Carol vs. The Price of Salt

The Watchlist & Must read 

The unique romance movie “Carol” revolves around a passionate, yet forbidden, love between two women. This film was inspired by the book “The Price of Salt” by Patricia Highsmith (later republished with the title “Carol”), which also detailed a relationship formed between two women. Both versions discuss love in the face of the adversary and have plots based on self-discovery.

Carol

Set in the 1950s, "Carol" is a romance drama that revolves around the passionate, yet forbidden, love between Carol Aird and Therese Belivet. Carol, an elegant and wealthy woman trapped in a loveless marriage, meets Therese, a young and aspiring photographer working in a department store. What begins as a random encounter quickly develops into an intense and secretive relationship that defies the social norms of the 1950s.

• As Carol and Therese embark on a road trip together, their connection deepens, leading to a poignant exploration of love, desire, and self-discovery. 

• Societal pressures and legal repercussions threaten their relationship and their ability to stay together  

• Carol and Therese navigate the lifestyle, courage, and strength it takes to be a same-sex couple in the 1950s

Both Carol and Therese undergo significant personal growth and self-discovery as they navigate their forbidden love. Their journey is a poignant reminder that love can be a catalyst for understanding one's own desires and identity.

The Price of Salt

Patricia Highsmith's novel “The Price of Salt” was groundbreaking for its time, as it was one of the first works of fiction to portray a same-sex relationship with a hopeful and non-tragic ending. Unlike many queer narratives of the era, "The Price of Salt'' refused to end in despair and tragedy, rather offering a glimmer of hope to its readers.

                                                                                                   

The novel's title itself hints at the idea that pursuing true love sometimes comes at a price, and that price can be in both personal and societal aspects of one's life. While Highsmith's novel was a daring exploration of lesbian love and the challenges it faced in the 1950s, it was also a celebration of love's ability to transcend societal boundaries and overlook gender roles.

Common themes

• Self-discovery

• Love

• Adversary

• Gender roles and stereotypes

Recommendation

My recommendation would be to watch the film “Carol” and read the book “The Price of Salt/Carol”.

The novel was written at a time when it was not just unacceptable to be in the LGBTQ+ community, but it was also dangerous. Despite that, these two characters were able to find a true and fulfilling love with one another. The film is able to bring the story to life and give viewers a more immersive experience of this story.

Both the book and the film allow the characters to discover themselves, love one another, and pursue a fulfilling love and relationship with each other.