Tár

Tár follows the titular Lydia Tár (Cate Blanchett), an immensely talented and accomplished composer and conductor at the height of her career, who is preparing for an important live recording of Mahler’s fifth symphony. However, in the weeks leading up to the performance, Lydia finds herself haunted by her dark past, testing her principles and her very identity in ways that threaten to engulf her completely.

The name of the film is also its singular focus, with the cinematography, scripting and audio putting the spotlight directly on the protagonist at all times. This unwavering and uncompromising cinematic eye effectively communicates how self-centred Lydia, is while exposing her hypocrisy and her ongoing identity crises. This is a character full of contradictions, and the writing, camerawork and sound design come together to highlight and dissect these inconsistencies, breaking down the very idea of “Lydia Tár” as the character herself unravels.

Tár is by no means a likeable or relatable protagonist, but she’s a very compelling and entertaining one. Arrogant, egotistical and manipulative, her fall from grace is both challenging and enthralling to behold. The extensive character study also allows Cate Blanchett to flex her immense talents as an actress – a task she more than rises to. Blanchett does a perfect job of portraying the messy and complicated musician, presenting a theatrical and glamorous façade that can also give way to a raw emotional vulnerability.

Todd Field’s film is piece with a lot to say, with a particular emphasis on themes such as the way people in positions of power can abuse their influence, and the separation of art from the artist, but it invites its audience to come to their own conclusions about these complex topics without feeling narratively indecisive. Lydia’s journey is used as a springboard for important discussions, taking the image of the conductor (who, as she herself explains, has power over time itself in performance) and applying that power dynamic to the wider world in several intelligent ways.

Tár is a fascinating cinematic experience, dripping with style and substance in its critical examination of the world through the captivating lens of its troubled protagonist. It is directly demanding of its audience, inviting them to participate in wider cultural conversations with a careful and considered voice. Without spoiling things, it also deserves a look for the most surprising use of Monster Hunter iconography in any media.

Umar Ali

Tár is released nationwide on 13^th January 2023.

Watch the trailer for Tár here: