Carol is a 2015 romantic drama directed by Todd Haynes, based on the novel The Price of Salt by Patricia Highsmith. Set in the 1950s, the film explores themes of love, desire, and societal constraints through the poignant relationship between two women: Carol Aird, played by Cate Blanchett, and Therese Belivet, portrayed by Rooney Mara. The film is celebrated for its lush cinematography, nuanced performances, and its sensitive portrayal of a same-Sєx relationship during a time of strict social norms.

The story unfolds in New York City, where Therese, a young aspiring pH๏τographer working in a department store, meets Carol, an elegant and sophisticated woman going through a difficult divorce. Their initial encounter sparks an undeniable attraction, leading to a deepening connection that transcends the conventions of the time. As their relationship blossoms, the film captures the thrill of new love, juxtaposed with the pressures and prejudices of 1950s America.

Haynes’s direction is marked by a meticulous attention to detail, immersing viewers in the period’s aesthetic and emotional landscape. The cinematography by Edward Lachman is particularly striking, employing rich colors and soft lighting to enhance the film’s romantic and nostalgic atmosphere. The visual storytelling complements the narrative, reflecting the characters’ inner lives and the societal constraints they face.

Cate Blanchett delivers a powerful performance as Carol, embodying a character who is both vulnerable and fiercely independent. Blanchett’s portrayal captures the complexity of Carol’s emotions as she navigates her idenтιтy and the challenges posed by her marriage and societal expectations. Rooney Mara’s portrayal of Therese is equally compelling; her character’s journey from innocence to self-discovery is beautifully depicted, making her a relatable and sympathetic figure.

The film’s screenplay, co-written by Phyllis Nagy, is rich with subtext, allowing the characters to communicate their feelings and desires in subtle yet impactful ways. The dialogue is crafted with care, reflecting the societal norms of the time while also conveying the characters’ longing for freedom and authenticity. As Carol and Therese’s relationship deepens, they confront the realities of their situation, including the potential repercussions of their love.

Carol also addresses broader themes of idenтιтy, societal expectations, and the struggle for acceptance. The film poignantly illustrates the challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals in a repressive society, highlighting the courage required to pursue love in the face of adversity. The relationship between Carol and Therese serves as a testament to the power of love to transcend societal barriers, encouraging viewers to reflect on the nature of desire and self-acceptance.

The score, composed by Carter Burwell, further enhances the film’s emotional resonance. The music captures the film’s melancholy and yearning, underscoring the characters’ internal struggles and the bittersweet nature of their love. The combination of visuals, performances, and music creates a rich sensory experience that lingers long after the film has ended.

Upon its release, Carol received critical acclaim, earning several award nominations, including six Academy Award nominations. The film has been praised for its artistic direction, compelling performances, and its groundbreaking portrayal of a same-Sєx relationship. It stands as an important contribution to LGBTQ+ cinema, offering a nuanced and empathetic depiction of love that challenges societal norms.

In conclusion, Carol is a beautifully crafted film that explores love, idenтιтy, and the complexities of desire in a repressive society. With its stunning cinematography, powerful performances, and thoughtful storytelling, it captures the essence of a forbidden romance while addressing broader themes of societal constraints and self-discovery. Todd Haynes’s direction and the film’s artistic vision create a poignant narrative that resonates deeply, making Carol a timeless exploration of love in all its forms. Ultimately, the film serves as a reminder of the enduring power of love and the courage it takes to embrace one’s true self.

A Farmer’s Misplaced Hammer Led to the Largest Roman Treasure in Britain

Hoxne Hoard treasures. Photo by Helen Simonsson CC by SA-2.0

November 16, 1992 was the day which changed Suffolk-resident Eric Lawes’ life in a huge way. What he thought would have been an innocent search for a hammer he had misplaced on his farm in Hoxne Village, Suffolk, England ended up bringing him much more than he had bargained for — namely, uncovering the hiding spot of a long-hidden treasure. Based on the Guardian’s coverage of the story, Eric Lawes had been previously gifted a metal detector upon his retirement as a parting token. He decided to put his retirement gift to good use in order to locate the hammer which he had had some trouble finding. According to a 2018 Smithsonian Magazine article, when the device started recording that there was a strong signal coming from the earth, he knew that he was about to discover something big. As he started digging, it soon became clear to him that he had unearthed a treasure trove.

Hoxne Village. Photo by Duncan Grey CC BY-SA 2.0

The Guardian reports that, when Lawes saw that his preliminary digging had yielded a few gold coins and silver spoons, he immediately contacted both the local archaeological society and the police department. Archaeologists came to the property the following day and had the area of earth holding the treasure carefully sectioned-off and removed. Their hope was that at a later stage, in their laboratory, they could examined the items in order to identify both their age and how they were stored.

Hoxne Hoard: Display case at the British Museum showing a reconstruction of the arrangement of the hoard treasure when excavated in 1992. Photo by Mike Peel CC BY-SA 4.0

When all was said and done, close to 60 pounds of items made from silver and gold were found on the site. These included more than 15,000 Roman coins, 200 gold objects, and several silver spoons. For archaeologists, this find — which later became labeled as the Hoxne Hoard — was an incredible discovery. AP News reported that archaeologist Judith Plouviez was over-the-moon about the discovery, saying that it was “an incredibly exciting and amazing find.” What’s more, another archaeologist, Rachel Wilkinson, told Smithsonian Magazine that this discovery was “the largest and latest ever found in Britain.”

Hoxne Hoard: Coins. Photo by Mike Peel CC BY-SA 4.0

Ordinarily, archaeologists would use radiocarbon dating as a means of identifying the age of ancient relics. However, they couldn’t locate any suitable material from the haul. Consequently, they determined the age by examining writing on the coins, as well as the ruler carved into them, estimating that the treasure was probably buried in either 408 or 409 AD.

The silver “Hoxne Tigress” – the broken-off handle from an unknown object – is the best known single piece out of some 15,000 in the hoard. Photo by Mike Peel CC BY-SA 4.0

Roman-era archaeologist Peter Guest told Smithsonian Magazine that “if you look at them a little more carefully, then they should be dated to the period after the separation of Britain from the Roman Empire.” He offers as part of his evidence the fact that almost all of the coins found in the Hoxne Hoard were clipped – in other words, small chunks of their edges had been taken off. These clippings would have been used to create coins which were similar to the Roman coins of that era.

A silver-gilt spoon with a marine beast from the Hoxne Hoard. Currently in the British Museum. Photo by JMiall CC BY-SA 3.0

Guest has a logical reason for this, arguing that “The Roman Empire wasn’t supplying Britain with new gold and silver coins, and in light of that, the population tried to get over this sudden cutoff in the supply of their precious metals by making the existing supplies go further.”

Reconstruction of the Hoxne treasure chest. Photo by Mike Peel CC-BY-SA-4.0

Archaeologists also believe that the treasure belonged to a Romano-British family. During that time, considering that there was so much societal discord and upheaval, it was common for Romans who had settled in Britain to bury their most prized possessions.

Two gold bracelets from the Hoxne Hoard, in the British Museum. Photo by Fæ CC BY-SA 3.0

That said, one archaeologist is of the belief that the hoard had a lot of sentimental value for the Romano-British family to whom it is believed to have belonged. In her book The Hoxne Late Roman Treasure: Gold Jewellery and Silver Plate, Catherine Johns claims that the manner in which the treasure was kept supported this claim. Some of the items which were recovered had been packaged in small, wooden boxes which were lined with leather. What’s more, pieces of wood, locks, and nails, among other things, surrounded the gold and silver pieces. This leads Catherine to assert that the package was carefully buried and not simply chucked away in a rush.

Three silver-gilt Roman piperatoria or pepper pots from the Hoxne Hoard on display at the British Museum

Interestingly enough, the items unearthed might shed some light on the identity of the family who owned them. They cite a gold bracelet bearing the inscription “UTERE FELIX DOMINA IULIANE,” which roughly translates to “use this happily Lady Juliane”. A second name “Aurelius Ursicinus” has also been discovered. This has consequently led some to believe that Juliane and Aurelius were the couple and the original owners of the treasure. That said, that has yet to be confirmed.

Two toiletry items, one in the shape of a crane-like bird; the other with an empty socket, probably for bristles for a makeup brush. Photo by Fæ CC BY-SA 3.0

All in all, the discovery was a real treasure for archaeologists, and by extension, for Lawes. According to Smithsonian Magazine, in recognition of his discovery and willingness to contact authorities, the British government rewarded him with over £1.7 million, an amount which he shared with the farmer whose land was dug out in order to get the treasure. Funnily enough, apart from the treasure, Lawes also found his lost hammer — which now resides in the British Museum.