[Spoilers] Carol (2015) — Film of the Week

submitted by piylot from self.Lesbians

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[–]piylot[S] 9 insightful - 2 fun9 insightful - 1 fun10 insightful - 2 fun -  (9 children)

The age gap was made worse by the fact the scene where the women first meet – Carol asks Therese what toy a 4 year old would like as if she should be much more easily able to relate. In the first sex scene when Carol sees Therese naked the first thing she says is "I never looked like that" which I found bizarre. Like she was a witch trying to steal her youth or something rather than a woman attracted to another woman lol. And again, wasn't watching that closely but never got any sense they were looking out for each other, acting in each other's best interests, seemed to be mostly focused just purely on that they were attracted to each other, which isn't enough to have me routing for a relationship.

[–]Innisfree 8 insightful - 1 fun8 insightful - 0 fun9 insightful - 1 fun -  (5 children)

I remember the "I never looked like that" moment. I was thinking what lesbian would say that? It was definitley where the love scene went downhill.

As to the age gap, I think the film made an effort to soften some of Patricia Higsmith's predilections, that come across a bit more pointedly in the book. Whether that effort was successful is for the viewer to decide. For those who want to explore more why the film didn't quite sit well with them, this piece on the history of the book is a brill summary.

[–][deleted] 5 insightful - 1 fun5 insightful - 0 fun6 insightful - 1 fun -  (1 child)

This is hilarious! I read the article and laughed out loud when they got to: “ At twenty, Highsmith wrote in her diary, ‘Could I possibly be in love with my own mother? Perhaps in some incredible way I am.’”

Of course you are, sweetie. Lol. This is exactly what creeps me out about women who add these dynamics into their stories. Mommy issues is NOT sexy. Imagine being a mommy figure for someone and not having their attraction even be about you? How lonely.

[–]Innisfree 2 insightful - 1 fun2 insightful - 0 fun3 insightful - 1 fun -  (0 children)

Yeah, and she ended up lonely herself, as one would expect. Cautionary tale, if there ever was one.

[–]piylot[S] 2 insightful - 1 fun2 insightful - 0 fun3 insightful - 1 fun -  (2 children)

That description of the milk...

[–]Innisfree 3 insightful - 1 fun3 insightful - 0 fun4 insightful - 1 fun -  (0 children)

Oh my, how on point was your reading of Carol seeming like a witch after Therese's youth and beauty. I forgot about the details in the article. But your astute observations, also of the talk at the toy desk, are very revealing of Highsmith's preoccupation with mommy issues (pardon the crass phrasing, but I don't know how to skirt around this one and I hope it doesn't spoil the enjoyment of the film for others).

[–][deleted] 1 insightful - 1 fun1 insightful - 0 fun2 insightful - 1 fun -  (0 children)

I love that description, even though it’s creepy.

[–]RedditHatesLesbians 5 insightful - 1 fun5 insightful - 0 fun6 insightful - 1 fun -  (1 child)

This exactiy! I really didn't think their dynamic had much going for it. I think instead of it showing a true connection and relationship between women it's more focused on showing an obsessive crush, which I found sort of disappointing. Like can't a lesbian be in a healthy, deep relationship for once instead of it being so superficial?

[–][deleted] 2 insightful - 1 fun2 insightful - 0 fun3 insightful - 1 fun -  (0 children)

Apparently not, and it’s so depressing to keep seeing this dynamic repeating, even if its not an age thing. I don’t know about most other lesbians, but I have had some really great relationships with lovely women, and only 2 terrible dynamics. We have wholesome and loving connections. Lol. It happens. I guess it’s just not interesting enough in stories. But when there are so few representations of us it sort of matters more

[–]begonia_skies 3 insightful - 2 fun3 insightful - 1 fun4 insightful - 2 fun -  (0 children)

I think Carol asked her what dolls she liked when she was younger, and she was working in the toy department so I don't think it would be odd to ask those questions. 100% agree the "I never looked like that" was such a weird and strange dialogue choice, I guess they were trying for a more proper way to say "your body is banging" but definitely weird.