Number 9 announces stellar cast for Carol

by Naman Ramachandran

24/05/2012 - Cate Blanchett and Mia Wasikowska will star in the new adaptation of Patricia Highsmith’s novel Carol (aka The Price of Salt). Directed by BAFTA winning John Crowley (Intermission), Phyllis Nagy (television’s Mrs Harris) has written the adaptation.

Carol follows the burgeoning relationship between two very different women in 1950s New York. One, a girl in her twenties working in a department store who dreams of a more fulfilling life, and the other, a wife trapped in a loveless, moneyed marriage desperate to break free but fearful of losing her daughter in the process.

The film will be produced by Elizabeth Karlsen and Stephen Woolley from Number 9 Films, and co-developed and co-financed by Film4. Principal photography commences February 2013 in London and New York.

Karlsen and Woolley said, “We are thrilled to be working with Cate Blanchett and Mia Wasikowska, two of the most talented actors working today, in this striking adaptation of one of the twentieth century’s most iconic writers, Patricia Highsmith. To be re-united with highly talented individuals, director John Crowley and writer Phylils Nagy is a testament to the quality of the project. We are delighted to have such a gifted team on board."

Tessa Ross of Film4 said, “Carol is a beautiful and heart-breaking story and it’s a testament to the talents of Phyllis and John that we’ve attracted actresses of Cate and Mia’s calibre to star at the heart of it. We are delighted to be working with Liz and Stephen at Number 9 to help put together what promises to be a truly wonderful film.”

HanWay Films is handling international sales on the film at Cannes.