 years after the book's publication. Unlike Highsmith's thrillers like "The Talented Mr. Ripley" and "Strangers on a Train," "The Price of Salt" requires a different kind of courage—a courage to pursue true love.

While "Carol" may not have the explicit real sex or the intense modern love seen in "Blue Is the Warmest Color," it bravely portrays a time when people faced immense pressure regarding their sexuality and the courage it took to pursue love authentically. Though not flawless, it is exceptionally nuanced. If the film can inspire courage in today's world, where the LGBTQ+ community still fights for equality decades later, or simply shed light on the lesbian community and different forms of love, it would be fulfilling. We never know who might become our guiding light; sometimes, following our hearts is the only way to find our way.