Carol

Everyone has experienced-once at least- that "pow" moment when someone who is very attractive enters the room and one is compelled to ask: "Who in the hell is that? " This is what occurred when Therese and Carol first noticed each other in a department store in the conservative times of Eisenhauer's America. To engage in "the love that dare not speak its name" was to court the dangers of public disapproval and likely ostracism. Cate Blanchett, as usual, creates another complex characterization as the priviledged but unhappy married woman who falls for someone from the common classes (Rooney Mara, simply dazzling.) All the great period trappings are here, including the shiny cars, clothing and the buildings and interiors from that era. For me the film was a tad arty re; due to some of the gauzy, hazy scenes and a bit slow moving. It's hard for me to describe, but despite the chemistry between the leads the romance didn't quite take fire. However, Carol is worth seeing in particular for Cate Blanchett (is there anything this woman can't do with great authority? ) and Rooney Mara (Cannes Best Actress Award winner) is on the way to bigger things. She is nominated for the Supporting Actress Oscar and her only rival is likely Alicia Vikander for the Danish Girl.