Starring: Cate Blanchett, Rooney Mara, Kyle Chandler
Directed by: Todd Haynes (“Far From Heaven”)
Written by: Phyllis Nagy (TV’s “Mrs. Harris”)

Director Todd Haynes (“Far From Heaven”) has produced an elegant and beautifully shot drama adapted from the novel “The Price of Salt” by Patricia Highsmith. Anchored by understated performances by Cate Blanchett and Rooney Mara, the lesbian love story set in New York City in 1952 follows aspiring photographer Therese (Mara) and her complicated relationship with Carol (Blanchett), an older woman going through a divorce and fighting for custody of her daughter. Stunningly atmospheric and featuring eye-catching production and costume design, the romance can be stilted at times (how long is too long to stare longingly at someone?), but it’s hard not to appreciate the cinematic composition in its entirety.