TÁR

TÁR is the Best Picture of 2022Todd Field and Cate Blanchett have created a timeless, insightful, thought provoking, near-perfect piece of art. In Todd Field’s Tár, we witness a powerful woman prepare for the pinnacle of her career while her ghosts slowly unravel her in the process.  I think the scene with Max is one of the most crucial. Max’s obnoxiousness with his opinion on why Bach and his work should be avoided was in large part absurd. When she makes the speech calling him out on his ridiculousness.. we find ourselves admiring her confidence and intelligence. But as we learn more and more about her we start to sway the opposite way, even so much so that by the end of the film we ask ourselves similar questions as Max did but about Lydia instead. How can we acknowledge the excellence of Lydia’s artistry when she is revealed to be a manipulative, remorseless, and abusive figure. Or more generally: how can we reconcile great art with greatly flawed, even evil artists?  It sinks its teeth in slowly which makes it all the more contemplative, engaging, and memorable. One of the most powerful themes of Tár is identity politics and how power and perceived social status can easily corrupt, regardless of any aspect of your identity. You’re not inherently a good or bad person because of your identity. This is masterful work by Blanchett, almost indescribable. One of the greatest performances I’ve ever witnessed. The nuance she gives to Lydia is remarkable. Her body is a vessel for Field’s exceptionally written character. She displays a level of excellence that is utterly fascinating to watch and deeply inspiring. Nina Hoss is incredible as well. The acting she does without even saying a word that speaks volumes is exceptional. Perhaps the orchestral rehearsal sequences could have been a little more artfully shot, and its unflinchingly cold atmosphere could’ve used a little contrast sometimes - but these are minor grievances at most. The ending of Lydia conducting a low-brow video game score being part of her comeuppance is both thought-provoking and a little bit funny in an ironic way. We as viewers are left to wonder what came next for Tár post “cancellation” and to grapple with the tarnished legacy some artists leave behind.   I’m in awe of Todd Field and Cate Blanchett’s phenomenal work that will live on with the greats of cinema forever. BRAVO!