In the movie, Blanchett plays a married woman who falls in love with a young photographer, played by Rooney Mara, in Todd Haynes' romantic period drama. The scenes between the two women, which were tastefully shot, show them taking their romance to the next level.
When asked about the s-x scenes at the BFI London Film Festival, Blanchett said, "They're scenes and they're really important. You always have to scrutinize and ask hard questions of those scenes - how necessary are they? But the consummation of their (Carol and Therese's) relationship is really important. It's just about how we were going to do it. We talked about the scene, and there's a great sense of trust between Rooney and I."
Blanchett also mentioned that it was a "relief" to carry out the love scenes with Mara. "Both characters are quite isolated - not only because their feelings set them apart from others, but the gap in their ages. They go through these volcanic feelings towards one another so it was a relief to do the scenes with Rooney. Finally, we get to be together," she said.
Mara also praised Blanchett for making her feel at ease during the intim-te scenes. "Getting to work opposite Cate was a dream. She's a very generous actor and super prepared but also she's very alive and in the moment. I don't know if many people know this but she's also really funny - this incredible Australian sense of humor and wit about her," Mara said.
Director Todd Haynes, who previously worked with Blanchett on the Bob Dylan film I'm Not There, said that he wanted his stars to feel comfortable with the scenes. "Love scenes are always hard. They are always scary. We do our best to all talk about it together, me and the actors, to know exactly what they're calling for narratively to how we're going to shoot it so they feel as comfortable and prepared as possible," he said.
Blanchett, who recently received the BFI Fellowship, said she is "excited" to be this year's recipient of the award. "I hope they're not going to change their mind. It's great. It's absolutely marvelous," she said. Mara also expressed her support for Blanchett's win, saying, "I can't think of anyone more deserving. She is one of the greatest actresses that we have today."
Carol, which is adapted from Patricia Highsmith's novel The Price Of Salt, was released in UK cinemas on November 27.
