Cate Blanchett Discusses Funding Challenges for Carol

At the Toronto International Film Festival, Cate Blanchett revealed the challenges faced in funding the film 'Carol,' which took five years to secure backing due to Hollywood's reluctance to support a narrative centered on a romance between two women. Blanchett noted that the film's original director was replaced, leading her to step away from the project until Todd Haynes took over. Despite its eventual critical acclaim and success, Blanchett reflected on the industry's ongoing struggles with equity and inclusion, emphasizing the need for change in how female-led narratives are perceived. The film grossed over $42 million on an $11 million budget and received numerous accolades, including Oscar nominations for both Blanchett and co-star Rooney Mara. She also discussed the importance of respectful disagreement in the creative process, highlighting a moment during filming where the director needed space to address a challenging scene. Overall, Blanchett's insights shed light on the complexities of producing groundbreaking films in a historically challenging industry.