While the fashion slayed us, it was the passionately intense love story that kept us on the edge of our seat.
Carol is, undeniably and unabashedly, the best film I have seen in several years. The last great film I saw was Amour by Michael Haneke and that was 3 years ago, so yeah, Carol is kind of a big deal. I should also state that I’m not difficult to please when it comes to films. I really enjoyed the live-action Cinderella that starred Lily James and Rob Stark Richard Madden, thought Mad Max was genius and even plan on seeing Krampus, but no film since Amour until now has touched me the way Todd Haynes’ newest film has. As you can see, I’m a sucker for a good love story and Carol is not just a good love story, it’s a GREAT love story featuring two amazing actresses – Cate Blanchett and Rooney Mara- whose onscreen chemistry is palpable, heartbreaking and emotionally overwhelming. So overwhelming my husband and I gripped each other right after the movie ended and gushed over how amazing the other was. Cheesy? Totally. Necessary? Well yeah. Don’t you spend every waking moment telling your significant other just how much they mean to you? If not, you might after watching this movie.
I was so moved by the film that I wish it was mandatory everyone watch it. If you’re still on the fence about whether or not to pay the $16 to see Carol in theaters, here are 10 reasons that may convince you the splurge is well worth the price.
1.The Clothes
First and foremost, let’s talk clothes. Carol, which takes place in the 1950s, was styled by costume designer, Sandy Powell, who worked on Cinderella, The Wolf of Wall Street and Gangs of New York, to name a few. To capture the essence of each character, Sandy Powell looked to Vogue editorials for inspiration to capture Carol’s sophisticated, restrained, higher-class look, and to vintage street style photos to capture Therese’s rather not-so-stylish, unfussy, pared-down wardrobe.
I was totally diggin’ Therese’s baby fringe (could I pull it off? Probably not) and jumpers snugly fitted over tight polonecks. Rooney Mara looked like Audrey Hepburn reincarnate in this film, and honestly, who doesn’t want to look like Audrey Hepburn’s doppelganger?
2. The Acting
You hear it all the time when it comes to describing actresses: they’re so beautiful, their hair is so shiny, their style is impeccable, but let’s cut the crap and get straight to what matters: their acting ability. It’s common knowledge that Cate Blanchett is an icon of our time – she’s versatile, classic and talented beyond belief – but Rooney Mara has quickly climbed the ranks of actors to be, in my opinion, one of the best currently acting next to her billed costar and Jessica Chastain. Having already worked with directors like Spike Jonze, David Fincher and Terrence Malick in movies like Her, Side Effects, Ain’t Them Bodies Saints, and so many more, Rooney has become a force to be reckoned with.
The acting in Carol is top notch as you instantly forget that Therese and Carol are being portrayed by actresses, but are instead engulfed in their instanteous chemistry.
3. The Set Pieces & Scenery
While Carol was shot in Cincinnati, Ohio, the landscape is used to take us to cities like New York, Waterloo, and Chicago, amongst others. But even more so than that, it’s a blast in the past that offers a small glimpse into what life was like during the ’50s, what with the excess in job opportunities, cost of living and morally-constraining social views.
4. The Soundtrack
Not only do you get to see some sweet vinyl records being laid down on some even-sweeter players, you’re indulged with the rich, creamy voices of Helen Foster & The Rovers, Georgina Gibbs, The Four Aces, Les Paul & Mary Ford, and the one and only Billie Holiday. The Carol soundtrack is the perfect music to snap your fingers to, sway to and fro with, and to toast your extra-dry martini to.
Check out the songs played in the movie here.
5. Carrie Brownstein
Having missed her name in the opening credits, you can only imagine my shock when I saw Carrie Brownstein in the film. While I’m used to only seeing her on the screen in Portlandia (although her music is a much better representation of who she is as a person), her onscreen cameo momentarily pulled me out of the movie as I was left wondering, “Does this mean she’s going to act now?”
With that said, if you’re a Carrie Brownstein fan, you’ll get a kick out of seeing this talented woman on the big screen, alongside Rooney Mara.
6. The Hair & Makeup
Bold red lips, short bobs, baby fringes, and controlled curls are what make up the looks of these characters. Carol herself sports perfectly-manicured coral nails, a perfect red pout, and curls that look as if they’ve taken ages to set and will not move for anyone or thing. Therese sports a short bob with baby bangs that are very reminiscent of Audrey Hepburn’s hair.
I found myself lusting after loving Therese’s hair. While I could never pull of the short bangs look, it’s one I would love to see more of!
7. To Relive Your First Great Relationship
This movie makes you relive two relationships (unless they’re both the same for you): the first intense relationship you ever had and “the one”.
While protected by the darkness of the movie theater, I found myself replaying my tumultuous relationship with the first person I ever “loved” (I add quotation marks because the love I feel now is way different than the love I felt as a teenager). This relationship, while relatively long-lived, did not end how either of us expected it to, resulting in a lost friendship and a handful of memories.
But, I also found myself feeling grateful for my husband and feeling fortunate to have found the one for me. While this may sound like cheesy vomit to a skeptic, once you find the one for you, your perspective of life really does change completely. And if you are with the love of your life, take this moment to thank them for loving you unconditionally.
8. Because You Need To Get Out More & Take A Break From The Holidays
I get it — it’s the holidays and, technically, I should be saving money for gifts, decorations and food, but why not step back from the madness of the season, take a deep breath and give yourself a break? If you feel like treating yourself, watching a movie is the best way to do it.
Plus, it will only set you back aout $20 and, really, what could you get for $20 anyway?
9. To Remind You Of Love’s Beauty
It may not be perfect or pleasant, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be beautiful. Even if its lowest of lows, love is always the one thing poets write about, songstresses croon over, and writers kill themselves for. It’s love! And regardless of what you say, everyone everywhere wants to give and receive love.
Carol will remind you of the beauty that is love. It will take you on a rollercoaster, right alongisde Therese and Carol. It will remind you of the weightlessness of being with the one you love and the darkness that surrounds you when that person is gone. It will remind you of what it means to be human.
10. Because You’ll Be Missing Out If You Don’t
Put simply, if you don’t watch Carol, you’re going to miss out on the greatest film of the year. Enough said.
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