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LONDON – The Weinstein Company has acquired U.S. rights to Carol, an adaptation of a Patricia Highsmith novel that will star Cate Blanchett and Mia Wasikowska.
The producers on Tuesday also announced that Academy Award nominated Todd Haynes (I’m Not There, Far From Heaven) is now on board as director.
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Carol follows the relationship between two very different women in 1950s New York. One is a girl in her 20s working in a department store who dreams of a more fulfilling life, the other is a wife trapped in a loveless, moneyed marriage who is fearful of losing her daughter in the case of a separation.
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The Highsmith novel that the film will be based on is known under two titles – Carol, but also The Price of Salt. Phyllis Nagy (Mrs Harris) has written the adaptation.
Filming starts in October in London and New York.? The film will be produced by Elizabeth Karlsen and Stephen Woolley from Number 9 Films. It is co-developed and co-financed by Film4. Christine Vachon’s Killer Films will co-produce.
The U.S. distribution deal was brokered in Cannes by Thorsten Schumacher, managing director of HanWay Films, with president/managing director of European acquisitions Robert Walak and Weinstein Co. president of acquisitions Mark Gooder. ?
Said Schumacher: “The stars couldn’t have been more aligned for this wonderful project, and with TWC now releasing the picture stateside, it’s guaranteed that the creative team behind Carol will get the award recognition it deserves.”
Said TWC co-chairman Harvey Weinstein: “Patricia Highsmith’s book defied convention and broke social boundaries at the time that it was published. With the outstanding cast and filmmaking team being assembled, it will make a moving and poignant film as well.”
Email: Georg.Szalai@thr.com
Twitter: @georgszalai
