The natives are growing restless.
Greetings friends. Chris here, the newest member of Team Experience. Like I'm assuming many of you, I live far away from the lucky 16 theatres currently housing Todd Haynes' return to the big screen. So I'm happy with even the slightest shift that brings Carol's glacial release to my local screens. Non-US readers have an even longer wait. We've all become the human embodiment of that inescapable Rooney Mara image.
It's worth noting amid all our impatience the cautionary tale told this year by the likes of Steve Jobs and The Diary of a Teenage Girl: going too wide too soon can result in a quick crash and burn in this increasingly crowded marketplace. So let's take a breather and feel grateful that Carol has a distributor like The Weinstein Co. focused on reaching a passionate audience, even if it means waiting longer than we want. After all, the film is still the film no matter when we see it.
Meanwhile, I've got 10 fun homework assignments to keep you occupied while you wait...
1. Read Patricia Highsmith's novel (also published as The Price of Salt). The film is not a page-to-page adaptation, so some surprises will still be ahead - including more of our titular love interest!
2. Rewatch the Todd Haynes filmography! I'll do the leg work for you: Velvet Goldmine is availble on Netflix Instant, Poison and I'm Not There on Amazon Prime...
Far From Heaven and Mildred Pierce are on HBO Go. You can even find the bootlegged Superstar: The Karen Carpenter Story on YouTube! You're welcome.
3. Play catch up for your end of the year list before the holiday glut! Underappreciated gems like I'll See You in My Dreams and Girlhood await!
4. Indulge in some vices to tide you over.
5. Remember that no one channels mid-century class like Sarah Paulson.
6. Enjoy some eye candy. Some sweet Kyle Chandler eye candy.
7. Find inspiration in the details.
8. Get your fashion sense in gear. Don't you want that charming new friend to compliment your hat at the New Years' Party?
9. Make the little moments count. They might stick with you the most.
10. Pay your respects to Todd Haynes' first Carol. [safe] isn't streaming at the moment, but dammit you deserve that Criterion! Merry Christmas to you!
Santa brings Carol to additional cities this Friday, with more cities to come in January. I know we're all agonizing, but the wait will be worth it.
