Carol: The Love Story in a Look

Contains spoilers for "Carol" (2015)
Music: Piano for Meditation - KiwiScore
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[@jenandpaula]

it has been pointed out by others (not me - I'm not that perceptive) that Therese paints her apartment walls the same color as those of their hotel room in Waterloo. The color is possibly a shade of green.

[@cbrownes]

Yes I love that detail!

[@deborahdp7744]

Charlie Noah me too

[@mirthe205]

that is amazing! i have seen this movie a dozen times but i never noticed that

[@mlw9195]

That’s SOOO sweet omfg🥰😫😫

[@casckettfriki]

I have seen this movies more times than I can count and I've never realised that. What a great point

[@Sassmill]

Ugh this got me almost as emotional as the actual film did. Very well done analysis. I feel alive.

[@warriorbard]

This was f*kin' BRILLIANT. Your explanation of their sartorial choices was goddamn riveting and I hadn't noticed the change of Therese's and Carol's color palettes before, which really shame on me because I went and saw the movie three times in the theaters. Thank you for revealing yet another layer to this magnificent film that is so full of metaphors, nuances and subtext. Todd Haynes and Co. really created a masterpiece with Carol - everything from the score to the cinematography to the script seemed well thought out and they all blended seamlessly together to create a film that is worth watching again and again because with every new viewing, you find something new to uncover. Amazing. Excellent. There really aren't enough adjectives to describe just how truly magical and poignant Carol is. Thank you for this video essay; it was revelatory.

[@Huifen9990]

CAROL is truly a masterpiece, with each viewing I found something amazing! Like many others I guess, I couldn't take my eyes off Cate Blanchett on the first viewing as her performance was utterly mesmerising. It took me by surprise that Ronney's exquisite performance had my eyes glued to the screen on the 2nd viewing. The jury of Cannes Film Festival must have adored the nuance and subtlety of her performance like we all do. After two viewings I started noticing the excessive use of color palettes of red & green. RED & GREEN are basically everywhere, for instances Carol wears red mostly, red hat, red scarf, red earrings and red nail polish, even her lips are red hot. Obviously Therese wears green mostly, green sweater, green blouse, green hat. It's amazing to see the switch of colors between the two characters as their situations and emotions started to change. Therese wears red dress and carries red bag when she has transformed into a confident woman towards the end of the film, love how the transformation was presented with the switch of red & green. Am very impressed with the production designs at the department store, It looks nothing but festive with everything decorated in red & green, needless to say it's Christmas.... There's a scene when Carol is in Therese's apartment, there are two chairs in the living room, one is red and the other is green. Also, Carol wears checkered pattern night gown in red & green ,while Therese wears polk dotted PJs in red & green. Utterly adorable😁😁 The Wrapping paper that Therese uses for the record has red & green patterns. Richard's very first scene, he is waiting for Therese downstairs in the morning, there's a volleyball in red & green right next to him. There are even red & green bed sheets, when Therese watches Carol sleep with the latter covered by a red bed sheet. We later on see Therese covered by a green bed sheet when she asks Carol"what town is this again?"..... Red & Green are essentially the spirit of Carol and Therese, the director is such a genius. As an audience I love the performances, love the cinematography, love the costumes, love the production designs, love the score, we all know that none of these would have worked so perfectly without the genius TODD HAYNES, applaud👏👏👏👏👏

[@mlw9195]

I agree 100%

[@Topsukka98]

This is so well done movie that represent LBGT culture by it's purest core, and in general attractions purest and finest core. Even today, people talk about thing called gaydar, and it's mostly based on eyecontact and non verbal communication with each other. It's a shame when I hear that some people have seen this movie boring or not having romantic tension between the main characters, when the tension has been always inside them rumbling and making a huge noise in their thoughts while keeping as calm as possible.

[@majyvang442]

Yes Topelius! It is a gorgious and heartbreaking movie. It is really a shame people seem this movie boring.. Todd Haynes created such a perfect movie where it is all about looking. Direct from the beginning when Therese and Carol first met you just feel the tension between them. God! Talking about chemistry ... Beautiful ending of a wonderful love story. I still watch this movie and will never get over it..

[@q3ts]

It's a shame they didn't make part two of the movie

[@spider-woman9482]

@@q3ts That would be an injustice and the ruin the entire point of the way the film was captured. Cate also said it would be unnecessary because it is. The sequel would bring words and explanations that don't need to be said, when words were never the film's priority. 'Show, don't tell'. The audience's imagination and interpretation sells the ending, which is invaluable.

[@Ypres-gg6wg]

just discovered this. What a gem. Every time I watch Carol, I see new layers. The ending is absolute perfection. You can see every emotion in Therese's eyes, cheeks, mouth. From worriedly searching the room, to finding Carol, to the anticipation as she moves toward her waiting to catch her eye, and finally the steady look. And just before the shot goes to Carol there is the slightest look of fulfillment and joy in her facial expression. It is magic. Your podcast puts it all together perfectly.

[@mlw9195]

YESSS you recaptured that brilliant moment it’s sooo good. It makes you want to cry because of the beauty of the scene/moment

[@juliettedemaso7588]

That last shot makes me cry. With no "here it comes get ready!", it just happens so spontaneously and warmly. With no words at all, no trite hyperbolic pithy declarations, "we've arrived at our obligatory customer-approved happily ever after yay!" with a group of cheering perfectly suburban cute and funny people in a mall or grassy wedding pews, a song swelling with narrative on-the-nose lyrics, all the saturation and sound effects turned all the way up, Disney location, the whole thing blaring a flat immemorable single-note tell as if all of the cheap indicators were competing with each other for all of our attention, overwhelming the tender-er nerves so as to club the brain into lobotomized passivity... No none of that. Instead, art. There is so little of this to be found now, at least not accessible to the masses. But thank goodness there is still some. Cherish it.

[@ciaranosullivan9352]

You hit the proverbial nail on the head here young lady . It's a gorgeous slow burn evocative story of a clandestine romance ,and every frame is beautiful to look at . I have watched it half a dozen times .

[@ru4041]

Agreed! I’m not sure if it’s too obvious haha. But also because these two women fell in love in the time where it was against social norms, their happy ending wasn’t as obvious as other happy endings in typical hetero love movies. That’s why they didn’t have any of those cliche endings but just subtle and at the same time happy looks at each other that were saying “i love you” silently. It is a happy ending but at the same time it is also a sad ending since they can’t express their true feelings out in public. That’s what the ending meant to me but sorry again if it’s very obvious haha

[@mlw9195]

@@ru4041 that’s a good point. Jeez I love reading the comments becuase ppl pick out things I totally over looked

[@highwind1991]

you said it better than I ever could. It's use of frames, constant use of glances and facial expressions that show one emotion but mean another. I don't know how other youtube channels can call themselves reviewers when they don't notice these things in films like this. Like double toasted, who spent the entire review criticizing the plot and traditional story and their excuse was that the story or what happens in a movie is what's most important. And I think that's damaging to how general audiences think films should be looked at. Narrative isn't the most essential element to a film. The how is more important than the what. execution of the material, and not about what you get, but how you cut it. I love channels like this that analyze film further and understand all the elements that go into what makes art great.

[@scifinerd17]

Adriano Vazquez Yes, exactly. When it comes to movies with a story it’s all about what the director’s looking for with their film. Do they want a plot heavy film that’s driven by dialogue like a Christopher Nolan movie? Or a movie that’s less about the plot and more about the imagery that sinks you right in like Kubo and the Two Strings?

[@IshaanGupta00]

Absolutely spot on comment. I read somewhere that: a story isn’t about the mere sequence of events that make up a narrative, it’s about what is COMMUNICATED by those events happening.

[@CLDESXGN]

Good catch about the train and it ties into carols “everything comes in full circle”

[@RyanJohnson-sq1zk]

I’ve seen CAROL a dozen or two times, and as many video interviews. I’ve read the screenplay, revealing, and devoured the few video essays as this is here. This is a MUST watch/hear piece for anyone who has recognized CAROL for everything it is, or simply enjoys the story for whatever spirit you connect with. I can only say thank you.

[@skywaterrr]

Wow, I'm speechless. Your review made me fall in love with the perfection of Carol again. Thank you a lot for your effort!

[@harleyquiinnnn]

"Her love life seems equally disingenuous - as her boyfriend feeds her standardized terms of endearment and intreats her to conform to a traditional courtship and matrimonial union." 2:14

[@elizabethrecella1606]

what i admire about this film (besides almost everything) is that you learn something new with every re-watch. i loved how this analysis emphasized on the colors presented and the metaphors used throughout the film. i also read in the comments that therese re-painted her apartment with the color of the waterloo room, and that adds a new depth of the film for me. its these subtle details and nuances are really worth appreciating.

[@regis091]

Fantastic! I don't remember the last film that has captured me as much as this one has. I can watch it again and again and linger over every well-crafted element and still new things are revealed each time. I love your analysis.

[@inesclopes]

regis091 same!

[@ellensdavies1]

Thank you for this brilliant analysis. I have watched this video multiple times and shared it with many friends. I loved your reading of this film, especially the colors. I also really loved your take on the train and its connection to history and modernization, as a symbol of moving forward through time and as a bridge. Up until now I always saw the train as a symbol of the endless cycles of conformity the women were trapped in, also represented in the bookend format of the movie, and the "everything comes full circle" line; and then Therese, flung out of space, breaks that cycle/endless orbit when she goes to meet Carol in the end. I think your analysis of the train has added so much to my understanding of the film its connection to modernization and new possibilities for identity, thank you, from a PhD student who studies Queer Theory!

[@kiribundi]

It would be nice to know about your analysis process (how many times you watch the movie, do you read articles about it, how do you sort the footage, etc.). And also, what are your backgrounds and common reads that helped you improve your knowledge about film?

[@cbrownes]

O I would love to know this as well!

[@DiggingDeeper]

Hello Everyone! If you have any questions, please ask in the comments and we will answer them in next weeks episode of our podcast. Yes we have a podcast, no you don't have to listen to the whole thing, we answer questions at the beginning (hooray). So please enjoy the video and have a wonderful day. Lastly, link to said podcast: soundcloud.com/the-ruff-cut

[@seddy47]

+Digging Deeper Hey man. Love your videos! You think you can do one for Interstellar?

[@dirrtyrulez]

Thank you from the bottom of my heart! If this isn't a true masterpiece then I don't know what is.

[@hattiehall8939]

So well said. I love the analysis of the colors and how they begin to switch towards the end of the film. Also, how Therese goes from using her photography to express her love, to then leaving it behind for writing after Carol leaves her.

[@namritachhibber8496]

Beautiful… i mean this literally puts the whole movie in perspective that one might have missed from colors to the fact that movie starts and end with same silent glance across the room… enjoyed the whole video as much as the movie… now I feel like rewatching the movie

[@colleenurban7673]

Excellent! What a masterpiece this film is. Great analysis. But i don't think carols "i love you" was hollow. I think therese NEEDED to hear that. It was a beautifully delivered line made stronger by Carols eyes. In this scene Carol risked every thing she had left to give. Carol was a gutsy lady and a heroine.

[@usernameunknown9940]

See this is why I love essays and analysis: I've seen this movie once and I didn't really get any of the subtleties and I ended up at the end of the movie thinking "so that's it? Not the romance i expected". But now I feel like I can rewatch this movie and really understand and appreciate its nuances. It's likely that what you've talked abt was really obvious to most viewers but not to me so, thank you!

[@simonebittencourt8251]

Wow! What a beautiful narrative! The images, the voice, the script.... everything so elegant, so pleasant, exactly like the love story of this movie. Thank you for this beautifully done video!

[@yaseminraymondo7159]

I am 67 and grew up in that era My dad gave me a train set I can still smell it. I think all kids in the 50 s had one

[@elizabeth4689]

I keep going back to this movie and it never gets old...

[@theotherwoman7314]

Really loved how you worded the section regarding Therese and the abandonment of her passions. Seemed synonymous with when Carol speaks of what use she would be if she were 'living against her own grain.' Can't wait for you to do Room.

[@ZeroSuitSarah]

I'm glad you made this video. As much as I'd like to think I can notice small details, I missed a lot of patterns to theorize from and really this has made me appreciate "Carol" a lot more. I'm grateful! Thank you for this effort, it's very much appreciated.

[@alessiapiscopo]

"The two become frozen in a perfect moment, wherein the image of the other speaks more than their words ever could. It is in this stillness and simplicity that love is seen, simply, in a look." ... Mah heart, mha soul.

[@yasminebaliog7551]

I got to watch this movie by happenstance, with the pandemic and all. And I finally got to see Cate Blanchett in a different light. Now, I want to watch every movie she's been in. So with Rooney Mara! They are mesmerizing on screen!

[@winterhug4331]

June 15, 2020 - I watched the movie again last night. Thank you for this!!

[@leighlastname291]

Fantastic! Well done. I've seen the movie multiple times and read many articles but your analysis found points I hadn't yet noticed so thank you for that.

[@Nat-fm7dz]

this is amazing. i watched carol twice in a row the other day trying to pick up on every detail, and i think you’ve perfectly captured all the things i wish i could say about it and filled in all the pieces i missed.

[@fragiledewdrop9100]

Thank you so much for this! This is exactly why I love this movie.

[@kathleensilva2414]

And that is why this beautiful film will always be a classic.❤

[@Violet_lily03]

I never noticed the red and green colour switching between Carol and Therese. Loved this observation ❤❤

[@gainy71]

Thank you so much for this insight. You are so articulate and precise in your analysis of Carol's themes. Wonderful.

[@jekamusika]

Wow this is just so beautiful! Seen the films for like a hundred times now and yet there are still so much to uncover in every time you watch it! And this analysis is so brilliant thank you so much ✨ I’m moved.

[@meditations3617]

Wow. Carol is indeed more than meets the eye! Amazing details pointed out here. Thanks for this .

[@eilisnicaoidh5010]

Awesome analysis on a masterpiece!

[@poeticbrutalism]

I love how wonderfully every part of this project assembled with each other to create this subtle classic, from screen writing to cinematography, production design and terrific performances. they put this sort of hints there for us to find like colours as you said that I didn't notice before. great review man! That's why this film was received as a masterpiece and will give us so much to discuss for a long time I hope. one of a kind indeed.

[@happykt]

I've seen this film three times, read the book over 20 times (I bought the book in Germany while I was serving in the US Army in the early 90s and had to hide 'The Price of Salt/Carol' in my barracks because I was a lesbian and this was a lesbian book), and never got any of these meanings out of it!! I'm frankly shocked. Carol also seemed at least a decade younger in the book than portrayed by Cate B.)

[@vincentknight27]

This is pretty much the best video essay I've seen in a looong time. Awesome!

[@joclynelindsey47]

thank you for sharing your insight of Carol. listening to the pod cast gave me a better understanding of the movie in regard to the clothing, colors, and societal norms. i agree in the fact that love can be expressed/spoken in ones body language, expression, etc...i love the movie, actresses, and the step by step explanation/education of Carol. thank you.

[@clumsytriangle2436]

One of the most beautifully made films!

[@monikamylonopoyloy6223]

Great,I mean great video!!!! Excellent!!! I was blown away!!! God,what a masterpiece this movie is...

[@daleycatch]

What an amazing breakdown. I’ve never been able to appreciate Carol as much previously but knowing what I’ve learned today puts this movie in a new light! Reminds me so much of Portrait of a Lady on Fire and Bly Manor. It truly is the subtle gazes and body languages 🥺😭

[@annettec1237]

Wow extremely scholarly and distinguishably elucidated!

[@AsuranSyncretic]

Keep digging man, your work is wonderful!

[@mariafernandasoto8257]

I am so glad that I found your channel! Your analysis of this movie brought me to tears!

[@supertrouper2550]

This is superb. As many times as I have seen this film, I still learned many things from this visual analysis. Thank you.

[@cribiavardi]

It's a very interesting and detailed review about the meaning of the colors used in the scenes. I loved it.

[@Violettsoap]

Thank you so much for this video! This really is precious. I saw many of the things you mentioned when I first watched the movie. Except the thing with the colours. Mind blowing!

[@TerminallyPerky]

What a beautiful description...so eloquent and perfect. I love this video. Thank you for posting it.

[@deborahdp7744]

Wow this is a wonderful piece. Beautifully done I loved the movie and that stunning ending❤️

[@tariqnabi8118]

beautiful analysis. you explain the subtle details and recurring motifs of the film so elegantly and accurately. touching upon what I can only imagine as every hidden allegorical detail, you do an excellent job of explainging this wonderful film to a person such as myself, one who did not truly understand the film at first viewing.

[@SpencerLevey]

Wow, now that's what I call a movie review. Keep up the good work!

[@faranadadju6622]

I just loved it...your work is insightful... I have watched this movie so many times, couldn't express what you did. I knew from the first time I watched this movie there was something extraordinary about the work...the ensemble, from acting to costume to score it all really work. The last movie to have that flow, for me, was The English Patient...I am a fan of Todd Haynes, he has a beautiful sensitivity that translate well in his movies...a true Auteur. Yeah keep digging...I just subscribed.

[@cledesma135]

Brown clad Man here. Loved the Movie. Excellent breakdown.

[@lorettanericcio-bohlman567]

🤣

[@ladazimina]

Todd Haynes is brilliant, and the whole crew in Carol was amazing. Loved you essay, wonderfully noted!

[@shanaiaantonio5512]

In the book, it's Therese who said the words "I love you" first

[@beancate]

and this is what happens when we let ACTUAL queer people write for queer films. its the most beautiful thing ever.

[@summer5684]

Damn Im glad I've found this!

[@angeliquedevries5871]

What a brilliant video essay. Thank you so much!

[@amani9109]

I fall more in love with this movie every time I watch your video. Beautiful work. I wish I could like it more than once.

[@java2guava]

This was outstanding to hear and watch! I've been looking for a video like this, thank you.

[@ashtonmay2170]

bruh. THANK YOU FOR THIS. You legit had me tearing up by the end.

[@yusefendure]

Your Mindful Awareness of the multiple layers present in this film is noteworthy. Excellent review.

[@francisalcantara8941]

This was really good, man! You just earned a new subscriber!

[@inesclopes]

I fell in love with the movie AND this video.

[@maryam4612]

I’m living this feeling.. in a look

[@kristinep3988]

Thank you "Carol" for helping me come to terms with my sexuality

[@melissamurdoch9948]

Your ability to master into words what is seen stirred emotions, about the movie i loved dearly that i overlooked and or did not see. Thank you to you, i understand the movie a lot closely. You brought my eyes to well up and tip over.

[@archbud2334]

Brilliant desection of this film. It brought me deeper into the story. Ill have to watch the film again. Youve a new subscriber

[@obscurenote]

BRILLIANT analysis, and a gorgeously put-together video! Very touching.

[@rrrusty9808]

Thanks for the extra/deleted scenes. :)

[@austererex]

Thank you for your wonderful content! I always look forward to your new videos.

[@lennysmom]

Excellent analysis and and a great job on the video. I love the way that you ended it.

[@harleyquiinnnn]

I wish you could do Portrait Of A Lady On Fire... It was also such a masterpiece

[@catz245]

Absolutely terrific. Thank you for this! Do the questions for the podcast have to be specifically about 'Carol'? If not, I do have a topic for discussion: Why is film criticism dominated by men?

[@josephinerose3775]

this was a beautiful video essay. thank you

[@MariaCNaan20]

This is wonderful, so insightful- thank you for sharing!

[@susmurphy]

What a beautiful, moving, and perceptive analysis -- one befitting this stunning piece of cinema. Thank you.

[@juliefisher5377]

Love this movie...wish it were longer. Your analysis is beautiful.

[@laminage]

In The Book Version, Therese realizes that the "Trip" really was a blessing in disguise, she got to see the country, she came back with more of a upbeat attitude and more determined to make a life of herself. In The Movie she paints the apartment with Fresh Paint where she was "Starting Fresh". She went out took meetings, and got Job Offers and met the Lady who would be starring in The Play she did sets for. She even decided to "Move" realizing her Studio Apt (by today's standards" was a place she had outgrown.

[@sarahboleslava4093]

Man, this is brilliant. Can you please make more of these ?

[@tiffanyjones9766]

Thank you. Absolutely amazing and insightful.

[@sunlioness1]

Amazing analysis, instantly subscribed and shared! Well done!

[@BerkshiresJim]

One of the best movie endings of all time...

[@travisboutilier2220]

No it's one of the worse movie endings ever. woman unfairly divorces her loving husband and going out with another woman, that's horrible enough on its own, but it happening in the 1950s of all time periods makes it even worse.

[@telasiado5197]

Exquisite analysis! Thank you Digging Deeper.

[@cj3126]

That was beautiful and insightful. Thank you.

[@zaijanangel7150]

this is what a review should look like. very informative insights and it doesnt tackle about how you feel about the movie if you like it or not is it boring or not coz if it is then it must be a movie reaction not a review. love this channel. keep it up.

[@onlythinkingaboutyou]

Really enjoyed this. Thank you!

[@ryandavis280]

terrific video essay!

[@TheLiandra1]

Very comprehensive and insightful, good watch!

[@agraciotti]

that was great man. Very well put. Keep up the good work.

[@sidneyquinn7652]

This was beautiful. Thank you

[@rrrusty9808]

Dude, I don't think Carol's "I love you" rings at all hollow for Therese.. ;) But thank you for an awesome analysis of a timeless love story. Like Cliff Notes, and I mean that in a good way.

[@forexotic]

really beautiful interpretation

[@lorettanericcio-bohlman567]

Everything about this masterpiece electrifies the senses. 💕💜💕

[@caribmedical57]

Brilliant review of Carol. Best one so far. 😊

[@baesayecag.-bsedeltiiregis1332]

I am here at 2021. I am in love. This is perfect.