Film Preview: Carol (2015)

Page Revisions:

(August 30, 2015) Original
(November 15, 2015) New Posters (#1 & #2)
(December 20, 2015) New Trailer (#2) / New Posters (#3-#8)

Release Date:

November 20, 2015

Synopsis:

From IMDb: “Set in 1950s New York, a department-store clerk who dreams of a better life falls for an older, married woman.”

Poster Rating: C / B- / C+ / B- (2) / D / D+ / F

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Review: (#1 & #2) Both designs feature the film’s two stars in separate panels at top and bottom, but only the second design brings us back to where we can see the long-distance glances these two make at one another, which simultaneously suggests longing and perhaps an unhealthy relationship during a challenging time period for such encounters.

(#3) This is a better combination of the distant stares of two women, but the motion blurs are distracting and not attention-grabbing. (#4-#5) these two designs are companions, meant to link the two characters together with color, but not location. The eye lines are almost on target, which would make them fitting door-flanking designs. (#6-#8) These cheap combinations of posters are akin to the prior efforts, none of which are particularly attractive and all of which are wasteful uses of potential.

Trailer Rating: B+ / C

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Review: (#1) Memories of Far from Heaven make up the dulcet tones of this compelling trailer that doesn’t give away its premise, but remarkably keeps it looking fresh and approachable. Without knowing the details, audiences will surely be curious to find out more, especially with the actors involved.

(#2) The second trailer gives itself away too easily, feels too subtle to be appealing and distracts the viewer rather than informs them. Whereas the first trailer was very enticing, this is almost forgettable.

Oscar Prospects:

A prime contender to net two Oscar nominations for Best Actress, Carol is going to turn both Cate Blanchett and Rooney Mara into Oscar contenders. Blanchett already has two prizes, so the Academy won’t give her another, but Mara could definitely compete. In addition, Todd Haynes’ new film is sure to be a player this year. His last major period contender, Far From Heaven, would likely have been nominated under the new Best Picture system, giving Carol a solid chance there and in several other categories, including the creative ones.