by Kathie Smith The art of seduction is at the fore in Todd Hayne’s Carol. Cultivated right from the opening shot, the strings of the soundtrack swoop you off your feet and carry you into a gritty 1950’s New York City that feels nostalgic regardless of your familiarity with time and or place. Introducing us to the streets, the people, and the hidden spaces found behind windows and through reflections, every detail is manicured and every image is softened with a warm hue. The movie’s éclat is the result of the creative choices and artistic talent behind the production—a multilayered effort inherent in filmmaking, though it is rarely so elevated and pronounced. Production design and art direction by Judy Becker and Jesse Rosenthal, costume design by Sandy Powell, and cinematography by Ed Lachman (wielding a 16mm camera) all contribute to a tactile atmosphere of period perfection. In a word, it’s seductive. And we haven’t even taken the narrative into account. | Edina Cinema Director: Todd Haynes Producers: Elizabeth Karlsen, Tessa Ross, Christine Vachon, Stephen Woolley Writer: Phyllis Nagy, Patricia Highsmith (novel) Cinematographer: Edward Lachman Editor: Affonso Gonçalves Music: Carter Burwell Cast: Cate Blanchett, Rooney Mara, Kyle Chandler, Jake Lacy, Sarah Paulson, John Magaro, Cory Michael Smith Runtime: 118m. Genre: Drama Countries: USA Premiere: May 17, 2015 – Cannes Film Festival US Theatrical Release: November 20, 2015 US Distributor: The Weinstein Company |
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