In the first of multiple episodes about Carol (2015), the topic is the love story. How Therese and Carol fell in love, how Todd Haynes visualizes falling in love and the scorching chemistry between Cate Blanchett and Rooney Mara. For this conversation, Murtada welcomes filmmaker Luke Willis, to discuss all the above as well as rank the best line reading uttered by Blanchett.

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Topics Discussed:

• Charting the love story in six set pieces 1) meeting at the department store 2) Therese’s visit to Carol’s NJ home 3) the rooftop decision to travel together 4) Waterloo 5) the gun and 6) the finale
• Cate’s chemistry with Rooney Mara. Playing illicit secret lovers, the screen must smolder if the bond is to be believed. And it does!
• That opening; that interruption in the first scene- heartbreaking when you consider what’s coming up.
• Cate’s chemistry with Sarah Paulson -building a physicl language for people who have known each other for years.
• Favorite line reading of Cate’ and a few fantastic silent moments.
• “Creamed spinach over poached eggs” isn’t that disgusting… that’s what people ate in 1950s? “Dry martini with an olive” though I love. 
• The movie is so of such rich details, it rewards repeat watching.
• Therse’s naivety and Carol’s wordliness – the contrast and Therese’s journey to maturity.

Other episodes in the Carol series:

• The Influences and Inspirations
• Cate Blanchett is the Top
• The Queer Cultural Impact

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