Tar - Review and Analysis

Cate Blanchett puts in an excellent performance in this challenging but rewarding film from Todd Field.

[micahsnow]

I find myself mostly in agreement with the points that Tár made in her Juilliard lecture; to dismiss all the canonical works of classical music just because they were written by patriarchal men is to limit oneself. But Tár gives the students advice that she doesn’t follow herself - she encourages them to “obliterate themselves” (their egos, their identities, etc) and, in humility, pursue the meaning of the music and intent of the composer. However she’s unable to grasp that humility for herself. She’s in fact obsessed with her own identity, she’s constantly googling herself and editing her own Wikipedia, monitoring Twitter for public reactions to her work. In terms of her own identity, she behaves in her work and personal life very much like a man. In her interview, she dismisses the idea that she ever had trouble dealing with sexism as a female conductor. She suggests to her colleague that they open up the foundation she set up for female conductors for men as well. What struck me as well was the moment she berated her daughters schoolmate for her bullying and introduced herself as “Petra’s father”. That was so incredibly interesting, and I feel like nobody is talking about that scene. If she didn’t care about identity, why does she adopt this “male” persona?

[trabadass]

" A film to be admired more than enjoy" sums it up perfectly

[softwarephil]

I’ve watched some exchanges between Bernstein and his orchestra members. He was a dominating narcissist too. Being on a pedestal (literally) goes to your head.

[bascal]

I'm surprised that you took that the film have a negative view of cancel culture. I thought it was clear throughout the film that she is so strongly against jugging the artist with the art because she knows she is a controlling abusive predator who gives players she is attracted to special treatment and ruins the careers of people she doesn't like (we see her emails that led her last favorite from a bright future to suicide). If not for her cancellation she would not have stopped these behaviors. clearly she isn't against cancellation as she did it to her last student she just doesn't want to be held accountable herself, watching the film myself I felt that was very obviously the takeaway.

[andrefernandez]

I think you missed the entire point in with the julliard scene.

In the prior interview sequence, she talks of the importance of mahler’s marriage when interpreting one of his pieces. In the julliard scene she then goes on to advocate for separating the art from the personal life of the artist saying that bach’s race and gender have nothing to do with his pieces. I see this as a character lying and manipulating her arguments in order to stay in control of the conversation.

[AminaAmenasa]

the precision in the development of the characters and the relationships they create, together with the subtlety with which the director chooses to expose the theme, make Tar an excellent film. I would suggest everyone to rewatch it

[Saffron-sugar]

I think there is some thing about the “separating the artist from the art“ conversation that seems to get missed.
It’s one thing to be a consumer and reject an artists art. It’s another thing to be someone whose job it is to perform the art.
Also, rejecting somebody’s art because they have done something horrible is one thing. But, rejecting someone’s art because of how they were born, their color, gender or sex, is disgusting. Many people might not think it’s offensive to reject the art of a “old cis white man“ but if somebody said they would not listen to music, because it was written by a “young genderqueer black man“ they would be called a bigot.
In reality somebody is a bigot either way. Just as it is different to judge a person you meet by their behavior vs judging them by the color of their skin.
The point is made that a lot of modern “liberal“ ideas are not liberal at all. They are completely intolerant and prejudice. It’s simply a new prejudice.
Nobody (except possibly the child) was right in this movie. Everyone had an angle and saw themselves as some sort of exception. There was a lot of narcissism in the film. Tàr herself tells people to rise above judgment whilst simultaneously breaking the law and committing both slander and libel in her defamation of her ex lover. Tyra has asked not to get any props for being a female in her field. It did not hold her back. People did not judge her by her sex, or her sexuality. But, her behavior is another thing all together. Eventually there comes a point where people can no longer separate Tàr from her art.

[natetrek]

Thanks so much for this lucid, insightful video essay and review. Tar is such a dense and subtle film, I've been searching for some helpful thoughts to get a handle on it, and this review is by far the best yet that I've seen. I finished watching Tar for the first time and immediately want to watch it again (it's the best film of any from the class of 2022). I appreciate the many excellent insights and observations -- I expect they will very much will enrich my next viewing of it soon.

[nffensebut]

Tar uses mirrors and has details that mirror: 1) dual entries 2) dual experiences in 3rd world countries. The character uses these countries, first in a high-class, resume enhancing way, much as she uses women. Tar repeats hash/polygon/maze puzzle images multiple times that seems to come from Challenge by Vita Sackville-West and match the shape of the orchestra, aisles, & balconies. Challenge has a dedication: "The book is yours, my witch. Read it, and you will find your tormented soul, changed and free." A quotation from the book: "I don't want to marry you, Julian. I value my freedom above all things." Tar uses the word misogamy when she wants marriage as loyalty from others.

[jerseyforhawks]

I was always wanting for any scenes with Tar at the conductor position. Magnificent. 'SUBLIMATE' to change from phase to phase, liquid to solid. Amazing.

[agitatedzone]

of all the movies from 2022, this is my favourite

[mammadijacopo]

Reminded me of Eyes wide shut, also Suspiria by Guadagnino, Black Swan, the Red Shoes…yeah I bloody loved it! 😂

[emmagrove]

Insightful review and summary. This is the first film I've ever seen that really captures what being a highly creative person is like, including the tendency to allow personal relationships to take a back seat to, or be in sublimation to, one's art. I think the film clearly shows that her one true love is music, her craft, her art, and the exaltation derived when it is done beautifully and perfectly.

[miguelservetus]

Wow, what a review. Truly, I admire and envy your insight. Thank you for posting this.

[TheGlazedBook]

I’m hearing a lot of comparisons to there will be blood and Daniel day Lewis. She is the goat female actress.

[troygaspard]

I have played classical music since my youth, and understand the joy and horror of playing with a great conductor. Which is why I bust out laughing at the final scene

[keyboarddancers]

Outstanding review of a very challenging and effective film. I'm still amazed that it did not get more of a negative reception given the current corrossive climate.

[notKevinFeige]

You convinced me to watch it, thanks Mr Chamberlain

[unvergebeneid]

I would disagree with your assessment that the film is unambiguous in defending the idea of separating the artist from the art. The film as a whole I would argue very much wants to serve as a discussion opener, not as an open-and-shut case.

[TotalEnnui]

Just watched TAR last night and I find this review spot on. Thanks