Rooney Mara Talks About Sex Scenes In Lesbian Role With Cate Blanchett
Cannes Film Festival goers were raving about ’50s lesbian romance Carol. The film, which was adapted from the 1952 novel by Patricia Highsmith, received a warm reception in the festival and is a strong contender for an Oscar this year.
The film tells the story of two women who fell in love with each other but must conceal their love for one another. In a world dominated by males, they nurture their secret affair by exchanging subtle and hidden gestures. The couple is played by actresses Rooney Mara and Cate Blanchett, who recently opened up about Carol.
One of the noticeable aspects of the film is the strong chemistry between Mara and Blanchett. Many have found this somewhat remarkable since the movie’s production schedule didn’t give them enough time for rehearsals.
‘Carol’ Cannes Review: Cate Blanchett and Rooney Mara Shine in Bold Romance http://t.co/dfY6S7Oga7 pic.twitter.com/FPNQdZhwRJ
— TheWrap (@TheWrap) May 16, 2015
Mara talked about playing the role alongside Blanchett.
“A lot of people ask me: what did you do to get the chemistry? But chemistry, I don’t think is something you can create. You either have it or you don’t.”
Before Blanchett came aboard Carol‘s cast, Mara initially turned down the film. Reading the script, she felt that she couldn’t handle the role.
“Everything I read, I was like, ‘Oh, I can’t do that. I’ll be terrible in that. I don’t know how to do that. I don’t know who that is.’ I felt like I couldn’t play anyone… Now looking back on it, I must have really hated myself to turn it down.”
Carol also involves some on-screen nudity. However, this didn’t seem to bother the two actresses at all. Mara expressed that it was no big deal for her as she is nude quite often. In the past, she stripped down for the 2011 film The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo.
On the other hand, Blanchett prepared herself for the sex scenes by reading erotic fiction from the 1950s. She also pointed out that “a lot of strangers” have already seen her naked when she gave birth.
Blanchett also added that she felt comfortable during the revealing scenes because the film’s Director Todd Haynes ensured that they wouldn’t come off as scandalous. Blanchett continued.
“You want to make sure it’s done in a way that is in no way gratuitous, and it’s beautiful, and it’s erotic, and it’s conveying all the things that you want it to convey.”
Mara and Blanchett’s film is set to open in theatres on December 18.
