The time has come to discuss TÁR. This week Murtada Elfadl welcomes critic and prgrammer Rafa Sales Ross to discuss Cate Blanchett’s latest towering performance, Todd Field’s elsusive jigsaw puzzle script and Nina Hoss’ fantastic reaction shots. This is the first episode in a planned trilogy.
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What is the film about?
Official synopsis: From writer-producer-director Todd Field comes TÁR, starring Cate Blanchett as Lydia Tár, the groundbreaking conductor of a major German Orchestra. We meet Tár at the height of her career, as she’s preparing both a book launch and much-anticipated live performance of Mahler’s Fifth Symphony. Over the ensuing weeks her life begins to unravel in a singularly modern way. The result is a searing examination of power, and its impact and durability in today’s society.
Directed by Todd Field, with a screenplay by Field
Critical Response: Metacritic : 90 RT: 97
Topics Discussed:
- The themes the movie grapples with – how power corrupts exceptional people, is it about cancel culture?
- Lydia Tar as a narcissist and juicy character – who does she remind us of?
- Lydia’s world – luxurious – at the height of the cultural hierarchy.
- A film about process and hierarchy of art.
- The framing and the long uninterrupted scenes.
- What are some of the cinematic influences and inspirations noticed in TAR.
- Cate’s performance – what makes it tick? What’s different?
- Nina Hoss.
Spoilers starting @ 52 mins:
- Teaching at Juilliard
- The ending
Further Reading:
- Murtada’s review of TÁR
- Rafa’s website
- A.V. Club ranking of Blanchett’s roles
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SUNDAYS WITH CATE 