Based on the novel The Prince of Salt by Patricia Highsmith (Strangers on a Train, The Talented Mr. Ripley), the quietly affecting romantic drama Carol (2015) is the third collaboration between film composer Carter Burwell and director Todd Haynes, having previously worked together on Velvet Goldmine (1998) and the TV miniseries Mildred Pierce (2011). Set in 1950s New York, piano, strings, and woodwinds define the intimate and somber score, which reflects the persistent longing inherent to the story. The soundtrack also features a half dozen period recordings, including "Smoke Rings" by Les Paul & Mary Ford, "One Mint Julep" by the Clovers, and "Kiss of Fire" by Georgia Gibbs, her hit version of the tango "El Choclo." ~ Marcy Donelson