I’m sorry Todd, your film Carol is not making my top 10 list. I don’t know. I guess I should’ve known, I thought Far From Heaven was painstakingly slow, didn’t even it make it all the way through I’m Not There. There is some good news: I did like sections of “Carol”.
But first, the male characters were cardboard and the acting not much better. Sorry also to Kyle Chandler, nothing personal as I loved you as the cocky FBI guy in Wolf on Wall Street.
Second, this film needed a haircut (aka edit) as much as Donald Trump needs a trim. Cut the first ten minutes off and start immediately in the department store. We also don’t need to go to every podunk motel and diner on their road trip to Chicago.
Third, one of the last scenes at a party where Terez (Rooney Mara) is literally faced with multiple heterosexual couples? Ok, yes, an important scene, but the laborious pace of it all invoked my hand flipping gesture of, ‘let’s keep this rolling’. And did Carrie Browstein win a Charity Buzz auction as a walk on in that scene? Strange days indeed.
Fourth, Cate Blanchett’s too cool for the room and that’s not a compliment. It’s hard to truly feel for someone who’s playing such a detached ice princess.
In an attempt to keep the Christmas cheer going, I’ll end by highlighting the positives. Cate Blanchett’s costuming was absolutely gorgeous. Certain shots were absolutely gorgeous, specifically any with Rooney Mara in a car or crying (both of which happen with great frequency). Rooney Mara’s acting was the best part of the film, her character was believable and heart felt.Rooney Mara
