SummarySet in the international world of classical music, TÁR examines the changing nature of power and its impact and durability in our modern world through the life of iconic musician Lydia Tár (Cate Blanchett), the first-ever female chief conductor of a major German orchestra.
SummarySet in the international world of classical music, TÁR examines the changing nature of power and its impact and durability in our modern world through the life of iconic musician Lydia Tár (Cate Blanchett), the first-ever female chief conductor of a major German orchestra.
The genius of Todd Field’s superb Tár comes from the way the film-making echoes the treacherously seductive and mercurial nature of its central character.
This was my favorite movie of last year. And my favorite performance of last year. Blanchett is the one of the best we have. The direction and cinematography is gorgeously haunting and the impact of the movie on me was staggering.
Because each moment serves at least two purposes — "Tár" is both a superb character study and a highly persuasive piece of world building — you may well find yourself marveling at Field’s economy.
Even as TÁR delivers as an intellectually soaring, elaborately constructed and passionate tribute to the technical AND emotional joys of playing, conducting and appreciating beautiful music, it also becomes a knowing and timely #MeToo fable.
Recalling the likes of All About Eve and Amadeus, TÁR asks pertinent questions about cancel culture, artistic integrity and gender, while also providing a primer on orchestral politics and musical history.
Like its subject, the film is severe, dry and painfully serious, but in the closing seconds Mr. Field does, at last, deliver some relief with a visual joke that deals in a kind of cosmic comeuppance. It’s by far the best part of the movie, but it arrives too late to make much of a difference. Up to that point, “Tár” is like listening to a slow, ominous roll on the timpani for two and a half hours.
The superb combination of Todd Field and Cate Blanchett results in a truly stunning piece of cinema. Tár is an enthralling tale about power, ego and cancel culture.
Lydia Tár (Cate Blanchett) is the world renowned musician and conductor. As the first female director of a major German orchestra, she is considered to be one of the greatest living composers and conductors. Currently living in Berlin with her family, she is preparing for a live recording of Mahler’s 5th Symphony. With the performance date approaching, her personal and professional life begin to unravel as some past experiences begin to catch up with her.
The trailer thankfully doesn’t give too much away and I wasn’t 100% sure what to expect with Tár just that I had to see this movie and I absolutely loved it. Although not based on a true story it certainly has that feel to it. Director Todd Field wrote the script specifically with Blanchett in mind and it shows because I can’t think of anyone else who could have played that role so well. She gives a brilliant performance, completely immersing herself in the role and honestly deserves all the awards coming to her. Everything from the use of music to Blanchett’s captivating performance makes you forget you’re watching a movie. I never once questioned anything, it looks like Blanchett has been conducting all her life.
It’s worth mentioning that Tár may not be for everyone, the first fifteen minutes or so is very heavy on classical music references in an interview format but don’t be put off. It’s a slow paced drama that only feeds you the information as needed. As the story unfolds, the pressure and suspense builds and builds until it reaches it’s dramatic conclusion. It’s gripping and highly immersive the way a great story should be. I was completely captivated by this movie.
Considering Tár is a work of fiction there could perhaps be more unexplored stories about composers and/or conductors brought to life on the big screen. And although I can’t speak for everyone I would watch more of this and it was also comforting to attend Tár in an almost full screen, especially now when cinemas are struggling to get people into movies that aren’t part of a larger franchise. So yes there is a desire from audiences for movies with a well told story and an intriguing main character.
Tár is emotional, thought-provoking and will stay with you afterwards. Cinema buffs get yourselves in front of the big screen and enjoy Tár. It’s a masterpiece. Highly recommended and a must see for classical music fans and musicians.
I simply love Cate Blanchett in lesbian roles, so there's that... secondly Marin Alsop has no right to be offended. Lesbians dominate almost all media and never in a bad light, for once in my life, can there be a non-perfect lesbian character.
Additionally, I think it's mostly a boring and uninteresting film, but visually beautiful with good wardrobe... what makes me admire this film as the third act - how it becomes a cancel culture "thriller".
It has a lame "first ever successful woman composer" trope.
I am a classically trained pianist, get over yourselves. Make something good and you can remove the "first-ever" from everything.
Frankly, I expected a lot from Tar, but I watched a much slower-paced, weak storyline and low-acting movie than I thought. I thought that Cate Blanchett would exceed the bar she set in Blue Jasmine, but unfortunately, it does not deserve all the fuss. Sorry Lydia.
I'm sorry to say, I didn't even find Cate Blanchett's performance very good. I found her studied and wooden, and along with the entire cast, completely lacking in chemistry. The sound, cinematography, and editing were poor, creating even more distance and alienation. Whether intended or not, it did not work.
The narrative strands were a mess; the dialogue was stilted and unrealistic.
I am a classical musician and listen exclusively to classical music, and I can assure you that this is not what classical musicians are like or how they talk.
Also, I couldn't work out if some of the over-the-top scenes of diversity and inclusion were parodies or serious. Almost everything was utterly unrealistic and removed from reality.
It was also profoundly pretentious, as though the writer was trying to garner approval or showcase their impeccable credentials.
Immensely disappointing after all the hype.