It's a hit with critics, fans, and now LeftLion...
Director: Todd Field
Starring: Cate Blanchett, Noémie Merlant, Adam Gopnik
Running time: 158 minutes
Todd Field’s new film, Tár, is an absolutely engaging and enthralling film that touches on many of the prominent issues in society today, including the nature of power.
Lydia Tár, played by Cate Blanchett, has achieved everything, from winning awards to being mentored by the great Leonard Bernstein. However, as we meet her at the start of the film, it is clear that there is a tension between this somewhat polished public persona and her more ruthless private persona.
It is this tension that plays out over the course of two hours and forty-five minutes, and ultimately goes against Lydia Tár, as her past transgressions resurface, ultimately to leading to her cancellation.
The strength of Tár is that it demands and asks a response from the viewer
Tár is a talented, flawed and unlikable character, but Cate Blanchett delivers a powerhouse of a performance, and one that carries the entire film. It is testament to this performance that we, at times (at least this viewer did), forget that we are watching her actually conduct an orchestra. Blanchett has that rare ability, like many top actors, to essentially disappear into a role, which she achieves effortlessly in Tár.
Having received numerous awards and nominations for her performance, she is the odds-on favourite to receive another Oscar, and having viewed Tár, the bookies might be right. She is supported by a remarkable cast that includes Nina Hoss, Noémie Merlant and Mark Strong.
Some commentators have remarked that the film is too aware of itself but I would strongly disagree. The strength of Tár, like any good art, is that it demands and asks a response from the viewer. It is an urgent and provocative film, coupled with an electrifying performance by Blanchett, that demands to be watched and will spark many conversations and debates.
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