FILM: TÁR IS AN EMOTIONAL CONCERTO PRECISELY COMMANDED BY CATE BLANCHETT

BY IRVIN RIVERA

When an intricately layered film poses questions about art and the artist, such as- Should the personal life of an artist discredit them from their talent? Where does the public draw the line of ownership over an artist who is also a public figure? Is chaos and delusion a necessary recipe for success? What is success, awards and accolades if your life is haunted by your past actions that make you miserable at night? Is cancel-culture only a temporary slap on the wrist to the people that it’s calling out?- then you’re in for a treat.

These questions will linger deep in your psyche and infect your thoughts for a while- and that’s a great think. I like art that disturbs. I like films that make you think, and I especially love performances that are so open, so precise, yet so vulnerable at the same time- Cate Blanchett is absolutely one of the finest actors of our generation as she hits each note of this film perfectly.

To play a character so nuanced and layered is no easy feat but Cate is the perfect actress for the job to embody Lydia/Linda Tár, regarded as one of the greatest female composer-conductors and the first female conductor of the Berlin Philharmonic.

Todd Field’s Tár is a relatively long film that generously explores the psyche and the life of its main character Lydia. It’s a commentary on cancel culture. Definitely trying to open up conversations about it but also presented a character that is open yet vague in a lot of ways that may make it seem disjointed.

Despite that, in a lot of ways, the film is like a masterclass in acting. It’s definitely an emotional concerto masterfully commanded by Cate Blanchett. Yes, you’ll question her motives and morals, but at the same time, you feel her, and you empathize with her and that’s the magic of this film and Cate’s acting.

So is it worth watching?

If you’re into deep, thought-provoking drama that leaves its shadows in your mind, then absolutely yes. There’s a lot to think about and discuss on this film.