The Academy-award nominated director of Far From Heaven, Todd Haynes, has signed on to direct Carol. Based on the Patricia Highsmith novel, The Price Of Salt, the project has landed two major stars already. Cate Blanchett and Mia Wasikowska are lined up to play the leads.
Carol follows Highsmith’s sapphic novel set in 1950s New York. It tells the tale of two dissatisfied women who find solace in each other. A department store worker in her twenties who dreams of a richer life encounters an older woman trapped in a loveless marriage. Wasikowska will play Therese Belivet, the troubled youngster and Blanchett is tagged to play the lonesome wife, Carol Aird. After the two meet in the department store one day, the pair strike up a friendship which leads to romance.
Blanchett and Haynes previously worked together on Bob Dylan biopic, I’m Not There. For her unique gender bending performance, Blanchett landed a Best Supporting Actress nomination. Haynes has dealt with subject matter similar to Carol in 2002’s Far From Heaven. Set during a similar period, the film too tackled the topic of a wife struggling with feelings for her friend.
Before Haynes was attached, Jon Crowley was in the director’s chair. Crowley dropped out due to scheduling conflicts. Haynes will now take charge on the flick, based on the adapted screenplay by Mrs. Harris scribe, Phyllis Nagy.
The film will be produced by Elizabeth Karlsen, Stephen Woolley and Christine Vachon. Karlsen told Screen Daily about the excitement surrounding Haynes’ addition to the project:
“Todd is without a doubt one of the most talented directors working today. His attachment to direct this script and cast is a dream come true.”
The Hollywood Reporter have announced that The Weinstein Company have secured the U.S. rights to the film once completed.
Filming starts on Carol this October in London and New York.
