Should you watch this at weekend movie ticket prices? If you’re a Cate Blanchett fan.
Should you watch this at weekday movie ticket prices? OK.
Secret ending? No.
Running time: 118 minutes (~2 hours)
“Carol” is a romantic drama based on the novel, “The Price of Salt.” It revolves around the relationship between two women, and the trials and tribulations they have to overcome to be with each other. It stars Cate Blanchett (Carol Aird), Rooney Mara (Therese Belivet), Sarah Paulson (Abby Gerhard), Kyle Chandler (Harge Aird), and Jake Lacy (Richard Semco). It is rated R-21.
“Carol” sees very strong performances from its cast, which gives gravitas to what would be a fairly normal love story (discounting the circumstances of it all). But while it focuses on the performances, it lets the plot suffer for it, and ends up being a very character-driven piece with a rather boring story.
Highlights
Carol’s strong exterior but sensitive interior
Carol’s characterisation resonates with us so much because she is, on the outside, what we all want to be — powerful, independent and in control. Yet on the inside, she’s just like all of us — vulnerable, frightened and uncertain. It also helps that Cate Blanchett delivers a gripping performance as Carol, showing us so many different facets of her character that come together in a sympathetic whole.
A meek but determined Therese
As a symbolic counterpoint to Carol, Therese comes across as a shy girl with a hidden but steadfast resolve within. Her personality matches Carol’s so well, which is what makes their relationship so poignant. Therese’ quiet strength is what pushes their relationship on, and we want to root for them because Therese simply won’t give up. And that also surprises us, because we would expect Carol to be the predominant force in their relationship.
A prevalent sense of tragedy
Because of the circumstances of their individual lives, and the mindset of society at that time, you get this faint feeling of doom, that Carol and Therese will be plagued with troubles as long as they stay together. And indeed, they do face many obstacles in their path. It’s because of this nagging sense of tragedy that we can’t help but want to see this story through, to find out if they manage to overcome everything that stands in their way.
Letdowns
A very slow start
“Carol” takes its time to set the scene and ease us into the tale, so much so that you end up wondering when the story will begin. Even when it starts, it progresses far too slowly and almost loses you due to the snail’s pace. More of the exposition could have been saved for later in the story, when empathy and emotion for the characters have already been developed, to speed the introduction along.
An abrupt end
The film ends without a definite resolution or even signalling that an end is in sight. It just pulls the rug out from under you, and doesn’t give you an answer to the burning question you’ve had all along. While that’s certainly thought provoking, it also makes you feel cheated, that you’ve wasted all this time rooting for such an inconclusive ending.
“Carol” sees very strong performances from its two leads, but this is compromised by an overly draggy story.
“Carol” opens 24 December, 2015 (Thursday).
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