Cate Blanchett (The Curious Case of Benjamin Button) and Mia Wasikowska (Alice in Wonderland) are set to star in Carol, the adaptation of Patricia Highsmith's novel, "The Price of Salt." BAFTA winner, John Crowley (Boy A) will direct from a Phyllis Nagy (Mrs. Harris) adaptation.  Per the press release: "Carol is a love story about pursuit, betrayal and passion that 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."  Filming is slated to begin next February in London and New York.  Hit the jump for more. 

Elizabeth Karlsen and Stephen Woolley at Number 9 Films, who will produce Carol, commented on the stellar cast and source material as follows:

"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 Phyllis Nagy is a testament to the quality of the project. We are delighted to have such a gifted team on board."

Tessa Ross at co-financer/co-developer Film4 added:

"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."

Highsmith may best be known for her suspense thriller novel, "The Talented Mr. Ripley," of which the 1999 adaptation starring Matt Damon and Gwyneth Paltrow earned five Oscar nominations.