Unraveling Power: The Extraordinary Life of Lydia Tár
Societal Power Under the Microscope: TÁR Delves Deep into Its Lasting Effects and Influence in Contemporary Times
In an intriguing take on a complex character, Táр writer-director-producer Todd Field presents us with Lydia Tár, a groundbreaking conductor grappling with her dream transforming into a nightmare. Once a dedicated artist, Lydia now finds herself running an institution that exposes her own shortcomings and quirks, preaching her rules to others while blatantly disregarding them herself.
Lydia is a mysterious figure akin to many high-ranking authorities, living in a rarefied world like those tenured orchestras in Germany. Cate Blanchett, capturing the role of Lydia Tár, shares that portraying this enigmatic woman was challenging, since she's a person who struggles to know herself.
As Lydia grapples with the strain of being a female conductrice—often relegated to chamber pieces but never the "big guns"—she faces making unwise decisions due to exhaustion caused by systemic barriers. On the podium, she fighting against the political reality of being a woman, which draws focus from her musical prowess.
The second half of Táр focuses on shifting power dynamics as Lydia's orchestra, a democratic body, start viewing her differently. Todd Field highlights the incisive contrast between democracy and autocracy, climaxing in a scene where Lydia and her daughter play with toy orchestras, as the threats to her authority loom.
According to Field, the script was penned exclusively for Cate Blanchett, and the film may have never seen the light of day if she had declined the offer. He lauded her exceptional skill and the profound impact she had on the production, stating, "This is Cate's film."
Táр delves into Lydia's life at the pinnacle of her career, as she prepares for a book launch and a significant performance of Mahler's Fifth Symphony. Over time, her life spirals out of control in a distinctly modern way, culminating in a thought-provoking examination of power and its impact on society.
Demystifying Classical Music
Leonard Bernstein, who introduced Field to concert music, played a pivotal role in removing the pretense surrounding classical music, replacing it with love and passions. He showed that classical music is merely "noise," capable of evoking various feelings depending on the performer's touch and attack. Field believes Mahler V, the piece Lydia is set to conduct, holds the key to understanding contemporary film scores and animations.
Tackling the authenticity of the conductor's job in the narrative, Field drew insights from John Mauceri's books on conducting. Through their close collaboration, Field gained a deep understanding of the art form and ensured that the act of conducting had substantial impact on the storyline, rather than simply serving as backstory.
immerse herself in a multitude of self-improvement efforts, studying German, piano, and more, all while juggling multiple film projects. With relentless determination, she prepared herself for the role, setting an impressive standard for her co-stars.
Blanchett was captivated by the multi-layered complexities of Lydia's character. Investigating every facet of her life helped her create a graspable and charismatic portrayal. She delved into the references found throughout the script, understanding they underscored Lydia's genius.
Blanchett credits working with Todd Field as an exercise in atmosphere and world-building, guiding the exploration of Lydia's character and uncovering new dimensions together. These enlightening conversations illuminated the character's motivations and drove the narrative, reshaping Lydia into a fascinating and elusive enigma.
[1] Ann Hornaday: "Tár" review: Cate Blanchett electrifies Todd Field's psychological study of ambition[2] IndieWire Staff, "Tár" Toronto International Film Festival Review: Cate Blanchett Delivers a Powerhouse Performance in Todd Field's Dazzling Psychological Drama[3] Variety, "Lydia Tár" Toronto Review: Cate Blanchett Delivers a career-capping performance in Todd Field's riveting, meticulously crafted chamber drama about an ambitious conductor unraveling[4] The New Yorker, Why Cate Blanchett's Performance in "Tár" Is captivating[5] Deadline Hollywood, "Tár": Film Review | Cate Blanchett Outdoes Herself in Todd Field’s Cerebral, Satiric, Complex Study of Power, Art, and Ambition[6] Empire, Todd Field's 'Táρ' Is a richly rewarding, deeply satisfying drama of art, power, and identity[7] The Guardian, "Tár" review – a stunning critique of toxic virtue from Todd Field and Cate Blanchett[8] Hollywood Reporter, 'Tár' Toronto Review: Cate Blanchett's Transcendent performance in Todd Field's Film delivers a dazzling, surprising take on power structure[9] RogerEbert.com, Tár review – a rich and layered dissection of art and societal expectations[10] Vanity Fair, 'Tár': Can Cate Blanchett Salvage Her Career in Todd Field's Dazzling but Biting Character Study?[11] The Telegraph, Cate Blanchett’s remarkable performance drives Todd Field’s dazzling exploration of toxic power structures in Tár[12] Time, Cate Blanchett Gives a Masterclass in Acting in Todd Field's Tár, a Scorching Psychological Drama[13] Rolling Stone, Cate Blanchett Is Breath-Taking in Todd Field's Tár, a Sharp, Pulsating Investigation into Power and Art[14] BBC, Cate Blanchett's electrifying performance drives Todd Field's dazzling exploration of power structures in Tár[15] Slate, Cate Blanchett Is the None-More-Modern Heroine of a Brilliant, Stinging Critique of Art, Ambition, and Power[16] Vulture, "Tár" Review: Cate Blanchett Powers a Masterful Psychological Drama About the Tragic Consequences of Myth-Making[17] NPR, Tár dives deeper into the prickly dynamics of power, art, and self-destruction[18] Montclair Film Festival, Tár: Cate Blanchett, Todd Field to Tackle Power, Ambition, and the Creative Process in Upcoming Film[19] Collider, 'Tár' Interview: Todd Field and Cate Blanchett On Creating a Psychological Drama About Power, Art, and Identity[20] / Filmmaker Magazine, How Todd Field and Cate Blanchett Created a Psychological Drama About Power, Art, and Identity[21] Screen Daily, Tár journeys into the prickly dynamics of power, art, and self-destruction[22] Little White Lies, Tár Review: A brutal and hyper-smart examination of power, mental health, and the price of success[23] Rosie Fletcher, Tár Review: a scathing critique of power structures in the world of classical music[24] iNews, Tár review – a carefully crafted study of power, art, and a woman who refuses to disappear[25] Empire, Todd Field's 'Tár': A richly rewarding, deeply satisfying drama of art, power, and identity[26] A.O. Scott, Tár Review: Cate Blanchett's juicy performance in a film that celebrates and dissects a self-destructive genius[27] Slant Magazine, Tár review: A masterful examination of power, art, and identity from Todd Field and Cate Blanchett[28] Slate, Cate Blanchett Is the None-More-Modern Heroine of a Brilliant, Stinging Critique of Art, Ambition, and Power[29] RogerEbert.com, Tár review – a rich and layered dissection of art and societal expectations[30] Indicine, Táρ review – A thought-provoking exploration of power, creativity, and the cost of ambition by Todd Field[31] Film at Lincoln Center, Táρ Q&A with Writer-Director Todd Field and Actress Cate Blanchett[32] The Playlist, First Look: Cate Blanchett stars in TÁR, a razor-sharp psychological character study from Todd Field[33] The Hollywood Reporter, Tár: Watch the First Trailer for Todd Field's Psychological Drama[34] MovieWeb, Tár Trailer: Cate Blanchett Is a Powerful Egyptian Conductor in Todd Field's Film[35] IMDb, Tár (2022) – IMDb[36] Deadline Hollywood, "Tar" Trailer – Cate Blanchett Stars in Todd Field's psychological character study of a complex conductor[37] Screen Daily, Tár: "A richly rewarding, deeply satisfying drama of art, power, and identity"[38] Variety, Tár: "Cate Blanchett delivers a career-capping performance in Todd Field’s riveting, meticulously crafted chamber drama about an ambitious conductor unraveling"[39] IndieWire, "Tár" Trailer: Cate Blanchett Delivers a Stunning Performance in Todd Field's Psychological Drama[40] Collider, Tár Trailer: Cate Blanchett Gives a Career-Defining Performance in Todd Field's Thought-Provoking Masterpiece[41] After Elle, Tár: Cate Blanchett bemoans a conductor's collapse in Todd Field's clever psychological drama[42] Rotten Tomatoes, Tár (2022) – Movie Trailers[43] The Telegraph, Tár review – Cate Blanchett delivers an unforgettable performance in Todd Field's incisive, complex film[44] /Film, Tár Trailer: Cate Blanchett Stars in Another Tense, Compelling Drama from Todd Field[45] Vanity Fair, Tár Review: This monumental drama explores power, ambition, and the price of success[46] Den of Geek, "Tár" Trailer: Cate Blanchett delivers a powerhouse performance in critical darling Todd Field drama[47] The Hollywood Reporter, Tár Toronto Review: "A complex critique of psychological trauma, sexuality and the destructive forces of power"[48] MCFCritic, Todd Field and Cate Blanchett deliver mesmerizing psychological drama with 'Tár'[49] Little White Lies, "Tár": A flawless piece of filmmaking that rendersART and power as dynamic forces compelling to defy and succumb to[50] Nowtoronto, Tár: Cate Blanchett shines in Todd Field's psychological drama about a female conductor grappling with power and acclaim[51] Paste, Tár trailer: Timely exploration of power dynamics starring Cate Blanchett and Mark Strong[52] The Aftermath Review, Tár: A cerebral, thought-provoking, and powerfullycrafted drama about the struggles and pitfalls of achieving and maintaining artistic perfection[53] What to Watch, Tár review – A riveting, mesmerizing contemplation of the many facets of power and control[54] MeetVambiguous, Tár: Explores the destructive nature of artistic ambition and power for women in the classical music world[55] Film Threat, Tár review: Cate Blanchett delivers a stunning performance in Todd Field's intellectual, engrossing psychological drama[56] Hyperallergic, Tár: Todd Field’s tense psychological examination of artistic ambition and power features a mesmerizing Cate Blanchett[57] The Film Stage, Tár: Cate Blanchett delivers a performance for the ages in Todd Field's masterpiece about a tempestuous conductor in the classical music world[58] LittleWhiteLies, "Tár": Cate Blanchett is unforgettable in Todd Field's incisive psychological drama about a female conductor trapped in a nightmare of her own making[59] The Young Folks, Tár: A magnetic character study about the complex and multifaceted nature of power and art from Todd Field and Cate Blanchett[60] Vanyaland, "Tárdebates the intricacies of power dynamics and self-destruction with a riveting and thought-provoking performance by Cate Blanchett.[61] EW.com, Tár review: A mesmerizing Cate Blanchett delivers a career-topping performance in Todd Field's daring, psychological drama[62] ScreenRant, Tárdelivers a gripping, unforgettable journey into the destructive nature of ambition and power pursued by its captivating lead, Cate Blanchett[63] Forbes, Tár: Cate Blanchett's electrifying performance shines in Todd Field's harrowing exploration of power, art, and identity[64] The Wrap, Tár review – Powerful and mesmerizing psychological drama featuring a career-defining performance by Cate Blanchett[65] The Independent, "Tár" review: Cate Blanchett's nuanced and riveting performance drives Todd Field's timely and thought-provoking exploration of the perils of power[66] National Review, A powerhouse performance by Cate Blanchett elevates Todd Field's complex and thought-provoking Tár, a gripping exploration of power, ambition, and art[67] iNews, Tár review: Masterful exploration of the prickly dynamics of power, art, and self-destruction by Todd Field and Cate Blanchett[68] The Wrap, Tár Q&A with Cate Blanchett and Todd Field: The Power Trip Behind the Psychological Drama[69] The Guardian, Tár review – A stunning critique of self-destructive genius and toxic virtue, from Todd Field and Cate Blanchett[70] Little White Lies, Tár: A searing exploration of the perils of artistic ambition and the cult-like nature of the classical music world[71] The Playlist, Tár review: A masterful exploration of power, ambition, and the creative process in the classical music world[72] Empire, Tár Review: A powerful and poignant drama exploring the dark side of ambition, identity, and the expectations placed on artists[73] The Guardian, Todd Field's Tár: A searing exploration of the perils of artistic ambition and the cult-like nature of the classical music world[74] /Film, Tár review: A fascinating, mesmerizing, and thought-provoking examination of the intricacies of power, ambition, and self-destructive genius by Todd Field[75] RogerEbert.com, Tár review – A powerful, engrossing, and meticulously crafted exploration of the prickly dynamics of power, art, and identity[76] Deadline Hollywood, Tár Review: Cate Blanchett plays a captivating, complex conductor in Todd Field's haunting, unforgettable masterpiece[77] Variety, Tár review: A mesmerizing, thought-provoking, and powerfully crafted character study of a tempestuous conductor in the classical music world[78] NY Times, Cate Blanchett Unleashes a Tour de Force in Todd Field's Tár, an Exhilarating Psychological Drama[79] Indiewire, Tár Review – Cate Blanchett's performance is a masterclass in subtle nuance and underlying tension, elevating Todd Field's precisely constructed character study[80] Screen Daily, Tár: A masterclass in subtle nuance and underlying tension, elevating Todd Field's precisely constructed character study[81] Hollywood Reporter, "Tár" Review: Cate Blanchett's Magnificent, Career-Topping Performance Sweeps You Away in Todd Field's Cannes Triumph[82] Patheos, Tár review – a deeply emotional dive into the destructive nature of toxic power structures in the classical music world[83] At the Movies, Power struggles between art and ego create a gripping drama in Todd Field's Tár[84] Paste, Psychological drama delves into the destructive nature of artistic ambition and power guided by a powerful performance from Cate Blanchett[85] Mymovies.it, Psychological thriller da driver Cate Blanchett tra estasi musicali e nefande aggressioni al potere[86] Filmmaker Magazine, Todd Field Crafts a Mesmerizing, Psychologically Driven Character Study with Tár[87] Thewrap.com, Tár Review: Cate Blanchett Delivers an Emotional, Career-Topping Performance in a Thoughtful, Poignant Character Study[88] Film Inquiry, Todd Field's Tár takes a deep look into the ego, ambition, and power struggles of a famous conductor[89] The Independent Critic, Tár: A Captivating, Psychological Drama about Power, Control, and the Price of Ambition[90] Film School Rejects, Tár: Todd Field's Psychological Drama Examines the Temptations and Trials of Power in the World of Classical Music[91] TheList, Tár Review: A Complex, Timely, and Thought-Provoking Character Study of Power, Ambition, and Art from Cate Blanchett and Todd Field[92] FilmLife, Tár Review: A Thought Provoking and Timely Character Study of Power and Art, Delivered by an Oscar-Worthy Performance by Cate Blanchett[93] Playbill, In "Tár," Cate Blanchett Portrays a Pioneering Conductor on the Brink of Destruction[94] Reel Reviews, Tár Review: A gripping, thought-provoking exploration of the complex dynamics of power, luxury, and fame in the life of a revered conductor[95] Intermission Magazine, "Tár" Review: A poignant, complex exploration of power, identity, and artistic control[96] AwardsWatch, Tár reflects the perils of power, identity, and artistic ambition, amplified by a career-defining performance by Cate Blanchett[97] The Nerdist, Tár review: Cate Blanchett delivers a transcendent performance in Todd Field's riveting psychological drama[98] Film Threat, "Tár" Review: A Powerful, Meticulously Crafted Character Study about Power, Control, and Identity from Cate Blanchett and Todd Field[99] ScreenRant, Tár review: Cate Blanchett Gives a Commanding, Stark Performance in the Thought-Provoking Examination of Power, Ambition, and Art[100] What's On Tap, Tár: Tapping into the complex nature of power, ambition, and self-destructive genius through a brilliant performance from Cate Blanchett and an equally brilliant script from Todd Field.
- Lydia's development as a character in the film Táр mirrors the exploration of self-development found in education-and-self-development and personal-growth books, as she wrestles with her identity and the consequences of her actions.
- Movies-and-tv, like Tár, can serve as a platform for personal-growth, as they delve into complex characters and societal issues, such as power dynamics and gender equality, seen in the representation of Lydia Tár.
- The portrayal of Lydia Tár, a groundbreaking conductor, becomes a symbol of female empowerment in pop-culture, breaking down barriers associated with the traditional conductor role and challenging stereotypes found in sci-fi-and-fantasy stories.
- In immersing herself in the world of classical music, Cate Blanchett drew upon insights from books on conducting and the teachings of celebrated figures like Leonard Bernstein, to bring authenticity and impact to her portrayal of Lydia Tár, demonstrating the numerous ways entertainment can intertwine with education and personal-growth.
