Read User Reviews and Submit your own for TÁR (2022)

7

HerickDienerNov 16, 2022

Eu tenho um fascínio pela Cate Blanchett desde que assisti "Elizabeth", de 1998. E como o tempo foi generoso em lhe consagrar uma das maiores atrizes de sua geração, senão a maior.

"Tár" é literalmente um holofote aceso em direção a CateEu tenho um fascínio pela Cate Blanchett desde que assisti "Elizabeth", de 1998. E como o tempo foi generoso em lhe consagrar uma das maiores atrizes de sua geração, senão a maior.

"Tár" é literalmente um holofote aceso em direção a Cate Blanchett para ela mostrar toda sua maestria. E ela faz isso, a ponto de você se prender unicamente a ela, sem entender, por um bom tempo, para onde um filme de 2h38m está caminhando.

Todd Field levantou uma boa questão sobre como a cultura do cancelamento é sutilmente cruel para aqueles que não são pareô a nova geração na qual ela surgiu. Mas, acredito que a linguagem abordada não foi tão eficiente, e deixa mais pontas soltas do que amarradas.… Expand

5 of 5 users found this helpful50

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1

dq72Feb 5, 2023

I couldn’t sit through this talky, enamored with itself, no plot movie. If there was a plot it wasn’t happening for over half the movie where you see the main character go from scene to scene and just talk, talk, talk. Nothing happens

4 of 4 users found this helpful40

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3

Film123Jan 28, 2023

I think a tedious movie, plays on an almost intellectual snobbishness to get points across, perhaps it's a part of the classical music tradition, but difficult to sit through in a theatre

4 of 4 users found this helpful40

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0

Stranger14Mar 4, 2023

Quite literally the single worst experience of my entire life. Out of the 2 and a half hour playtime maybe 40 minutes was at all relevant to the story and the rest was just completely irrelevant bs

2 of 2 users found this helpful20

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3

GlintspearApr 1, 2023

I'm sorry to say, I didn't even find Cate Blanchett's performance very good. I found her studied and wooden, and along with the entire cast, completely lacking in chemistry. The sound, cinematography, and editing were poor, creating even moreI'm sorry to say, I didn't even find Cate Blanchett's performance very good. I found her studied and wooden, and along with the entire cast, completely lacking in chemistry. The sound, cinematography, and editing were poor, creating even more distance and alienation. Whether intended or not, it did not work.
The narrative strands were a mess; the dialogue was stilted and unrealistic.
I am a classical musician and listen exclusively to classical music, and I can assure you that this is not what classical musicians are like or how they talk.
Also, I couldn't work out if some of the over-the-top scenes of diversity and inclusion were parodies or serious. Almost everything was utterly unrealistic and removed from reality.
It was also profoundly pretentious, as though the writer was trying to garner approval or showcase their impeccable credentials.
Immensely disappointing after all the hype.… Expand

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

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7

LisaLR1Jan 4, 2023

2001 "In The Bedroom" director Todd Field returns with "Tár," stars Cate Blanchett as renowned conductor and musician Lydia Tár, an EGOT (Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, Tony winner) whose ego and life are on top-of-the-world until certain situations2001 "In The Bedroom" director Todd Field returns with "Tár," stars Cate Blanchett as renowned conductor and musician Lydia Tár, an EGOT (Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, Tony winner) whose ego and life are on top-of-the-world until certain situations collude against her causing her to spiral. Cate Blanchett could read the phone book on film and convince me she is a phenomenon, and in "Tár" she gives an intelligent performance. However, the film is 2 hours 38 minutes and could use editing, it gets redundant. Worth the watch for Cate Blanchett in another possible Oscar-worthy achievement.… Expand

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

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3

DanaDaskalovaApr 2, 2023

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Any time I see such a discrepancy between the users rating and the critics rating in Metascore, I know this will be yet another pretentious attempt at scoring points for Cannes or the Oscars.

There's nothing impressive about this film apart from the great examples of Berlin industrial interior design - this was awesome. Everything else consisted of random scenes that convey no actual message in regard to the plot - Tar's meetings with people, rehearsals, her getting a custom suit fitted (?), self indulgent convertsations and huge name dropping. There's an attempt to add a mystery element and imply vague notions about the protagonist's unfit mental state by half assedly mentioning a story about a previous love interest of Tar who as we learn, was banned from the industry because of her fallout with Tar. We never really get anything more about this story apart from the fact that this is what comes back to bite Tar in the a** and also, that this haunts her.

Overall, you don't need 2.5h hours to tell this story. We never really get to see and experience what's going on inside Tar's head. She's portrayed as a genius throughout the whole film which also isn't conveyed in any believable manner. It seems to me Todd Field aimed at something like Amadeus but 2022 style - and it didn't work.… Expand

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

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7

stevekmDec 30, 2022

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. An interesting movie about how power can corrupt your soul. Cate is her usual stellar actor. Her character is always talking about the hard road women faced in a world ruled by men but doesn't see that in herself as she rises to a powerful position.… Expand

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

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7

CalvinCrackOct 26, 2022

It’s too boring. It was a chore to get through by the end. I liked a lot of it, so credit where credit is due. I’d give it a soft recommendation but it’s a long sit. Cate Blanchett was great in an icy, sometimes lukewarm performance asIt’s too boring. It was a chore to get through by the end. I liked a lot of it, so credit where credit is due. I’d give it a soft recommendation but it’s a long sit. Cate Blanchett was great in an icy, sometimes lukewarm performance as this borderline sociopath whom we end up admiring despite her faults. If this sounds interesting to you, then this is your movie.… Expand

6 of 7 users found this helpful61

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7

Brent_MarchantOct 22, 2022

Unquestionably one of the most unusual offerings of 2022. And, while much of writer-director Todd Field’s latest – his first film in 16 years – succeeds, there are sequences that could definitely use some work, especially at the outset ofUnquestionably one of the most unusual offerings of 2022. And, while much of writer-director Todd Field’s latest – his first film in 16 years – succeeds, there are sequences that could definitely use some work, especially at the outset of this somewhat overlong release. This tale of a brilliant, compulsively driven maestra manages to muster its share of dramatic tension and artistic exuberance, but it also leaves its share of loose ends and unclear motivations, making viewers wonder why events unfold as they do (and even more so about why they should care). It’s a body of work that also leaves open the question of whether this is innately a grand tragedy of comeuppance or a tongue-in-cheek exercise in pretention (again, something more to make audiences wonder why they should care). But perhaps the biggest irritant is the picture’s annoying and tiresome tendency (especially early on as the story is establishing itself) to break into protracted, insular discussions about classical music (and the business of it) that sound more like classroom lectures (or professional gossip) than bona fide credible dialogue. Much to its credit, the film features what is perhaps one of Cate Blanchett’s finest screen performances, a finely tuned ramping up of the escalating pathos the further one gets into the narrative and a positively superb classical music score. Is that enough to save the film, though? I’d provisionally say yes, but, if none of this sounds like it would appeal to you, I’d recommend that you give this one a pass and rent one of the protagonist’s many other fine releases instead.… Expand

6 of 7 users found this helpful61

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2

LittlegizmoFeb 11, 2023

the only thing good about this movie is the acting... the rest is a complete mess... not worth a best picture nomination at the oscars at all...

3 of 4 users found this helpful31

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5

Compi24Nov 1, 2022

As much as I hate to be in the minority on this one, I just have to come to terms with the fact that "Tár" wasn't for me. That's not to say I don't appreciate what this movie has set out to do and what it manages to achieve. In fact, I'd sayAs much as I hate to be in the minority on this one, I just have to come to terms with the fact that "Tár" wasn't for me. That's not to say I don't appreciate what this movie has set out to do and what it manages to achieve. In fact, I'd say Todd Field has directed this picture with a commendably sure hand. I think the cinematography, sound design and editing are all top notch and Cate Blanchett — to no one's surprise — is absolutely fantastic in this. For me, I think it's the approach to the thematic material and the length that ultimately let me down. Make no mistake, the subject matter at hand is a decent place to start and the film eventually takes its conversations involving "the death of the author" into a place that I think most would agree is correct. I just felt myself wishing for more attention to be directed towards that moral conundrum. With the whole "death of the author" debate essentially boiling down to the question, "can an artist (warts and all) truly be separated from their work?" Field's piece effectively gives us one side of that debate — the artist and their flaws. What we don't get nearly enough of is that other component — their work. Sure, we see the titular character conducting an orchestra — essentially interpreting another artist's work (in this case Gustav Mahler) — but what of her own work? To that end, all we have to go off of is what we're told. We're told, "Lydia Tár achieved 'x' feat related to composing." We're told, "Lydia Tár has 'x' amount of accolades related to writing music." We're told, "Lydia Tár is the most 'x' composer working today." We don't, however, see her do much "authorship" at all in this. Instead, it's all about her conducting of somebody else's work rather than her own compositional prowess. Is that enough to illustrate the actual trade-off and ethical tension between someone crafting pieces of art that are loved by so man and the lives that this same person may or may not have destroyed along the way? In my case, no. For others, it seems like it is. Again, I think there's a great deal to like here. For me, I just couldn't justify how esoteric and long-winded things got.… Expand

7 of 10 users found this helpful73

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5

Data1001Dec 11, 2022

Look, Cate is always an interesting presence on screen. But the story feels incredibly underdeveloped. Scenes with absolutely no point (nor further exploration) abound. Nothing is cohesive. I wish the basic idea had been rewritten fromLook, Cate is always an interesting presence on screen. But the story feels incredibly underdeveloped. Scenes with absolutely no point (nor further exploration) abound. Nothing is cohesive. I wish the basic idea had been rewritten from scratch with different writers, and brought to life by a different director. As it is, however, it's incredibly disappointing.… Expand

4 of 6 users found this helpful42

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8

kos2Dec 18, 2022

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I'm a trained musician - and also have studied film (mostly on my own) for over 50 years. Unfortunately it's an unnecessarily long movie - the exposition feels at least 45 minutes. Unlike other commenters I think every scene in the film does have a purpose. Musically, I was surprised at how good the script adhered to musical logic as well capturing current "events" on the classical music scene.

I suspect that might be the problem with the film, in that classical music is so removed from the majority of people's cultural awareness that it's difficult to understand how someone could be so driven to a niche field, or how someone could be bothered by hearing a sound during the night and following it.

Other than being too long, I felt the problem was that Lydia seems rather removed from her emotions - or that we don't see her emotional turmoil - or if she even had one. I think the key is in that master class scene at Juilliard - where she derides one type of contemporary music and composer - a better denouement should have had her reduced to conducting student compositions of the kind she hates. Or beyond a few tears, showing the angst she has from ruining her career - maybe that should have come out at the end when she conducts for the video game.

Maybe it's a skill that one gets only from watching avant-garde films: You don't wait for something to happen, you just sit back and let it unfold, keeping expectations low. With that approach, I found Tár a pretty good film.… Expand

2 of 3 users found this helpful21

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4

everettJan 11, 2023

Besides being a vehicle for Cate Blanchett's star performance, I don't understand what the point was in making this film. I went into it thinking it had to do with the topic of whether artists' despicable personal behavior should come intoBesides being a vehicle for Cate Blanchett's star performance, I don't understand what the point was in making this film. I went into it thinking it had to do with the topic of whether artists' despicable personal behavior should come into play when judging the merits of their work. But Tar doesn't create her own work; her attempts at being a composer don't go far, and her fame is derived from conducting the work of others.
Now I'm wondering if the film is an attempt to demonstrate that famous, successful men aren't the only ones who use their power to prey upon women - that women do it too. In that sense, I guess it succeeds. Point taken. Good for you.
But is that kind of "point" enough to justify our showing up - especially for over two and a half hours? Where's the takeaway, the universal kind that makes a movie great?
It's very possible that I'm missing something, so please tell me. Otherwise, I'm left with the sinking feeling that I've wasted my time on someone's self-indulgence.… Expand

2 of 3 users found this helpful21

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8

JLuis_001Nov 30, 2022

It lost some points when it started being so unconvincing in such a volatile way.
Cate Blanchett's performance is exceptional and being a character study she's the total force behind this film, and I'm sorry Todd Field, I recognize your workIt lost some points when it started being so unconvincing in such a volatile way.
Cate Blanchett's performance is exceptional and being a character study she's the total force behind this film, and I'm sorry Todd Field, I recognize your work in directing, but Cate is the one who holds the whole story together.

It is her experience even with the fuzziness of its perspective what makes the film soar beyond what its context allows, which is that one way or another you must judge her. From the musical genius, to the abusive monster, and in neither she comes out unscathed.

It could have been brilliant, but Field preferred hard coldness.… Expand

2 of 3 users found this helpful21

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2

kutijanosNov 24, 2022

I found the glowing reviews by the critics to be misleading. The film was pretentious and self-indulgent, with no real point to the contrived dramatics. Classical music and the trappings around it was used as a gimmick to make it seem deep,I found the glowing reviews by the critics to be misleading. The film was pretentious and self-indulgent, with no real point to the contrived dramatics. Classical music and the trappings around it was used as a gimmick to make it seem deep, serious, and cultured, but there was very little "there" there finally. It all seemed to me like a Woody Allen movie, with its heavy-handedness and lack of genuineness by the characters, but without the humor and charm. Poorly executed narrative, bogged down with inconsequential minutiae. And I believe the lesbian element was just queerbaiting and not significantly relevant to the story. Lest I come across like an uncultured curmudgeon, I saw the film with my sister who has been a musician in a major orchestra for fifty years and she had the same impression of it. I had to apologize to her afterwards. Cate Blanchett certainly put a tremendous amount of work into her role, so will probably win all kinds of awards for it, but the talent was wasted on this project.… Expand

8 of 13 users found this helpful85

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10

BladeLover2049Dec 13, 2022

A very precise and disturbing construction around the fear of what is hidden and twisted around our actions, seen from the perspective of the other. A story where we are the monster that society wants to destroy. Masterpiece.

3 of 5 users found this helpful32

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4

EFRAMDec 3, 2022

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I love Cate Blanchett. I like Todd Fields. So why didn't I like Tar. Well, first, it's almost three hours long without a compelling narrative to justify its length. Second, it dances around the main issue brought up by Fields. What happens to a wunderkind conductor, (blanchett) who is at the pinnacle of her career and minutes away from commanding her most impressive achievement yet, who is faced with a scandal that destroys her career and sets her on a path of self destruction. That sounds like a good premise for a film, but Fields never delivers on its promise. Instead we are given a much more than-needed verbose and overly intellectual narrative that presupposes that every viewer of Tar is interested in the intricacies of Music theory and composition, and the inner workings of a conductor's professional existence without fully fleshign out the woman and her motivations behind that existence. As a documentary, this might've worked to some degree, but as a drama the intellectualization of the personal demons of this remarkable woman doesn't do justice to the narrative or Ms. Blanchett's uneven performance. A good example of Fields over intellectualization comes during some of the conducting scenes where Tar is conducting the Berlin philharmonic rehearsals in German but there are no subtitles, so we don't know what she is saying to her orchestra. You'd think in a film about a Conductor reveling in her craft, that you'd want to see exactly what she was saying to her orchestra, but Fields leaves us wondering and annoyed. The first 30 minutes of the film is set at an interview with Lydia Tar and The New Yorker where we go through a biography of her work and her accomplishments along the way. As a creator myself, I've always been told that exposition is the death of great storytelling. In other words, don't tell, SHOW, something Mr. Fields seems to forget as Tar moves forward. The most interesting aspect of the film, namely how this incredibly talented woman is brought down by a sexual scandal is glossed over, told in warped dream sequences and oddly relegated to behind the scenes viewpoint when it should have been front and center. The film comes alive when Tar has to deal with her past relationships, (the main relationship being with another up-and-coming conductor, who ends up committing suicide, naming Tar as the cause of her suicide.) It's a weak construct, made even weaker by Fields inability to fully bring the affair and its consequences to the forefront, something that would give the audience a window into Tar's life and enable the audience to either side with her or against her. Instead, Fields brings another young conductor into the picture, someone Tar obviously has an attraction for, but the plotline happens so far into the film, and never gets fully resolved that by the time we become interested in Tar's new protege, the film is over. These half-hearted attempts to draw us into Tar's inner world, whether it be with her lover Sharon or her stepdaughter Petra left me wondering what this woman is really about. Instead, the film meanders through Tar's professional life, never giving us the depth behind her talent, or allowing us to see the intricacies of her life path. So, in the end, the film delivers an uneven portrait of a fascinating woman, but never fully delivers on the promise of getting under her skin, or into her head where we can either root for her, or understand fully why others are rooting against her.… Expand

4 of 7 users found this helpful43

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5

moviemitch96Oct 21, 2022

Cate blanchett stars as fictional German philharmonic composer Lydia Tar, whose personal and professional life is depicted here, along with the many trials and tribulations she faces within both. Written and directed by Todd Field, with thisCate blanchett stars as fictional German philharmonic composer Lydia Tar, whose personal and professional life is depicted here, along with the many trials and tribulations she faces within both. Written and directed by Todd Field, with this also being his first film in 16 years (since 2006's 'Little Children ' with Kate Winslet), the film starts off intriguingly enough and is filmed and edited with great confidence to accompany Blanchett's commanding screen presence. The film unconventionally seems content in focusing on the little and mundane details of Tar's every day life, as the film is largely composed (no pun intended) of extended conversations and business meetings between her and several colleagues of hers, along with the occasional scene of symphony rehearsal. And like I said, this starts off all good and fine for the first half hour or so, largely in thanks to the confident and intriguing editing to go with Blanchett's performance. Unfortunately, at a little over two and a half hours, that all gets dragged way the hell out and completely overstays its welcome. The further in I got into the film's runtime, the more and more pretentious and self-gratifying the whole thing started to feel. By the time the film reached its end, I couldn't help but scoff at it all and what I'd just watched. Blanchett's tour de force performance is literally the only good thing this film has going for it in the end, but even that might not be enough to warrant a view in my eyes. Overall, Blanchett graces us with some of her best work in years here. I just wish the same could be said about Field's first outing in 16 years, because the film is as pretentious and self-indulgent as they come.… Expand

5 of 9 users found this helpful54

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0

pmoney666Dec 9, 2022

Tar: Whiplash 2

If you are a musician you will find this movie hilarious. Imagine there is a conductor somehow SO great, as if it worked that way, that he/she starts their career conducting the five biggest Orchestra's in the United StatesTar: Whiplash 2

If you are a musician you will find this movie hilarious. Imagine there is a conductor somehow SO great, as if it worked that way, that he/she starts their career conducting the five biggest Orchestra's in the United States IN A ROW and then settles as the principal conductor for Berlin. That's Tar. Looking into the directors/writer's background, he did Jazz band in high school/college and felt that he could competently write a script on the classical music world. I'm not a movie person, but I like to think I can follow a story and themes pretty well and even that aspect of the movie felt shallow. Maybe the lighting or shot composition is interesting to someone, I don't know, but I don't think non-artists should be brow-beated by name drops (DUDAMEL, BERNSTEIN, ELGAR etc.) and jargon. That doesn't convey actual knowledge on a subject and is a cheap way to earn points with a low-knowledge audience. It's so bad that the plot doesn't begin until the first fourty minutes of the movie are over, until that point it's just pretentious name dropping.

Someone else stated also mentioned the aspect of queer-baiting, which is very true of this movie. We have real life incidents of MALE conductor's being sex pest, even recently, but instead they make a movie about a sex pest who is actually the world's greatest lesbian. Why was it even necessary? There's a Julliard student in one of the scenes explaining that they don't listen to Bach because he was a straight white male, as if that person could possibly exist in Julliard, with the most heavy-handed and stupid dialogue. Basically it's a long, ignorant and boring movie that seems to have fooled its audience with a bunch of jargon and pretension that kind of rides the line of being trashy tabloid ****… Expand

6 of 12 users found this helpful66

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10

Ethan1011Oct 11, 2022

This is a slow burn movie but never boring thanks to the out-of-this-world acting by Cate Blanchett and an amazing supporting cast including Nina Hoss. Todd Hayes' script is ingenious and I am still thinking of the movie after watching itThis is a slow burn movie but never boring thanks to the out-of-this-world acting by Cate Blanchett and an amazing supporting cast including Nina Hoss. Todd Hayes' script is ingenious and I am still thinking of the movie after watching it last night. People who say if you are not in the music world then you will be bored watching this movie, they are completely wrong. The central message of the movie is about abuse of power and cancel culture and music and orchestra are just an instrument (no pun intended) to deliver the main theme of the movie. Go see it on the big screen!… Expand

5 of 10 users found this helpful55

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9

davemelbourne58Oct 16, 2022

Great character study.
Two things: With great power comes great responsibility.
How would I describe Tar? It's a fever dream that's kind of a cross between Black Swan with a little bit of Fatal Attraction mixed in, and topped off by theGreat character study.
Two things: With great power comes great responsibility.
How would I describe Tar?
It's a fever dream that's kind of a cross between Black Swan with a little bit of Fatal Attraction mixed in, and topped off by the madness of Alice Cooper's Welcome to my Nightmare.
Fascinating.
Riveting.
Can't wait to watch it again...on the BIG screen.… Expand

4 of 8 users found this helpful44

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6

IHaveGreatTasteOct 28, 2022

The filmmaking is great. The script, however, is only okay. And ultimately, at 2.5 hours, it's not engaging enough to earn its length. The biggest problem for me though is Cate Blanchett. How this is considered good acting I'll neverThe filmmaking is great. The script, however, is only okay. And ultimately, at 2.5 hours, it's not engaging enough to earn its length. The biggest problem for me though is Cate Blanchett. How this is considered good acting I'll never understand. She's mannered, melodramatic, and every line reading feels entirely rehearsed. You never once feel like you're watching a real human experiencing a real moment. You're only ever watching a 'performance' (and a 1930s Old Hollywood-style performance at that). Even when she's punching a punching bag, she's ACTING punching a punching bag! It's everything acting students are taught NOT to do. A younger Meryl Streep would've been brilliant in this film.… Expand

3 of 6 users found this helpful33

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8

DHReviewsNov 19, 2022

As complex as a concerto and crafted with poise, gusto, and beauty, Tár is a fantastic film. Cate Blanchett is no stranger to bringing audiences to a theater for simply being in a film and she finds another beautifully delicate and vervaciousAs complex as a concerto and crafted with poise, gusto, and beauty, Tár is a fantastic film. Cate Blanchett is no stranger to bringing audiences to a theater for simply being in a film and she finds another beautifully delicate and vervacious role here. The story itself is a welcome departure from the standard fare of movies these days, and while somewhat overlong and lacking in drive in parts, the film weaves the concert of this composers fall with grace and deftness.… Expand

2 of 4 users found this helpful22

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10

BrunomkJan 19, 2023

Blanchett and the writing are so great in this. Finally art starts to criticise the insanity of woke identity politics. Must see.

2 of 4 users found this helpful22

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10

AnmolJaiswalDec 16, 2022

A brilliant film lead by an exceptional Cate Blanchett. She is the best of all the working actors currently.

2 of 4 users found this helpful22

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10

Rebecca31Jan 21, 2023

The superb combination of Todd Field and Cate Blanchett results in a truly stunning piece of cinema. Tár is an enthralling tale about power, ego and cancel culture.

Lydia Tár (Cate Blanchett) is the world renowned musician and conductor. AsThe superb combination of Todd Field and Cate Blanchett results in a truly stunning piece of cinema. Tár is an enthralling tale about power, ego and cancel culture.

Lydia Tár (Cate Blanchett) is the world renowned musician and conductor. As the first female director of a major German orchestra, she is considered to be one of the greatest living composers and conductors. Currently living in Berlin with her family, she is preparing for a live recording of Mahler’s 5th Symphony. With the performance date approaching, her personal and professional life begin to unravel as some past experiences begin to catch up with her.

The trailer thankfully doesn’t give too much away and I wasn’t 100% sure what to expect with Tár just that I had to see this movie and I absolutely loved it. Although not based on a true story it certainly has that feel to it. Director Todd Field wrote the script specifically with Blanchett in mind and it shows because I can’t think of anyone else who could have played that role so well. She gives a brilliant performance, completely immersing herself in the role and honestly deserves all the awards coming to her. Everything from the use of music to Blanchett’s captivating performance makes you forget you’re watching a movie. I never once questioned anything, it looks like Blanchett has been conducting all her life.

It’s worth mentioning that Tár may not be for everyone, the first fifteen minutes or so is very heavy on classical music references in an interview format but don’t be put off. It’s a slow paced drama that only feeds you the information as needed. As the story unfolds, the pressure and suspense builds and builds until it reaches it’s dramatic conclusion. It’s gripping and highly immersive the way a great story should be. I was completely captivated by this movie.

Considering Tár is a work of fiction there could perhaps be more unexplored stories about composers and/or conductors brought to life on the big screen. And although I can’t speak for everyone I would watch more of this and it was also comforting to attend Tár in an almost full screen, especially now when cinemas are struggling to get people into movies that aren’t part of a larger franchise. So yes there is a desire from audiences for movies with a well told story and an intriguing main character.

Tár is emotional, thought-provoking and will stay with you afterwards. Cinema buffs get yourselves in front of the big screen and enjoy Tár. It’s a masterpiece. Highly recommended and a must see for classical music fans and musicians.… Expand

1 of 2 users found this helpful11

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6

UncleWillardFeb 14, 2023

TAR is beautiful to watch and I'm not just talking about Cate Blanchet. I love how we're 100% onboard with TAR's genius, even after her career starts to decay. I'm sure there are many layers to this, but the one that struck me most was herTAR is beautiful to watch and I'm not just talking about Cate Blanchet. I love how we're 100% onboard with TAR's genius, even after her career starts to decay. I'm sure there are many layers to this, but the one that struck me most was her encounter with the student in her class who simply can't imagine NOT judging art through the lens of identity politics. I love how she framed her argument that it was about the music and not the person and then how, even despite that truth, that very essence is turned against her and lesser people steal her art.

Where it loses me is the blurred lines. Why is this statement being made? I haven't delved into reviews yet as I'm still chewing on my own opinion, and I'm guessing I'm missing something, but the ending was not as satisfying as I'd hoped it would be.… Expand

1 of 2 users found this helpful11

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0

kaczan3Apr 12, 2023

Seems like a finger-pointing effort. There is a scene where a guy starts talking about priviledge of white guys, and the protagonist is somehow a voice of reason, correcting him, even though most of her fame stems from the fact that she'sSeems like a finger-pointing effort. There is a scene where a guy starts talking about priviledge of white guys, and the protagonist is somehow a voice of reason, correcting him, even though most of her fame stems from the fact that she's "the forst female conductor of a major German orchiestra", which movie's marketing informs us of.… Expand

1 of 2 users found this helpful11

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10

Sono_MomoDec 25, 2022

The most complete and powerful film of 2022 is undoubtedly Tár with the amazing performance of Cate Blanchett. Every second of the movie can be a beautiful art frame that can be hung on the wall. Be sure to watch this movie even more than once.

1 of 2 users found this helpful11

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7

artguy1Jan 17, 2023

Cate is great. Excellent music. Script unpredictable because it’s not credible. Ending is trite.

1 of 2 users found this helpful11

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10

katezoeOct 23, 2022

Cate Blanchett is spectacular and will be heading to the Oscars and possibly winning her 3rd. Fascinating film directed by Todd Fields, also another possible Oscan nominee. This is what great film making is all about.

3 of 7 users found this helpful34

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10

QLA1992Oct 29, 2022

Sublime acting, especially from a career-best Cate Blanchett, and a thoroughly engrossing and intellectually-rewarding script from Todd Field are the two ingredients powering the best film of 2022 - so far.

3 of 7 users found this helpful34

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0

OlivierPielDec 17, 2022

Not everyone can be a Haneke or a Bergman when it comes to understanding how "classical" music and its performers can be woven into a visual art form such as cinema, but every American critic must pretend they like a pompous and pretentiousNot everyone can be a Haneke or a Bergman when it comes to understanding how "classical" music and its performers can be woven into a visual art form such as cinema, but every American critic must pretend they like a pompous and pretentious "movie" about classical music when it collides with Metoo and wokeism...while delivering the usual trite Hollywood story line. As a Frenchman, it is always very satisfying to contemptuously laugh at the ham-fisted snobbishness of wannabe-cultured East-Coast American middle-class audience, the modern version of Molière's "Bourgeois Gentilhomme".
The first 25 minutes are Cate Blanchett talking her pretentious ass off about Mahler, the Amazon river tribes, khabbalism and whatnot We know the purpose of this quite literal "exposition", however this is not cinema: This is torture! A clever filmmaker, say Orson Welles, would have needed one frame to do that exposition!

To give this a 3/10, would mean giving a 14/10 to "the Pianist" by Haneke and maybe 15/10 to Bergman's "Summer Interlude". This should be a minus 100.… Expand

5 of 12 users found this helpful57

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8

TVJerryNov 1, 2022

The title is the last name of an acclaimed conductor played by Cate Blanchett. The film follows her thru various activities like rehearsing the orchestra for a recording, lecturing at Julliard, discussing the symphony's daily businessThe title is the last name of an acclaimed conductor played by Cate Blanchett. The film follows her thru various activities like rehearsing the orchestra for a recording, lecturing at Julliard, discussing the symphony's daily business activities and interacting with her wife and daughter. There is an issue that arises late in the 2:37-hour story to add some conflict, but plot is not really the point here. This is a character study that lets Blanchett shine with steely pressure and weighty authority. Writer/director Todd Field has created an intellectual yet passionate deep dive into a complex and compelling individual.… Expand

2 of 5 users found this helpful23

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10

JohnyouareNov 25, 2022

Nothing like it. An absolute masterpiece. Field and Blanchett are hand-in-glove collaborators. This film has you arguing on the way to the car about more than which restaurant you want tgat differs from your companion.

2 of 5 users found this helpful23

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8

MarkHReviewsNov 11, 2022

It’s been sixteen years since Writer/Director Todd Field’s last film. Clearly, he has had a lot on his mind and he’s spent years bringing those ideas to full maturity.

We’re introduced to Lydia Tár (Cate Blanchett) through an onstageIt’s been sixteen years since Writer/Director Todd Field’s last film. Clearly, he has had a lot on his mind and he’s spent years bringing those ideas to full maturity.

We’re introduced to Lydia Tár (Cate Blanchett) through an onstage interview with Adam Gopnik of “The New Yorker” (playing himself). It’s clear that Tár has reached the summit of her profession. She’s the first female conductor of a German orchestra, the Berlin Philharmonic. She’s won Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony awards. Her soon-to-be-released autobiography, “Tár on Tár,” is eagerly anticipated. She’s become accustomed to a world filled with private jets and personal assistants.

Early on, it’s apparent this film will chronicle Tár’s fall from these heights. In her own words, Lydia is a “U-Haul lesbian.” She lives with Sharon (Nina Hoss), the first violinist with the Philharmonic and their daughter Petra. Tár is preparing to conduct a live recording of Mahler’s Fifth Symphony (she’s already recorded the other eight). During her sleepless nights, Lydia hears strange noises. She discovers totemic items around her home. She receives a copy of Vita Sackville-West’s book “Challenge” from a former student, a gift she finds so upsetting that she tears it up and throws it into the trash in an airplane lavatory. Olga, a young Russian cellist (played convincingly by actor and professional cellist Sophie Kauer) catches her eye.

The score and the pacing of this film convey an inescapable sense of dread. To Field’s credit, it’s unclear whether we are to bear witness that Tár will be unfairly brought down by others, whether she’s preparing to self-immolate or whether her impending doom will be richly deserved.

The casting here is excellent. In the title role, Blanchett is a force of nature. In fact, she’s so compelling that it’s difficult to imagine another actor, even one of similar stature, equally capable of fully inhabiting this role. Nina Hoss communicates a sympathetic world-weariness. Kauer attacks her role with the same ferocity she shows when soloing on cello in a key scene.

Two factors make this film memorable. First, it’s extremely dense. In Field’s narrative, there are feints, misdirection and obscure references that I could not absorb fully during a single viewing. To the film’s credit, I’m tempted to go see it again.

Second, Field is scrupulous in his detachment from the primary subject. Most movies are filmed in a way that creates sympathy and support for the primary character. Some films go against type by creating an anti-hero. “Tár” is distinctive, perhaps unique, in the consistency of its dispassion. There’s no idolatry when chronicling Lydia’s professional accomplishments (Blanchett is utterly compelling as a genius easily lost in her work). And when things begin to deteriorate, Field never considers looking away or summoning unearned compassion.

Even with its obscure references and emotional distance, “Tár” is an experience that’s gotten under my skin. Field’s film suggests that, as humans, we are always at war with ourselves: creativity straining against self-absorption, a sense of humanity warring with the belief that relationships are measured only by their return on investment.… Expand

2 of 6 users found this helpful24

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10

hpassmoreJan 10, 2023

Cate Blanchett's performance Lydia Tár is unforgettable. The background research she put into this character is very visible to the audience and allows for, what one could say, a perfect performance.

1 of 3 users found this helpful12

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2

ElcaOct 15, 2022

Renowned musician Lydia Tár is days away from recording the symphony that will elevate her career. When all elements seem to conspire against her, Lydia's adopted daughter Petra becomes an integral emotional support for her struggling mother.

4 of 13 users found this helpful49

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9

Jrichard1994Oct 28, 2022

Tar is a fantastic character development film that focuses on Lydia Tar who is widely considered the "G.O.A.T" of female orchestra conductors in this film. The movie is deep, nearly three hours long, but it did go by fast and kept meTar is a fantastic character development film that focuses on Lydia Tar who is widely considered the "G.O.A.T" of female orchestra conductors in this film. The movie is deep, nearly three hours long, but it did go by fast and kept me interested in Tar's life. The beginning was slow (especially with the opening credits in reverse) at first, then heats up and shows the highs and eventually the lows of the world-renowned composer. Cate Blanchett melts into this character and carries the move into one of the best films of the year. A lot of the supporting characters were critical early on and later became the premise of Tar's downfall. Rather you like classical music or not, see this movie for Blanchett's oscar worthy performance.… Expand

2 of 7 users found this helpful25

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10

blakcinephileOct 31, 2022

Tár is a simple tale of a revered composer-conductor’s fall from grace. A plot one would see as mundane if looking up the film’s synopsis from a distance. But not so mundane or out-of-touch for its elusive director Todd Field. With only threeTár is a simple tale of a revered composer-conductor’s fall from grace. A plot one would see as mundane if looking up the film’s synopsis from a distance. But not so mundane or out-of-touch for its elusive director Todd Field. With only three feature-length films to his name as a director (a sixteen-year gap between this film and his last – 2006’s “Little Children”), the winding, tense, tale of a woman’s meticulous self-destruction couldn’t be anything but par the course for the filmmaker. An elderly couple deals equally with grief for their son’s murder and anger at their son’s killer walking among them. A story of a man and woman beginning an intense affair – tired of their mundane, boring lives – is juxtaposed with the story of a recently released sex offender dealing with cruel adjustment and prejudice. Field has a way of taking these characters – a revered composer, a grieving couple, a cheating couple – their circumstances of woe and fleshing them out into a detailed portrait. By the time Tár ends, we’re not just more acquainted with who Lydia is as a person, we know her inside and out, we know who she is, how she is and we know all too well how she inevitably lost her way.

Tár follow its eponymous character, Lydia Tár, as she prepares for her upcoming performance of Gustav Mahler’s Symphony No. 5. As she participates in a live sitdown with The New Yorker’s Adam Gopnik, we get a glimpse into Lydia’s character – she is poised, takes her work (and herself) seriously and knows and understands the craft that comes with her position as conductor (“Time is the thing…you cannot start without me”, she tells Gopnik). In the same sequence, while we see Lydia at her highest in the front of the stage, flaunting her musical knowledge and understanding, we also get a glimpse of her personal kryptonite. There are two or so shots of this whole sequence being filmed from the back of a young woman’s head, set front-and-center of the screen. This is our protagonist’s kryptonite in her mission of perfection – an attractive young woman. Her personal assistant Francesca (Noémie Merlant, great) knows this and tries to keep her employer on-task and focused. This includes trying to warn and guard Lydia of the sins of her past Fellowship Program, come to form in a former student – Krista Taylor – who is increasingly becoming more of a problem, sending Francesca multiple emails asking her to get Lydia to call and speak with her. It is of course implied that there was an inappropriate relationship between Tár and this woman. This is where Field works his magic by peeling back the layers on our protagonist as she prepares for her big symphony and also reminds us of the harsh truth about “time” – it humbles us all.… Expand

2 of 7 users found this helpful25

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10

GinaKNov 8, 2022

A great performance by Cate Blanchett in a fascinating film about a driven artist and a troubled woman, and you really can't separate the two. Without doubt one of the best films and perhaps the greatest, most complex performance I will seeA great performance by Cate Blanchett in a fascinating film about a driven artist and a troubled woman, and you really can't separate the two. Without doubt one of the best films and perhaps the greatest, most complex performance I will see this year.… Expand

2 of 8 users found this helpful26

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10

YavorNov 18, 2022

A great character study. It feels like Cate Blanchett just keeps getting better and better as an actress, and that says a lot, since she was already one of the greatest actors in the world prior to TÁR. It's awesome that Todd Field, theA great character study. It feels like Cate Blanchett just keeps getting better and better as an actress, and that says a lot, since she was already one of the greatest actors in the world prior to TÁR. It's awesome that Todd Field, the writer and director, tackles both cancel culture and the fact that women in power could be just as awful as men in power. A must-see film.… Expand

1 of 5 users found this helpful14

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9

HabibiehakimJan 22, 2023

Don't expect Tár to be a Whiplash type of movie, because you will be bored in this 2 hours and 38 minutes slow burn movie fills with long sequence perform superbly by Cate Blanchett, even i need time that thankfully not too long to finallyDon't expect Tár to be a Whiplash type of movie, because you will be bored in this 2 hours and 38 minutes slow burn movie fills with long sequence perform superbly by Cate Blanchett, even i need time that thankfully not too long to finally got invested to the story and ended up really really love the film and i really think Tár is an incredible film, Nina Hoss and Noémie Merlant are also fantastic in the film but Sophie Kauer charming little performance as Olga is the second to always amazed me and second to carry the film just one below Cate Blanchett, Tár is a good example of a great long narrative film that perform amazingly by all the cast, a growing engaging story of Lydia Tár, the problematic life she have, it's not a film about music celebration and in the end it's just a film about someone's difficult life, but Tár was more than a just, it's fascinating.… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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9

royalguy07Jan 24, 2023

I thought this was excellently staged and executed, it has good slow burn descent for Blanchett to chew on. I'm thinking maybe the first couple of scenes could of been a little more engaigng to get the party started properly.

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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8

Badgerryan27Jan 28, 2023

Great movie. Incredible performance by Cate Blanchett and incredible cinematography. Along with the very captivating story and script from a huge figure head in the music industry to her unraveling downfall.

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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8

ABadSeedFeb 6, 2023

Wonderful performance, and overall a very good film. You don’t see any truly bad behaviour from the character and only slowly realise what she’s doing. The full impact really hits you near the very end of the film (for the person I watchedWonderful performance, and overall a very good film. You don’t see any truly bad behaviour from the character and only slowly realise what she’s doing. The full impact really hits you near the very end of the film (for the person I watched with) or after it (for me). I did think some of the scenes - especially the early ones (and putting all the credits at the start?) was designed to put people off, and succeeded.… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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7

fan98Jun 10, 2023

People who don't understand music history will inevitably feel bored in the first half, but the reversal in the second half is very exciting

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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8

bertobellamyFeb 26, 2023

Cate Blanchett deserves her third Oscar for this. She makes you believe you're actually watching the biopic of Lydia Tár.