This was a cold, and unnerving film, which to me; propelled the story forward, and after only seeing it twice, I absolutely feel that TAR is my favorite movie of 2022. Your review hit all the right notes!
"Ultrasonic epistemic dissident" - my my new favorite insult. Did you catch the Apocalypse Now reference? I believe he was making a comparison between Kurtz's "make a friend of horror" and Tar's "obliterate yourself in front of God".
One scene that I found fascinating and chilling was when she's jogging in the park and hears a woman screaming in the distance - she stops to listen to see if she can pinpoint where its coming from, she runs in the general direction of the screams but when the screaming stops, she turns and leaves. She doesn't tell her wife about it and as far as we know didn't report the event to the authorities, so I'm wondering what the scene is meant to make us contemplate.
subconscious guilt/remorse/awareness of the student she drove to suicide (she showed no outward remorse on hearing the news and completely rationalised it), same thing as the phantom metronome - her job is to control what an entire concert hall sounds like, as she loses control of her life her attention drifts to ambient sounds outside of her control. Think of the quote by Schopenhauer mentioned in the film about sensitivity to noise. The film begins with her describing the role of the conductor as one who controls time and stops time at his command, she essentially thinks of the conductor as God - should clue you in on the kind of ego she possesses or what kind of egotism drives her art. Then the film is about her losing control, of everything. That's why she chases young women all the time and is so freaked out by the memento mori of the senile old lady covered in shit in the neighbor's apartment - she struggles to accept the reality that she can not, in fact, stop time at all.
This movie is loaded with weird cryptic symbolism and strange details that just appear without explanation and then disappear just as quickly as the plot unfolds. It actually makes you feel somewhat bewildered and paranoid. On rewatching it, you start to notice how the girl who killed herself is basically a ghost that literally appears in certain scenes in the background and in any image of her, her face is obscured. It's actually a horror movie, but you have to pay close attention to realize it.
In the end , I didn't see bitterness. I saw Tar's ability to survive. She had skills and had the ability to work , somewhere. She had respect, but, on a different level.
I loved this film. I felt like was taken through a ride of madness. The way cate chanted something before she lit the candles when she threatened that little girl. Everything in this makes sense. Cate blanchett was so mesmerizing in this film.
03:04 I think it bears mentioning that it is not so much Gen Z students who are big on id.-pol., as specifically upper-middle class Gen. Z -- pampered, rich and therefore prone to self-pity... and, conversely -- this counts as a minor spoiler -- we learn later that Lydia comes from a very humble background. Nobody hates the woke extreme of the culture wars than the working class -- people who have genuinely had to struggle and impose their mark on the world. Virtue signalling is a wealth-driven affectation, at best.
Summed it up perfectly. Those losers create problems they pretend to care about because they have none. And when someone makes them feel like inferior nobodies they actually are, they go out of their way to destroy them for some sort of “virtuous cause” they couldn’t give two shits about in reality.
When I saw this movie, I wasn't seeing Cate Blanchett playing a character. I was seeing the character. It's the opposite when you see actors like Dwayne Johnson and Samuel L. Jackson. For example. Look at the film Black Adam. That wasn't Black Adam. That was Dwayne playing himself. 😂 There were parts in TÁR that I had to remind myself that it's Cate Blanchett. I was so invested in the character. Everytime she appeared on screen, I was like... 😳
Love this film! I think a second really benefits as you realize just how much this film is constructed like a mystery. I don't think it's necessarily perfect, but I think it is one of the most thoughtfully, intricately constructed films I've seen in a very long time.
This film is a masterpiece. Slow burn, but that was necessary to build the character Lydia tar. If this screenplay had been given to any other director, I don’t think film would have been that great. Same can be said about Ms Blanchett. She really sunk her teeth in this character to the point it doesn’t even feel like a performance. So loved in! She deserves Oscar for Masterclass acting.
Oh also wanted to mention; you said that it's pretty difficult to pair Cate Blanchett with a romantic pair, but I think Nina Hoss does an extraordinary job here. At first she's very off to the side and a bit submissive, but I think as the film progresses you realize how complicit she is; how aware she is of certain things about her wife and what she's willing to look past versus what she isn't, and that leads to some really powerful confrontations which also makes her performance richer upon second viewing. This is definitely the Cate Blanchett show, but the supporting performances are integral in a quiet way
I’ve always felt the awkward relationship she had with Bruce Willis and Billy Bob Thornton in Bandits as one of the best chemistries I’ve seen on film.
Your reviews are amazing. Even when I don't agree with one point or the other, you never fail to justify your opinions with strong arguments. Me loving classical music and Cate Blanchett, I'm really eager to watch it as soon as it's available at home (gone from cinemas around me :(). Thanks!
Loved your review. This movie was so good and I’m glad I was able to see it in theaters. I’ve yet to determine if I should see Lydia Tár as an anti-hero or as a villain protagonist. Either way, I do believe that she did use her power to manipulate Krista and Francesca. One thing her brother Tony said about “Linda” not knowing who she is anymore was really damning. She created Lydia as this persona and did whatever she could to sustain that image. Along the way, she became reckless which allowed her whole life to fall apart. That’s how I see it at least.
I want to watch this movie so badly I can't even begin to tell you how hard it is for me to wait until it comes out in Latin America. I've been avoiding spoilers like plague since its U.S.A. premiere. I came here just to tell you: thanks for reviewing films like this. I promise I'll come back and write my impressions on Tár as soon as I watch it.😁
loved the movie. i get the feeling that field kinda maybe HATES people like tar. in the intro the movie felt very very close to parody/caricature, i was thinking 'man if you had like a wiig or farrel type in this role, the movie would be hilarious'. i also felt that the movie is fairly unambiguous about some things, like did tar sexually assault / groom the girl who committed suicide? maybe, maybe not. but what we do see her do is still pretty horrible, ignoring plese for help/threats of suicide, deleting evidence and blocking her career paths. i do agree and it seems like to most people the classroom scene is very telling (about the character and the audience), bit of a Rorschach test. i've worked as an educator/trainer with almost every age-group and woof, her attitude and approach isn't just iffy, it's really really bad from a pedagogical point of view. there IS a way to approach that type of conversation constructively, but what she did is not-ok/outright wrong for like 3-4 different reasons, that have nothing to do with identity politics or wokeness, just good pedagogical practice. i find it funny that some people seem to hone in on "cancel culture" since i didn't feel like she got cancelled per se, unless you define cancel culture as accountability. i felt more like it's an examination of how easy it can be to gloss over horrible things and people if they are at the top of the artistic and intelectual foodchain. and god that ending was amazing.
I'm thinking there will be more pleasure in watching Tar a second time during which you would get an entirely different perspective and be party to all the delicious details that mean so much more when you understand what is really taking place as the story unfolds. Dare I say you might even feel more sympathetic towards or pity the main character upon repeated views. This is a film of immense depth and nuance, with delights and pleasures both on the surface and lurking in it's depths. An incredible film.
For me the most likely real-life connection is with the career of James Levine, formerly director of the Metropolitan Opera, the "wunderkind" who took over this post as a young man and rocketed to super stardom over many years, only to be destroyed by allegations very similar to those directed at Ms. Tar.
Another wonderful review. I found the film fascinating, and your analysis helped me to understand it better, as well as put into words some of what I was feeling. And Cate Blanchett, wow. Thank you!
Hey, great review. I love hearing you talk about the technical aspects of films because you help illuminate them for me. It's always obvious how much more aware you are of the filmmakers' subtle artistic undertones. It is indeed a cold film with a somber color palette. Todd Field always feels profoundly detached from his characters to me. In Little Children he dove head on into humanizing a pedophile. Talk about having guts... And it creates an interesting link to Tar, how both movies seek to humanize societal outcasts. What amazed me most about Tar was how Field never chose a side. My friend came away firmly believing Tar was guilty, and I had to point out that the film never explicitly revealed her guilt. People's judgement of her character reflect more on their own character than hers. Pretty cool. Last thing: I am a Liberal, but I question everything... Was Bach a misogynist? I googled 'Bach misogyny' and found no evidence...
@plath1756 Learning involves being surprised. Now is when you question everything that inspires you to identify as Liberal. Of course you want social acceptance. No, Bach no misogynist. That scene with the goofy boy is the one time when Lydia Tar was not lying. Racism is wrong, so then therefore don't be racist against Whites. Sexism is wrong, so then therefore don't hate Men and boys for how they are born.
Great review. I loved this film, one of the best of the year and it gave hope that there can still be great films to be made. ] It really had me believing that Lydia was a real person, so much that I had to try looking her up on Wiki, I was stunned when I found out she was just a fictional character. The scene with the student was one of the most powerful and timely things I have seen in a modern film. Cate Blanchett gives the greatest performance of her career which is really saying something since she has be brilliant many times before. I have loved all 3 of Todd Fields' films (especially Little Children) I believe he is the modern day Kubrick.
Oh I really enjoyed your Star Wars videos and u always have an interesting take that’s fun to hear! Been watching you for a while because my friend introduced me to your channel. Keep up the great content!
Great review! The increasing tension done through the subtleties in the dialogue, which ratchets up as the film continues to build, lends itself well to repeated viewings, I think. This, coupled with her increasingly tenuous inner state, her paranoia and hallucinations, not to mention, very strange real life occurrences like the metronome appearing in her closet and the master score with her notes disappearing from the library, work marvelously to create this effect. True, there’s not a lot of redemptive contemplation beyond the vomiting at the Asian brothel, when she realizes exactly how she treats women. Maybe that’s a lot to ask of such an emotionally distant character, at that point. It’s a decent first step, at least, the realization. Remorse will come later, perhaps.
Will eventually see "Tar". It hasn't reached my city in the theaters it's been rolled out to, but there is a second-run venue that tends to book the better fare during the tail end of awards season. So I remain patient, and your observations add to the intrigue.
I enjoy your reviews very much, even in those rare cases where we “agree to disagree”. I frankly loathed “Tár” and Cate Blanchett’s twitchy, mannered performance. But then, her work has never been to my own subjective taste; I thought her Oscar-winning turn in “Blue Jasmine” was just as affected and unconvincing.
3:20 i'm glad you mentioned this because every youtuber commenting the scene didn't pick this subtleties, most of them are just agreeing on Tár's argument but didn't notice that she actually starts to mock him (the BIPOC pangender student lol) which is never good. I'm totally agree on her point but she should've just stopped when she said whatever.
00:13 Interesting to hear someone struggle with Little Children... I saw the film when I was a first-time father, and stay at home dad, and my child was the same age as the kids in the film... and I felt the film speaking to my life intimately and directly... (more so than the novel)
Genuinely enjoyed Tar. I agree that the third act could have been a bit stronger than it was, but I do believe the rest is excellent. The classroom scene is one of my favorites of the year.
I am a big movie buff, I worked in the film industry for 20 years and love all kinds of movies from Eraserhead to the Marvel movies. I just finished Tar and it took 4 sittings to get thru. Cate Blanchet is one of my favorite actors of all time and here she gives one of her seminal performances. But just like one great musician does not an orchestra make, one actors great performance does not make a good movie. Cate Blanchet continues to trust the wrong people when choosing a film.
This movie reminded me of a David Lynch film. It has obvious themes, but it doesn’t spoon feed any of them to you and it allows a variety of legitimate interpretations. If you want it to be about cancel culture, sure. An archetypal character study about the downfall of a titan, sure. Commentary on our current culture, sure. It’s all valid. ❤
Separating the art from the artist. Despite how much we enjoy and marvel at the creations of great artists, it's very important to understand that their artistic abilities do not endow them with any particular moral qualities; those are entirely different realms of human character. Over the ages, there has been no shortage of world-class artists who have demonstrated the truth of this seeming (but not) contradiction. Of course, this isn't limited to the arts - there are morally reprehensible and high-achieving individuals in all areas of human accomplishment. It's part of the human condition.
I watched TÁR for the first time yesterday. Good to see the art of filmmaking has not yet died out completely. Blanchett was magnificent. I agree with your assessment - the first two acts are great, but the third act is somewhat disappointing. I found Lydia's cancellation odd: it had been established she was a very wealthy woman prior to her downfall, yet she seemed instantly poverty-stricken after..? Just odd. Other small gripes, but overall a great film with interesting themes.
The ambiguity in this film functions somewhat like a Rorschach Test, with each viewer seeing Tár according to their own psychology. What fascinated me was the controlled pace of the film, how it "speeds up" as the story progresses, and the "in plain sight" camouflage of the supernatural elements; is Tár being haunted by Krista (whose name is anagramatically signified as "at risk") and the unresolved mystery of where the Russian cellist lives.
I saw it in a nearly empty theatre 5 days ago and it still hasn’t left my mind. Absolutely the kind of film I want to see from Hollywood more. Too bad, judging from the attendance, I am in the minority.
I probably shouldn't gripe too much about about this film, since (1) it's superbly crafted and acted, and (2) it's not based on a comic book. But, though it nails certain (unsavory) aspects of the classical music world, it's clearly intended as an explication of artistic genius - and, on this level, it doesn't quite succeed. Lydia Tár, as portrayed by Todd Field and Cate Blanchett, is a destructive, selfish woman who is also universally regarded as a great conductor. The problem, for me, is that the manipulator is a much more vivid presence in the film than is the artist. The sequences of Lydia rehearsing and composing don't quite give a sense of what makes her great and unique. And, without that sense of greatness, her downfall isn't tragic. Genius, it seems, is an easier quality to demystify than to make compelling.
The representation of GenZ wasn’t cartoonish at all. This is exactly how they are, it’s an uncomfortably accurate depiction, probably the most accurate one I’ve seen so far.
The evidence is the emails that Tar tries to delete. Tar destroyed this woman's career on purpose because of their relationship. I thought that was clear in the film. I'm surprised by a lot of the critical takes on this movie. To me Tar was a comically pretentious person who used her position to get sexual gratification multiple times, and when things didn't go her way she was petty and vindictive. She never realizes any of this about herself even though another character literally just tells her. I thought this film was visually very well crafted, but what it's trying to say is muddled at best, possibly even sort of "late middle age liberal" reactionary. The college student's argument is idiotic even though there's a perfectly valid one to make (music education is 100% focused on European men, this is a recognized problem even within the world of music educators), and her ultimate punishment is conducting a low brow orchestra for brown people.
I've seen it twice and I'm positive I didn't see an A24 titlecard. which is just a distribution company anyway, that has done enough marketing to get people such as you thinking it's some artistic identity
@@helvete_ingres4717 What are you even talking about. Whether you saw the title card or not, it is distributed by A24 in the U.S. I’m not sure why you’re making assumptions about me based on a falsehood like that. I phrased it as “A24’s Aftersun” since deepfocuslens typically watches most of the A24 movies that come out. And although you’re right in saying an A24 label is not artistic identity on its own, you can’t tell me A24 doesn’t typically distribute (and sometimes produce) great independent and arthouse films. You can hate on their effective marketing as much as you desire but it’s hard to deny how much they’re benefitting indy film.
At last, a review of this film presented by a mature and intelligent individual. Almost all the other reviews I've seen are embarrassingly shallow and even silly.
Though the direction and cinematography was excellent, I personally thought the film was too restrained for its own good. If nothing else, it just further confirms that Cate Blanchett is one of the greatest living actresses.
Lydia wounded me when she claimed that Goldsmith ripped off Varèse, though I might concede he aped him. What does that say about me if that’s my main reaction to the scene? I get impatient with discussions like the one in this scene because I have been in the presence of a Caravaggio painting. I can tell you with certainty that this creation has a life of it’s own. The kid had no business in that class and was taking the place of someone who might benefit from it. This is a brilliant movie that has me thinking about it weeks after seeing it. It didn’t really affect me other than cerebrally until the scene with the Bernstein tapes. I watched those concerts as a child and I see in her the same evangelical ardor that Lenny had. (His Norton Lectures were a hoot; “Let’s invite the Boston Symphony Orchestra over to play at a little talk I’m giving.”) Creation is a divine act, and in the end her loss of status could benefit her. Her best work may be ahead of her.
I really loved this film and Cate's performance, although sometimes I did get a little lost in the symbolism of the movie, like when the metronome turned on by itself and when Lydia found it there was a similar symbol she found in the book she threw away (I'm guessing the book was sent by the girl who k**led herself and that's why Lydia was so upset), also I kinda got a little lost in the dream sequences (I'm guessing is the same girl bc of the redhair so maybe she did do something to her?) and how Lydia's partner told her she still kept that "horrible" place (don't know what happened there).
I get the "identity politics" angle, but I think it's a subset of what Field's attempting to explore. I believe he gives us some very specific clues as to his intention, i.e., the "Apocalypse Now" allusion, and the fascinating cosplay ending. As I left the cinema, that most famous quote from "As You Like it" popped into my head. If that makes sense to others who've seen the movie, perhaps I'm on to something. Whatever the truth may be, I find the film endlessly fascinating. Easily the best movie I've seen all year.
It should be noted that the lecture scene is presented entirely in a single unbroken shot that moves all over the auditorium, which is not only a bravura technical achievement, but is thematically important it's shown that way because (SLIGHT SPOILERS) it becomes that much a violation when the moment is shown again to see this time has been clearly* edited. (* and edited by who? I think there was a formally audacious direction Field tried to go with but eventually pulled back from, because when you briefly see the edited footage, it's from multiple camera angles, yet when we see the other people in the auditorium, not only was no one filming but people were sparsely scattered among the place, leading to an impossible condition that it was the result of any one person filming the incident. It would have been cinematically ambitious to focus on this condition at the level of the "camera's" location in Michael Haeneke's "Cache", but I can see why Field felt that would be challenging the audience too far and kept the shot at the footage brief.)
Personally, I felt there were very awkward moments of rigid, self-conscious acting. The student, for example, with the anxiety-stricken twitchy leg appeared more voluntary than involuntary. Whilst Cate Blanchett is a formidable force, there are moments where Todd Field's direction- his instincts- appear forced, unruly and deeply affected. Pretentious? Certainly. Profound? Not by a long shot. The dialogue isn't particularly whip-smart, nor does it really transcend its own self importance. The film wanted to be many things with many strings, but Director Todd Field could have taken some tips from what a conductor would do and apply it to cinema. Unlike a conductor, or a disciplined director, Todd should have tapped into the shape and sound of his ensemble; he should have set a more organic tempo, because realism would have been his best friend in this instance. Haneke's The Piano Teacher, is an example of sublime restraint combined with nuanced nihilism and internal chaos. Just the interview alone at the very start of the film does not feel authentic, and clearly the whole purpose of the film is an attempt to tattoo fact and fiction under the skin of the audience. I simply didn't believe the score of characters. It felt like a vase of dried flowers plunged in water in the hope they would trumpet a last bud of life. Nothing felt real, even when it was at its least fake.
And now that I've seen the whole movie, all I can remember is the Johnny Rotten quote: Ever had the feeling you were being cheated? As for me, I'll just say: Wtf???
Trying to see the movie for the second time. First time I felt it kind of flat and aimless. And not being a fan of Cate does not help. I have to say, though, a movie were lots of its time is about people just talking to eachother is kinf of refreshing.
I don't think that having things answered was important to the movie. They kinda were though. You got to see up close the emails sent. One being, beginning of something beautiful. Plus there were numerous emails why won't she talk to me. These are not words that would come from someone that had been assaulted. There also was at the end of the dream scene of Krista from behind on Lydia's neck. To me it implied pleasure at first, then to an almost choiking from Krista. That, and the solo cello given to Olga, along with her going to New York, I think that's were they went, shows that Lydia may have given favors, but when Olga said no to dinner, along with her getting on the elevator, I saw no indication to anger from Lydia. Lydia's lack of feeling guilt might just be because she wasn't, and Lydia was right, Krista was imblanced. Those are just my thoughts, and it doesn't make them right. Very good review, and thank you.
Another quality and insightful review. For me I agree that you can see the work that Blanchett has put into this movie. There are a couple of soliloquies which are just excellent. Her speaking German of course with ease too. Blanchett commands the screen and is most definitely a presence. The movie as a whole falls more flat for me. The pacing is that "slow burn" as you call it, and I wish I had seen more of the artist being a great artist. It is easy to show Mozart's greatness in Amadeus and the creative process. More difficult to show what makes a great modern day conductor. Her composing isn't shown to be from a generational talent. Lydia does ultimately bring about her own downfall, by actions and attitude. The narcissist deflects any responsibility for their own actions. So for me, a really good performance worth catching but not a great film.
As much as I love it, I would not have minded even a few seconds in the beginning where she might have rebuked the girl a little for playing a certain video game. A bit on the nose, I know, but a comment on just how far afield her life is about to go.
I recall the character Max dismissing Bach out of hand for being white, male and straight( A blatant display of bigotry in my view.). Unless I am mistaken, which is possible, Max's character never mentions "misogynist". Please correct me if I missed that dialogue.
I really want to see this movie - "Tár" i heard it really kinda takes digs at "identity Politics" and Cancel Culture, which is probably why there's been no really attention made about it. It's almost like this Film has just been "quietly" given it's accolades and awards, then like hushed along, as if Hollywood town desperately don't want it to encourage anykind of "debate" or exploration of these dangerous ideologies of the "woke" agenda. they know they tried hard to cancel and ban 2018's - "Joker" and that blew up in their face and really didn't go how Hollywood and mainstream media wanted lol.
I thought this movie was amazing and Blanchett is on a whole other level. I disagree, however, on her guilt as evidenced with her trying to groom another young protégé as if she could not help herself. I think it’s a mistake to give her the benefit of doubt based on her gender but wholeheartedly agree that we vilify the accused before proven guilty these days.
You may be amused to know that the Koussevitzky-prize winning conductor Marin Alsop got "triggered" by this film, and has been cynically playing the "feminist" card to deflect away accusations that this story is in reality about her!
Conductor not composer? That’s the focus anyway. Also the “eavesdropping” vibe struck me. So many scenes make the audience feel like they are listening in to a private conversation.
No offence but Tar made Blonde look like it was drawn with crayons (I didn't hate Blonde, it had seeds of something almost great, but Tar is out of this world)
Watched this with my alkie mother who’s in pain and i dont know if her view of it affected mine but wow was this movie cold* boring detached and pedantic. All the comments i see are positive so either everyones a simp or i need to watch it again.
I need to see a movie with Cate Blanchett and Tilda Swinton, as opposites, face to face, in an acting match, like De Niro and Pacino.
Agreed! And I myself need to see a film with Alexander Skarsgård & Viggo Mortensen as opposites, face to face....
It would be nice if we moved back to the actor fandoms, as opposed to the cinematic universe fandom thing that we have now :D
@@JCT1926 Cary Grant used to say ...
"Everyone wants to be Cary Grant. Even I want to be Cary Grant."
That’s funny because I always get them mixed up 🤦🏼♀️🤣
@@MajandraFan 😂😂😂😂
This was a cold, and unnerving film, which to me; propelled the story forward, and after only seeing it twice, I absolutely feel that TAR is my favorite movie of 2022. Your review hit all the right notes!
"Ultrasonic epistemic dissident" - my my new favorite insult.
Did you catch the Apocalypse Now reference? I believe he was making a comparison between Kurtz's "make a friend of horror" and Tar's "obliterate yourself in front of God".
In the Bedroom, a straight masterpiece.
Very excited to see Tár.
In the bedroom is extraordinary
One scene that I found fascinating and chilling was when she's jogging in the park and hears a woman screaming in the distance - she stops to listen to see if she can pinpoint where its coming from, she runs in the general direction of the screams but when the screaming stops, she turns and leaves. She doesn't tell her wife about it and as far as we know didn't report the event to the authorities, so I'm wondering what the scene is meant to make us contemplate.
Yes, I didn't understand that!
subconscious guilt/remorse/awareness of the student she drove to suicide (she showed no outward remorse on hearing the news and completely rationalised it), same thing as the phantom metronome - her job is to control what an entire concert hall sounds like, as she loses control of her life her attention drifts to ambient sounds outside of her control. Think of the quote by Schopenhauer mentioned in the film about sensitivity to noise. The film begins with her describing the role of the conductor as one who controls time and stops time at his command, she essentially thinks of the conductor as God - should clue you in on the kind of ego she possesses or what kind of egotism drives her art. Then the film is about her losing control, of everything. That's why she chases young women all the time and is so freaked out by the memento mori of the senile old lady covered in shit in the neighbor's apartment - she struggles to accept the reality that she can not, in fact, stop time at all.
It’s Heather’s scream from the last scene of “The Blair Witch Project”
This movie is loaded with weird cryptic symbolism and strange details that just appear without explanation and then disappear just as quickly as the plot unfolds. It actually makes you feel somewhat bewildered and paranoid. On rewatching it, you start to notice how the girl who killed herself is basically a ghost that literally appears in certain scenes in the background and in any image of her, her face is obscured. It's actually a horror movie, but you have to pay close attention to realize it.
...or an indication of an impending psychotic episode. What are all the pills she takes?
In the end , I didn't see bitterness. I saw Tar's ability to survive. She had skills and had the ability to work , somewhere. She had respect, but, on a different level.
I loved this film. I felt like was taken through a ride of madness. The way cate chanted something before she lit the candles when she threatened that little girl. Everything in this makes sense. Cate blanchett was so mesmerizing in this film.
03:04 I think it bears mentioning that it is not so much Gen Z students who are big on id.-pol., as specifically upper-middle class Gen. Z -- pampered, rich and therefore prone to self-pity... and, conversely -- this counts as a minor spoiler -- we learn later that Lydia comes from a very humble background. Nobody hates the woke extreme of the culture wars than the working class -- people who have genuinely had to struggle and impose their mark on the world. Virtue signalling is a wealth-driven affectation, at best.
Summed it up perfectly. Those losers create problems they pretend to care about because they have none. And when someone makes them feel like inferior nobodies they actually are, they go out of their way to destroy them for some sort of “virtuous cause” they couldn’t give two shits about in reality.
When I saw this movie, I wasn't seeing Cate Blanchett playing a character. I was seeing the character.
It's the opposite when you see actors like Dwayne Johnson and Samuel L. Jackson. For example. Look at the film Black Adam. That wasn't Black Adam. That was Dwayne playing himself. 😂
There were parts in TÁR that I had to remind myself that it's Cate Blanchett. I was so invested in the character. Everytime she appeared on screen, I was like... 😳
Suspending disbelief was effortless.
I absolutely love your reviews! So thorough and depthful. I wish I could find a way to go that deep in my own reviews. You're amazing!
Thanks! I was interested to hear your review. Dense is the exact word for this movie. I liked it.
Thank you so much!
Love this film! I think a second really benefits as you realize just how much this film is constructed like a mystery. I don't think it's necessarily perfect, but I think it is one of the most thoughtfully, intricately constructed films I've seen in a very long time.
This film is a masterpiece. Slow burn, but that was necessary to build the character Lydia tar. If this screenplay had been given to any other director, I don’t think film would have been that great. Same can be said about Ms Blanchett. She really sunk her teeth in this character to the point it doesn’t even feel like a performance. So loved in! She deserves Oscar for Masterclass acting.
This review is
so far
the best critique
of TÁR .
Todd Field took filmmaking advice from Kubrick when they collaborated on Eyes Wide Shut and it shows.
Oh also wanted to mention; you said that it's pretty difficult to pair Cate Blanchett with a romantic pair, but I think Nina Hoss does an extraordinary job here. At first she's very off to the side and a bit submissive, but I think as the film progresses you realize how complicit she is; how aware she is of certain things about her wife and what she's willing to look past versus what she isn't, and that leads to some really powerful confrontations which also makes her performance richer upon second viewing. This is definitely the Cate Blanchett show, but the supporting performances are integral in a quiet way
I’ve always felt the awkward relationship she had with Bruce Willis and Billy Bob Thornton in Bandits as one of the best chemistries I’ve seen on film.
Your reviews are amazing. Even when I don't agree with one point or the other, you never fail to justify your opinions with strong arguments.
Me loving classical music and Cate Blanchett, I'm really eager to watch it as soon as it's available at home (gone from cinemas around me :(). Thanks!
Loved your review. This movie was so good and I’m glad I was able to see it in theaters. I’ve yet to determine if I should see Lydia Tár as an anti-hero or as a villain protagonist. Either way, I do believe that she did use her power to manipulate Krista and Francesca. One thing her brother Tony said about “Linda” not knowing who she is anymore was really damning. She created Lydia as this persona and did whatever she could to sustain that image. Along the way, she became reckless which allowed her whole life to fall apart. That’s how I see it at least.
I want to watch this movie so badly I can't even begin to tell you how hard it is for me to wait until it comes out in Latin America. I've been avoiding spoilers like plague since its U.S.A. premiere.
I came here just to tell you: thanks for reviewing films like this. I promise I'll come back and write my impressions on Tár as soon as I watch it.😁
I don’t think it’s possible to spoil it. Hard to even understand the language used in it
loved the movie. i get the feeling that field kinda maybe HATES people like tar. in the intro the movie felt very very close to parody/caricature, i was thinking 'man if you had like a wiig or farrel type in this role, the movie would be hilarious'. i also felt that the movie is fairly unambiguous about some things, like did tar sexually assault / groom the girl who committed suicide? maybe, maybe not. but what we do see her do is still pretty horrible, ignoring plese for help/threats of suicide, deleting evidence and blocking her career paths. i do agree and it seems like to most people the classroom scene is very telling (about the character and the audience), bit of a Rorschach test. i've worked as an educator/trainer with almost every age-group and woof, her attitude and approach isn't just iffy, it's really really bad from a pedagogical point of view. there IS a way to approach that type of conversation constructively, but what she did is not-ok/outright wrong for like 3-4 different reasons, that have nothing to do with identity politics or wokeness, just good pedagogical practice.
i find it funny that some people seem to hone in on "cancel culture" since i didn't feel like she got cancelled per se, unless you define cancel culture as accountability. i felt more like it's an examination of how easy it can be to gloss over horrible things and people if they are at the top of the artistic and intelectual foodchain. and god that ending was amazing.
I'm thinking there will be more pleasure in watching Tar a second time during which you would get an entirely different perspective and be party to all the delicious details that mean so much more when you understand what is really taking place as the story unfolds. Dare I say you might even feel more sympathetic towards or pity the main character upon repeated views. This is a film of immense depth and nuance, with delights and pleasures both on the surface and lurking in it's depths. An incredible film.
For me the most likely real-life connection is with the career of James Levine, formerly director of the Metropolitan Opera, the "wunderkind" who took over this post as a young man and rocketed to super stardom over many years, only to be destroyed by allegations very similar to those directed at Ms. Tar.
Thank you! I am not in the right place to watch this review, but I promise to get to it when I am feeling better. You are my favorite!!!
Another wonderful review. I found the film fascinating, and your analysis helped me to understand it better, as well as put into words some of what I was feeling. And Cate Blanchett, wow. Thank you!
Hey, great review. I love hearing you talk about the technical aspects of films because you help illuminate them for me. It's always obvious how much more aware you are of the filmmakers' subtle artistic undertones.
It is indeed a cold film with a somber color palette. Todd Field always feels profoundly detached from his characters to me. In Little Children he dove head on into humanizing a pedophile. Talk about having guts... And it creates an interesting link to Tar, how both movies seek to humanize societal outcasts. What amazed me most about Tar was how Field never chose a side. My friend came away firmly believing Tar was guilty, and I had to point out that the film never explicitly revealed her guilt. People's judgement of her character reflect more on their own character than hers. Pretty cool.
Last thing: I am a Liberal, but I question everything... Was Bach a misogynist? I googled 'Bach misogyny' and found no evidence...
@plath1756 Learning involves being surprised. Now is when you question everything that inspires you to identify as Liberal. Of course you want social acceptance. No, Bach no misogynist. That scene with the goofy boy is the one time when Lydia Tar was not lying. Racism is wrong, so then therefore don't be racist against Whites. Sexism is wrong, so then therefore don't hate Men and boys for how they are born.
Great review. I loved this film, one of the best of the year and it gave hope that there can still be great films to be made. ]
It really had me believing that Lydia was a real person, so much that I had to try looking her up on Wiki, I was stunned when I found out she was just a fictional character.
The scene with the student was one of the most powerful and timely things I have seen in a modern film.
Cate Blanchett gives the greatest performance of her career which is really saying something since she has be brilliant many times before.
I have loved all 3 of Todd Fields' films (especially Little Children) I believe he is the modern day Kubrick.
Oh I really enjoyed your Star Wars videos and u always have an interesting take that’s fun to hear! Been watching you for a while because my friend introduced me to your channel. Keep up the great content!
Great review! The increasing tension done through the subtleties in the dialogue, which ratchets up as the film continues to build, lends itself well to repeated viewings, I think.
This, coupled with her increasingly tenuous inner state, her paranoia and hallucinations, not to mention, very strange real life occurrences like the metronome appearing in her closet and the master score with her notes disappearing from the library, work marvelously to create this effect.
True, there’s not a lot of redemptive contemplation beyond the vomiting at the Asian brothel, when she realizes exactly how she treats women. Maybe that’s a lot to ask of such an emotionally distant character, at that point. It’s a decent first step, at least, the realization. Remorse will come later, perhaps.
Will eventually see "Tar". It hasn't reached my city in the theaters it's been rolled out to, but there is a second-run venue that tends to book the better fare during the tail end of awards season. So I remain patient, and your observations add to the intrigue.
Just watched Tar. Such a complex, messy masterpiece.
I enjoy your reviews very much, even in those rare cases where we “agree to disagree”. I frankly loathed “Tár” and Cate Blanchett’s twitchy, mannered performance. But then, her work has never been to my own subjective taste; I thought her Oscar-winning turn in “Blue Jasmine” was just as affected and unconvincing.
3:20 i'm glad you mentioned this because every youtuber commenting the scene didn't pick this subtleties, most of them are just agreeing on Tár's argument but didn't notice that she actually starts to mock him (the BIPOC pangender student lol) which is never good. I'm totally agree on her point but she should've just stopped when she said whatever.
Great review as always! Appreciate your deep probing reflections. I think you may enjoy the second viewing. Wondering if you plan to review EO?
Little Children is a great film!
Hope you’re having a great day, Maggie. And everyone here! ❤️
Loved this, probably my favorite movie of the year
Watched this film on VOD, and it was a masterpiece
00:13 Interesting to hear someone struggle with Little Children... I saw the film when I was a first-time father, and stay at home dad, and my child was the same age as the kids in the film... and I felt the film speaking to my life intimately and directly... (more so than the novel)
This movie was just to cold for me I really couldn’t connect but cate is such a powerhouse I had to finish it even though I didn’t really enjoy it
Film of the year
Brave film in a sea of submission and compliance. My favorite of 2022...?
Amen. "The narcissism of small differences leads to the most boring conformity". Brilliant criticism
Genuinely enjoyed Tar. I agree that the third act could have been a bit stronger than it was, but I do believe the rest is excellent. The classroom scene is one of my favorites of the year.
Another excellent,insightful review. This movie goes to the top of my 'to-watch' list.
Tar and Whiplash would make a great double feature!
Just saw it. Astounding. This is cinema. Yes it wobbles at the end, but hot damn it's a glorious piece of art.
Set up to the greatest punchline in film history. Was literally on the floor.
I am a big movie buff, I worked in the film industry for 20 years and love all kinds of movies from Eraserhead to the Marvel movies. I just finished Tar and it took 4 sittings to get thru. Cate Blanchet is one of my favorite actors of all time and here she gives one of her seminal performances. But just like one great musician does not an orchestra make, one actors great performance does not make a good movie. Cate Blanchet continues to trust the wrong people when choosing a film.
This movie reminded me of a David Lynch film. It has obvious themes, but it doesn’t spoon feed any of them to you and it allows a variety of legitimate interpretations.
If you want it to be about cancel culture, sure. An archetypal character study about the downfall of a titan, sure. Commentary on our current culture, sure. It’s all valid. ❤
Hey I love the way you review films, can you review "The Menu" ? Thanks
Separating the art from the artist.
Despite how much we enjoy and marvel at the creations of great artists, it's very important to understand that their artistic abilities do not endow them with any particular moral qualities; those are entirely different realms of human character. Over the ages, there has been no shortage of world-class artists who have demonstrated the truth of this seeming (but not) contradiction. Of course, this isn't limited to the arts - there are morally reprehensible and high-achieving individuals in all areas of human accomplishment. It's part of the human condition.
Best film of 2022 for me. Hands down.
I watched TÁR for the first time yesterday. Good to see the art of filmmaking has not yet died out completely. Blanchett was magnificent. I agree with your assessment - the first two acts are great, but the third act is somewhat disappointing. I found Lydia's cancellation odd: it had been established she was a very wealthy woman prior to her downfall, yet she seemed instantly poverty-stricken after..? Just odd. Other small gripes, but overall a great film with interesting themes.
The ambiguity in this film functions somewhat like a Rorschach Test, with each viewer seeing Tár according to their own psychology. What fascinated me was the controlled pace of the film, how it "speeds up" as the story progresses, and the "in plain sight" camouflage of the supernatural elements; is Tár being haunted by Krista (whose name is anagramatically signified as "at risk") and the unresolved mystery of where the Russian cellist lives.
I saw it in a nearly empty theatre 5 days ago and it still hasn’t left my mind. Absolutely the kind of film I want to see from Hollywood more. Too bad, judging from the attendance, I am in the minority.
Just saw the film the other loved great film. Cate Blanchett was amazing in it great review.
I probably shouldn't gripe too much about about this film, since (1) it's superbly crafted and acted, and (2) it's not based on a comic book. But, though it nails certain (unsavory) aspects of the classical music world, it's clearly intended as an explication of artistic genius - and, on this level, it doesn't quite succeed. Lydia Tár, as portrayed by Todd Field and Cate Blanchett, is a destructive, selfish woman who is also universally regarded as a great conductor. The problem, for me, is that the manipulator is a much more vivid presence in the film than is the artist. The sequences of Lydia rehearsing and composing don't quite give a sense of what makes her great and unique. And, without that sense of greatness, her downfall isn't tragic. Genius, it seems, is an easier quality to demystify than to make compelling.
The representation of GenZ wasn’t cartoonish at all. This is exactly how they are, it’s an uncomfortably accurate depiction, probably the most accurate one I’ve seen so far.
Phenomenal film. Argument to be made that Cate Blanchett is the goat of her generation
The evidence is the emails that Tar tries to delete. Tar destroyed this woman's career on purpose because of their relationship. I thought that was clear in the film. I'm surprised by a lot of the critical takes on this movie. To me Tar was a comically pretentious person who used her position to get sexual gratification multiple times, and when things didn't go her way she was petty and vindictive. She never realizes any of this about herself even though another character literally just tells her. I thought this film was visually very well crafted, but what it's trying to say is muddled at best, possibly even sort of "late middle age liberal" reactionary. The college student's argument is idiotic even though there's a perfectly valid one to make (music education is 100% focused on European men, this is a recognized problem even within the world of music educators), and her ultimate punishment is conducting a low brow orchestra for brown people.
The Blair Witch Project “shout-out” in the movie was awesome
Please consider review Nashville ❤
Hopefully you’re able to watch A24’s Aftersun at some point. I’m curious to see what you think of it. Insightful review as always though!
I've seen it twice and I'm positive I didn't see an A24 titlecard. which is just a distribution company anyway, that has done enough marketing to get people such as you thinking it's some artistic identity
@@helvete_ingres4717 What are you even talking about. Whether you saw the title card or not, it is distributed by A24 in the U.S. I’m not sure why you’re making assumptions about me based on a falsehood like that. I phrased it as “A24’s Aftersun” since deepfocuslens typically watches most of the A24 movies that come out. And although you’re right in saying an A24 label is not artistic identity on its own, you can’t tell me A24 doesn’t typically distribute (and sometimes produce) great independent and arthouse films. You can hate on their effective marketing as much as you desire but it’s hard to deny how much they’re benefitting indy film.
At last, a review of this film presented by a mature and intelligent individual. Almost all the other reviews I've seen are embarrassingly shallow and even silly.
Saw this yesterday, very complex film, still processing it. Cate Blanchett was amazing.
this movie's writing is insane its like noah baumbach on steroids
a fine discussion, your hair was out of control but it's cool
Yes, it's a film that you will replay in your mind. Tough to process, it's really quite empty somehow, in a very curious way.
Thank you deep focus your the best.
Though the direction and cinematography was excellent, I personally thought the film was too restrained for its own good. If nothing else, it just further confirms that Cate Blanchett is one of the greatest living actresses.
Best true movie i have seen in years
Lydia wounded me when she claimed that Goldsmith ripped off Varèse, though I might concede he aped him. What does that say about me if that’s my main reaction to the scene? I get impatient with discussions like the one in this scene because I have been in the presence of a Caravaggio painting. I can tell you with certainty that this creation has a life of it’s own. The kid had no business in that class and was taking the place of someone who might benefit from it.
This is a brilliant movie that has me thinking about it weeks after seeing it. It didn’t really affect me other than cerebrally until the scene with the Bernstein tapes. I watched those concerts as a child and I see in her the same evangelical ardor that Lenny had. (His Norton Lectures were a hoot; “Let’s invite the Boston Symphony Orchestra over to play at a little talk I’m giving.”) Creation is a divine act, and in the end her loss of status could benefit her. Her best work may be ahead of her.
I really loved this film and Cate's performance, although sometimes I did get a little lost in the symbolism of the movie, like when the metronome turned on by itself and when Lydia found it there was a similar symbol she found in the book she threw away (I'm guessing the book was sent by the girl who k**led herself and that's why Lydia was so upset), also I kinda got a little lost in the dream sequences (I'm guessing is the same girl bc of the redhair so maybe she did do something to her?) and how Lydia's partner told her she still kept that "horrible" place (don't know what happened there).
I get the "identity politics" angle, but I think it's a subset of what Field's attempting to explore. I believe he gives us some very specific clues as to his intention, i.e., the "Apocalypse Now" allusion, and the fascinating cosplay ending. As I left the cinema, that most famous quote from "As You Like it" popped into my head. If that makes sense to others who've seen the movie, perhaps I'm on to something. Whatever the truth may be, I find the film endlessly fascinating. Easily the best movie I've seen all year.
What was the apocalypse now allusion?
@@smegmatic308 crocodiles__boat on the river__The Philippines, et al.
It should be noted that the lecture scene is presented entirely in a single unbroken shot that moves all over the auditorium, which is not only a bravura technical achievement, but is thematically important it's shown that way because (SLIGHT SPOILERS) it becomes that much a violation when the moment is shown again to see this time has been clearly* edited.
(* and edited by who? I think there was a formally audacious direction Field tried to go with but eventually pulled back from, because when you briefly see the edited footage, it's from multiple camera angles, yet when we see the other people in the auditorium, not only was no one filming but people were sparsely scattered among the place, leading to an impossible condition that it was the result of any one person filming the incident. It would have been cinematically ambitious to focus on this condition at the level of the "camera's" location in Michael Haeneke's "Cache", but I can see why Field felt that would be challenging the audience too far and kept the shot at the footage brief.)
Personally, I felt there were very awkward moments of rigid, self-conscious acting. The student, for example, with the anxiety-stricken twitchy leg appeared more voluntary than involuntary. Whilst Cate Blanchett is a formidable force, there are moments where Todd Field's direction- his instincts- appear forced, unruly and deeply affected.
Pretentious? Certainly. Profound? Not by a long shot. The dialogue isn't particularly whip-smart, nor does it really transcend its own self importance. The film wanted to be many things with many strings, but Director Todd Field could have taken some tips from what a conductor would do and apply it to cinema. Unlike a conductor, or a disciplined director, Todd should have tapped into the shape and sound of his ensemble; he should have set a more organic tempo, because realism would have been his best friend in this instance. Haneke's The Piano Teacher, is an example of sublime restraint combined with nuanced nihilism and internal chaos.
Just the interview alone at the very start of the film does not feel authentic, and clearly the whole purpose of the film is an attempt to tattoo fact and fiction under the skin of the audience. I simply didn't believe the score of characters.
It felt like a vase of dried flowers plunged in water in the hope they would trumpet a last bud of life.
Nothing felt real, even when it was at its least fake.
And now that I've seen the whole movie, all I can remember is the Johnny Rotten quote: Ever had the feeling you were being cheated? As for me, I'll just say: Wtf???
This movie was very long and slow-moving and none of the plot points hit hard enough.
I think he was obviously inspired by The Piano Teacher with Isabelle Huppert in many ways.
Trying to see the movie for the second time. First time I felt it kind of flat and aimless. And not being a fan of Cate does not help. I have to say, though, a movie were lots of its time is about people just talking to eachother is kinf of refreshing.
Great review..!!
I don't think that having things answered was important to the movie.
They kinda were though. You got to see up close the emails sent.
One being, beginning of something beautiful.
Plus there were numerous emails why won't she talk to me.
These are not words that would come from someone that had been assaulted.
There also was at the end of the dream scene of Krista from behind on Lydia's neck.
To me it implied pleasure at first, then to an almost choiking from Krista.
That, and the solo cello given to Olga, along with her going to New York, I think that's were they went,
shows that Lydia may have given favors, but when Olga said no to dinner, along with her getting on
the elevator, I saw no indication to anger from Lydia.
Lydia's lack of feeling guilt might just be because she wasn't, and Lydia was right, Krista was imblanced.
Those are just my thoughts, and it doesn't make them right.
Very good review, and thank you.
must watch film best of 2022 easy
Another quality and insightful review. For me I agree that you can see the work that Blanchett has put into this movie. There are a couple of soliloquies which are just excellent. Her speaking German of course with ease too. Blanchett commands the screen and is most definitely a presence. The movie as a whole falls more flat for me. The pacing is that "slow burn" as you call it, and I wish I had seen more of the artist being a great artist. It is easy to show Mozart's greatness in Amadeus and the creative process. More difficult to show what makes a great modern day conductor. Her composing isn't shown to be from a generational talent. Lydia does ultimately bring about her own downfall, by actions and attitude. The narcissist deflects any responsibility for their own actions. So for me, a really good performance worth catching but not a great film.
As much as I love it, I would not have minded even a few seconds in the beginning where she might have rebuked the girl a little for playing a certain video game. A bit on the nose, I know, but a comment on just how far afield her life is about to go.
"Apartment For Sale!"
Jesus christ i mistakenly heard Todd Philips at the beginning and spat our my dinner.
I recall the character Max dismissing Bach out of hand for being white, male and straight(
A blatant display of bigotry in my view.). Unless I am mistaken, which is possible, Max's character never mentions "misogynist". Please correct me if I missed that dialogue.
He mentions his "misogynist lifestyle", referring to Bach's siring 20 children.
I really want to see this movie - "Tár" i heard it really kinda takes digs at "identity Politics" and Cancel Culture, which is probably why there's been no really attention made about it. It's almost like this Film has just been "quietly" given it's accolades and awards, then like hushed along, as if Hollywood town desperately don't want it to encourage anykind of "debate" or exploration of these dangerous ideologies of the "woke" agenda.
they know they tried hard to cancel and ban 2018's - "Joker" and that blew up in their face and really didn't go how Hollywood and mainstream media wanted lol.
I thought this movie was amazing and Blanchett is on a whole other level. I disagree, however, on her guilt as evidenced with her trying to groom another young protégé as if she could not help herself. I think it’s a mistake to give her the benefit of doubt based on her gender but wholeheartedly agree that we vilify the accused before proven guilty these days.
Completely disagree...The only cate blanchett movie I hated..What a pompous, arrogant, film about completely unsympathetic characters...Waste of time
You may be amused to know that the Koussevitzky-prize winning conductor Marin Alsop got "triggered" by this film, and has been cynically playing the "feminist" card to deflect away accusations that this story is in reality about her!
I think you'll like Upgrade if you haven't seen it
Conductor not composer? That’s the focus anyway. Also the “eavesdropping” vibe struck me. So many scenes make the audience feel like they are listening in to a private conversation.
No offence but Tar made Blonde look like it was drawn with crayons (I didn't hate Blonde, it had seeds of something almost great, but Tar is out of this world)
Watched this with my alkie mother who’s in pain and i dont know if her view of it affected mine but wow was this movie cold* boring detached and pedantic. All the comments i see are positive so either everyones a simp or i need to watch it again.
Tar gives a new meaning to pretentious and pompousness.
Todd Field please make more movie.
Virtuosic.
Watched this film several times now. It gets better with each viewing. I'm convinced it's a masterpiece, a modern day Barry Lyndon.
It wishes imo
It wishes imo