Tár is a new Drama film starring Cate Blanchett in the lead role of Lydia Tár. The supporting cast of the film includes Nina Hoss, Noemie Merlant, Mark Strong, Sydney Lemmon, Julian Glover, Sam Douglas, Allan Corduner, Sophie Kauer and Christoph Tomanek. The film is written and directed by Todd Field who is known for directing two features films: Bedroom (2001) and Little Children (2006), for which he has received three nominations but is still devoid of an Oscar. However, it looks like his latest venture might be his ticket to the Oscars this year. The premise of Tar is extremely unique and intriguing, “Renowned musician Lydia Tár is days away from recording the symphony that will elevate her career. When all elements seem to conspire against her, Lydia’s adopted daughter Petra becomes an integral emotional support for her struggling mother.”
The film premiered for selective critics, film analysts and attendees at the 79th Venice Film Festival that took place in September and critics were simply floored by it. As the film has Blanchett who happens to be one of favorite actresses, I was immediately onboard. Unfortunately, the film didn’t get a release in India. However, I patiently waited and as soon as the film came out on Digital I was not miss any more time. The film is 2 hours and 38 minutes long so I had to find time. However, against all odds I have watched the film, it may not be in the theatre which I would’ve preferred but nevertheless. After seeing the film, here are my thoughts on it.
Rating – ★★★
Tár Movie Review: Excellent Direction & Performances!
Its important to remember that Tár is Todd Field’s first movie in more than 16 years time. Trust me, if I don’t hold a pencil in my hands for 16 years then I’m definitely going to forget how to write. However, Fields’ direction is as flawless as it was when he made Little Children. There is one particular scene in this film that just proves how well Fields has helmed this film. I think if you’ve watched the film then you already know which scene I’m talking about. Yes, it is the scene in the university with one of the students where she talks about separating the art from the artist. It is an extremely interesting scene as the staging, dialogues, camera movements all are in perfect sync.
The scene is also important and intriguing because of the topic that it is dealing with. Tár gives multiple examples of famous musicians but the student disregards them based on their socio-political identity, ideologies, personal life, etc. While these are certainly important aspects of a person’s life just because that particular individual is not good at any of them doesn’t mean that you don’t give credit to them for the talent that he posses for a particular artform. Mozart was a drunk, Casanova, bad husband but his music, no can match him. It is exactly the same, no one is asking you to agree with them personally but appreciate their art because it is indeed brilliant.
Tár was trying to explain this simple concept to the student but he seemed to be fixated on his beliefs which are “cool” on social media, ultimately she makes an example out of him but he doesn’t like when he starts to lose the argument. Of course most of the movie only works because of Cate Blanchett. She is an absolute force in the film. You know some actors need prosthetics or heavy make-up to transform into a different individual but Blanchett simply needs a suit and she becomes Lydia Tár, a completely different person. It is not an animated or aggressive performance as many people would believe. It is simply her presence that sells the role and the movie to us.
The way the script lines flow naturally from her mouth giving us an illusion of there being no script at all and only a camera which is recording a candid conversation. Trust me if it is not Cate Blanchett who takes the Best Actress Oscar then the Academy Awards have no meaning. If she does, it would be her third. Nina Hoss too is amazing in the film as Tár’s partner. Their dynamics makes the film very interesting. However, I couldn’t shake off the feeling that many times while watching the film I got the feeling that I’m not following a particular plot. It is not necessary a bad thing as it makes it seem so real but at times I was like where is this heading?
The film is 158 minutes long, I’m not sure whether it had to be this long. I’m not saying the film is dragged or poorly paced, simply the feeling that this story could’ve been told in a shorter runtime. However, despite having so much time, the film leaves us with quite a bit of unanswered questions, so much so that I’m thinking of a rewatch. The character on whose shoulder this entire movie rests is extremely interesting, we get to learn a lot about her. It is never explicitly said but there are so many shades to Tár, many of her actions confuse us fascinate us but she never ceases to surprise us. We’re never quite sure what is going on with her but not in a psychotic way.
It is an extremely internal struggle filled with nuances and a lot of unsaid complexities which are left for the audiences’ to fill in. The direction of the film is also such that despite showing nothing over the top, there is always a sense of dread around Tár, which we’re not sure about. We don’t know what it is, we can’t articulate it but this feeling of uneasiness throughout this narrative is consistent. You can never make up your mind about Lydia Tár, whether she is a good person, bad person but that is where the theme of the film kicks in- Keep the art away from the artist. She is an important figure in the music industry and nothing will change that.
Verdict
Honestly, I felt bad for Tár at the end and I’m not sure whether everyone will feel the same. Tár is superb and I recommend it to everyone although since it is a slow burn that too a drama slow burn, this is not for everyone. I tend to like such films, if you don’t then keep your distance. The film mostly works because of Blanchett’s unreal performance and Todd Fields’ amazing direction. He knows how this story is to be told. Trust me if it was some other director he wouldn’t have been able to tell this story this well. Tár is an underrated film of the year and if you get the chance definitely check it out. I’ll rate Tár: 3 out of 5 stars.
Check out the Full Trailer for Tár on YouTube:
Todd Field’s Tár is available to purchase on Digital.
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