We’re in beautiful Whistler, British Columbia for the opening gala of 
the 15th Whistler Film Festival. The Whistler Film Festival (WFF) styles itself ‘Canada’s coolest film festival’ which I suppose is a clever play on the fact that it’s up in the mountains at a gorgeous ski resort town, the very best in skiing that North America has to offer, in fact.
The whole of Whistler is really constructed around this magical skiing. The hotels are “ski-out” – there are ski valets so you can ski right to the lobby door, check your skis, and walk right to your room in your stocking feet if you so wish. The village is packed with all the vacation delights you might hope to pa
rtake in when not skiing – there’s shops and galleries and most of all, ultra-deluxe restaurants for your taste buds’ every desire, and they’re all snuggled up cozily in a pedestrian-only enclave. If you’re tired of skiing, you can try snowshoes, or zip-lining, or dog sledding. Or, you know, fuck that shit: there’s 
award-winning spas and hot springs, and I’m telling you right now there’s nothing more romantic than sitting in a hot tub with a glass of champagne while the snow falls quietly around you.
Of course, being assholes, we’ve come to one of Canada’s most naturally stunning outdoor spaces, nestled between two majestic mountains, in order to spend time in a cramped, windowless room, watching movies.
Welcome to the Whistler Film Festival!
Last night, after a celebratory dinner to toast Sean’s birthday (warning: food porn on Twitter @assholemovies ), we hit up the opening gala where the feature presentation was Carol.
Carol is a Todd
Haynes-directed drama starring Cate Blanchett and Rooney Mara. Carol (Blanchett) is struck by the kindness of a stranger named Therese (Mara) just as her life is falling apart. Picture New York, 1950s: her marriage is ending, messily, and custody of her daughter is uncertain. She pursues a friendship with the much younger woman but they struggle when their feelings turn romantic. The world isn’t quite ready for such an affair.
Obviously I think Cate Blanchett is the bee’s knees and it strikes me now that I’ve never really heard a 
single word said against her. She’s easy to adore because she’s consistently great. I think Oscar will remember her come nomination day, and it might be knocking on Mara’s door as well. Blanchett is an absolute dream here, so present in every scene, so poised. Her anguish is apparent in a look, the lowered lashes, the head turned just so. She’ll remind you of an actress from another era, which is perhaps appropriate since this is a period piece (Matt pointed out that Haynes seems to favour “the 1950s in the closet”, and felt that Carol not only stood up to Far From Heaven, but exceeded it).
Haynes sets a mournful tone early on. His direction is artful, considered. The story is slow, and simple, like a rose in his hand shyly opening its petals. We rely so much on the silent interplay between our two leads, so much is said just by their smouldering eye contact that we need excellent, ready camera work, and get it. Mara and Blanchett enhance each other on-screen, there’s a crackling electricity that makes it almost titillating for us to be eaves dropping on their early encounters.
But this is the 1950s. Things aren’t going to go smoothly for these two. This is not just a character study. It’s a story of suppression, repression, forbidden love. The programming director of the Whistler Film Festival introduced it say “This film moved me to tears, and I hope it does you too.” I thought it a little strange that he wanted me to cry, hoped that I would cry, but he was right. I was moved.
Carol is as rich as the chocolate tart we had for dessert last night. Every bite is nuanced and full of flavour. Both sinful and sweet, every crumb devoured without regret because it is good. And when it’s done, you can leave the table feeling satisfied.
ASSHOLES WATCHING MOVIES 
My inner-sissy has reminded me of what Larry Miller said regarding skiing:
“There is simply no need to ever move that quickly without a plane around you.” XD
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Yes, I’ll agree to that!
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I’m amicably envious! What a gorgeous place that must be. Surely you’ll have more time for hot-tubbing in between movies.
Carol is getting all sorts of wonderful buzz. Can’t wait to see it.
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It’s wonderful in that low-key, intimate sort of way.
And so is Whistler, come to think of it.
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Carol was shot in Cincinnati (where I live), or, as it’s commonly called, “Hollywood on the Ohio” (River, that is). OK, so nobody calls it that but me. But just wait. ;>)
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Well I’m certainly going to call it Hollywood, Ohio from now on!
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I’ve heard good things about Carol. And I do the same sort of thing at a ski resort–I go shopping.
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Wow I’m torn between wanting to sit in a hot tub sipping champagne while the snow falls, or a cozy night in with such a great movie. Great review. 😉 G-uno
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When I’m at home, I do both!
We bring a screen outside and watch from our hottub, under the stars – nature’s drive in.
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I bow to the one who’s living right! 🙂 G-uno
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I love the photos of Whistler and would love to get my passport up to speed again. . . Wistful sigh!
Is this one better or just different than the “Danish Girl?” I want to see “Carol” since I really admire Cate Blanchett. Cate is impeccable in her appearance and flawless acting. I like Rooney Mara’s acting talent, too! 🙂 She has acquired nuanced, understated acting skills, too. I like how she draws you into the story and you forget you are watching a movie. I like Eddie Redmayne from his strength and ability to portray a well rounded character of Stephen Hawking. (Theory of Everything ) I can picture his character’s interest in tapping his feminine side. Two unique period pieces where sexuality is challenged by the mores of the times. Thanks for reviewing this in such a touching way, Jay.
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I’m not sure I can say which I liked better. They do have commonalities and top acting talent, so I feel spoiled to have seen so many good things.
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Loved Carol, movie looked great, acting was good too and the story kept me interested.
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I really had to think about that ending though!
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Caught Carol yesterday and thought much the same of it. Visually enticing, brilliantly reflects its time period, and those central performances are up there with the best of the year.
Have a great time!
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It was smouldering, wasn’t it? Not a big flame, but a smoulder. It even looked smokey!
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I really did! I was trying to think of a word to describe the look in my review, came up with crackling (which sort of doesn’t work because that’s a sound, but hey ho).
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I’ve been to Whistler a few times … love it!
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It was my first time in B.C. at all, and I was overdue. So glad we went.
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First of all, Happy Birthday to Sean (a bit late!!) 🙂
That place looks incredible!! I hope you are having fun a lot of fun!
The movie sounds like the kind of movie I’d enjoy (with a piece of chocolate tart).
Jay, I don’t know how you do it, but every time you make want to be there and eating that!!
Have a great time! 🙂
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Aw, thanks.
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