Unveiling Inspiration Behind Carol: Patricia Highsmith’s Real Encounter and Phyllis Nagy’s Fascinating Connection

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Right after the photocall, Rooney Mara and Cate Blanchett stepped up their style game at a screening of the romantic drama period film Carol during the BFI London Film Festival.

Is the movie “Carol” based on a true story?

The inspiration for the story of “Carol” stemmed from a real-life encounter experienced by author Patricia Highsmith during her time as a clerk in a department store. Highsmith did encounter an older, blond married woman who captivated her curiosity.

However, the subsequent events of the story, including the flirting and the development of a relationship, were products of Highsmith’s imaginative interpretation of their brief interaction.

The story of "Carol" was inspired by a real encounter Patricia Highsmith had with an older married woman while working as a clerk, but the rest of the narrative, including the flirting and relationship, was a product of Highsmith's imaginationThe story of “Carol” was inspired by a real encounter Patricia Highsmith had with an older married woman while working as a clerk, but the rest of the narrative, including the flirting and relationship, was a product of Highsmith’s imagination (Credit: The Weinstein Company)

Screenwriter Phyllis Nagy, who worked on the adaptation of “Carol,” had the opportunity to meet Patricia Highsmith during the last decade of the author’s life. In her twenties, Nagy connected with Highsmith while serving as a researcher for the New York Times.

Highsmith was residing in Switzerland during this period, and the two formed a regular correspondence, exchanging letters.

Cate Blanchett and Rooney Mara at the screening of "Carol" during the BFI London Film Festival at the Odeon Leicester Square in London, England, on October 14, 2015Cate Blanchett and Rooney Mara at the screening of “Carol” during the BFI London Film Festival at the Odeon Leicester Square in London, England, on October 14, 2015 (Credit: Mario Mitsis / Daniel Deme / Jordan / Euan Cherry / WENN)

Cate wrapped up in a shimmering Esteban Cortazar Spring 2016 dress, while Rooney traded her white Giambattista Valli mini dress for a stunning Alexander McQueen Spring 2016 gown.

Rooney Mara's nude ruffled lace dress with a semi-sheer fabricRooney Mara’s nude ruffled lace dress with a semi-sheer fabric (Credit: Mario Mitsis / Daniel Deme / Jordan / Euan Cherry / WENN)

The 30-year-old actress couldn’t be missed in the ruffled lace dress with a semi-sheer fabric that provided a peek at her legs.

In addition to its flattering and elegant floor-length silhouette, the choice of a nude color beautifully complemented her alabaster complexion.

Rooney Mara wore a mesmerizing semi-sheer ruffled Alexander McQueen Spring 2016 dress in a delicate shade of pale pink, which beautifully accentuated her slender figureRooney Mara wore a mesmerizing semi-sheer ruffled Alexander McQueen Spring 2016 dress in a delicate shade of pale pink, which beautifully accentuated her slender figure (Credit: Mario Mitsis / Daniel Deme / Jordan / Euan Cherry / WENN)

She completed the ensemble with leg-lengthening nude heels and a few accessories.

Rooney Mara with dark ruby lipstick, blush-on that highlighted her cheekbones, thick eyebrows, and dusty pink eye shadowRooney Mara with dark ruby lipstick, blush-on that highlighted her cheekbones, thick eyebrows, and dusty pink eye shadow (Credit: Mario Mitsis / Daniel Deme / Jordan / Euan Cherry / WENN)

The Pan actress infused the ethereal look with her signature gothic style using vampy makeup — dark ruby lipstick, blush-on highlighting her cheekbones, thick eyebrows, and dusty pink eye shadow.

Rooney Mara's slicked-back twisted ponytail bound by a bizarre pink hair accessoryRooney Mara’s slicked-back twisted ponytail bound by a bizarre pink hair accessory (Credit: Mario Mitsis / Daniel Deme / Jordan / Euan Cherry / WENN)

She drew further attention to herself by wearing an unusual slicked-back twisted ponytail bound by a bizarre pink hair accessory.

Rooney Mara's hot feet in nude Bebare sandalsRooney Mara’s hot feet in nude Bebare sandals (Credit: Mario Mitsis / Daniel Deme / Jordan / Euan Cherry / WENN)

Rooney chose the Stuart Weitzman “Bebare” sandals in nude suede for her feet. They have adjustable halter ankle straps, crisscross front straps, open toes, 1-inch platforms, and 5-inch heels.

Rooney Mara in Stuart Weitzman sandalsRooney Mara in Stuart Weitzman sandals (Credit: Mario Mitsis / Daniel Deme / Jordan / Euan Cherry / WENN)

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