Pre-Screening Stance:

I’ve heard nothing but great things about Tár for a while now, so I’m assuming I’m in for something worthwhile. Either way though, I love Cate Blanchett and I remember liking writer/director Todd Field’s last film, Little Children (it was released all the way back in 2006).

Post-Screening Ramble:

Tár is a magnificent film that’s headlined by an award-worthy performance from Cate Blanchett – I was enthralled by it. I also have to admit that it’s a pretty hefty watch (both in regard to its content and runtime of two hours and 38 minutes), so it may not fly for everyone.

In any case, the story here is built around Lydia Tár (Blanchett), someone who is immediately showcased as one of the best, most revered composers around. She’s also very quickly portrayed as being so talented, focused, and smart that seemingly no one else can topple her, either personally or professionally. This character is, without a doubt, written to be an absolute genius, and as you watch her prepare to conduct her next masterpiece, you want to see her perceived greatness in action. And you’ll get to. And while you do, writer/director Todd Field will also slowly pull away that enthusiasm by revealing the many skeletons in Lydia’s closet. In an interesting turn though, Field chooses not to fully place a stamp of disapproval on Lydia by the end of the film. Instead he leaves you with her artistic achievements in one hand and her messy personal life in the other, and asks whether they should exist as two separate items or be judged one and the same.

Yes, you should see Tár. The film opens in Austin theaters this Friday, October 21.

One Last Thought:

The sound design in this film is truly next level. See it in a theater. Or, if you’re waiting to watch it home, make sure you crank the volume on the home system.