It really doesn’t need to be reiterated that Todd Haynes‘ "Carol" is one of the most celebrated films of the year. The romantic drama is an Oscar frontrunner and continues to build a groundswell of support for its tale about the relationship between a department clerk and an older, married woman. But one of the talking points around the movie will be same-sex relationship at its core: Cate Blanchett concedes it’s still a taboo to some degree in American cinema, but one that’s important to keep at the forefront.
READ MORE: Cannes Review: Todd Haynes’ ‘Carol,’ Starring Cate Blanchett & Rooney Mara
“Well, the fact that we’re talking about it means there are still barriers," she told The Guardian. "It’s like the situation with women in film —or, frankly, women in every industry— not being paid the same as men. You have to keep it on the agenda. You have to keep it politicised. But I’m not very interested in agitprop cinema. That’s the realm of the documentary. That’s where investigative journalism belongs. The problem is that when you represent a character in a same-sex relationship, it’s like you have to represent them all. You become a spokesperson, which really isn’t the point. When the time comes that we have a diversity of same-sex couples in film, then the problem is solved. I don’t have to stand for everyone.”
"Carol" is certainly far from agitprop cinema, and it boasts terrific talent including Cannes winning co-star Rooney Mara, and composer Carter Burwell. Below you can hear his stirring theme song for the picture. After that you can check out a new clip from the movie, and then sit back for an extensive, 57-minute conversation with Haynes from the Zurich Film Festival, and finally a new poster.
"Carol" arrives on November 20th.
