Writer/Director: Todd Field
Starring: Cate Blanchett, Noemi Merlant and Mark Strong
‘A Meaningful Masterpiece’
Not many actresses have managed to get a fan following as big as Cate Blanchett. Ever since recognition in 1990’s, Blanchett has become an icon. Whether it’s lesbian lovers, political leaders or bold teachers, Blanchett has portrayed countless strong characters. Arguably, Blanchett’s finest strength as an actress has always been her long-lasting commitment to her craft. She is one of those rare actresses that has always had a talent for stealing the show in supporting roles that have limited screen-time. Through her capability to portray strong characters that are compelling, Blanchett has created a legacy that’s lasting. Although she is best known for her iconic role in the Lord of the Rings movies, Blanchett has proven she can make great films in practically every genre. Throughout her career, Blanchett has made many memorable movies which are worth talking about.
I’m a huge fan of Blanchett and adore all the films which she has made in her career. However, “Tar” is her most meaningful work. Released in 2022, Todd Field’s film offered a powerful portrait of a musician. Packed with breathtaking musical sequences, engaging storytelling and phenomenal acting, it’s one of the best music movies ever made. At the centre of it all is an incredible performance by Cate Blanchett, who portrays a musical genius which faces regret. Ultimately, what makes “Tar” a musical masterpiece is bold appeal. Unlike most movies about musical conductors, it tackles strong themes which everyone would relate with. A breathtaking masterpiece about a music conductor, there are many strong reasons why “Tar” is a film worth watching.
Set in a world of classical music, “Tar” tells a story of a composer facing consequences that are tragic. Cate Blanchett plays Lydia Tar, a renowned classical composer with a love for composing melodies. Tar has often had a strong passion for composing music she considers with affection. However, Tar’s life drastically changes when she endures mental health issues causing disaster. As she struggles to distinguish the difference between her dreams and reality, Tar soon questions whether it’s possible to become a successful composer in the music industry. As all odds are stacked against his favour, Tar wonders whether it’s possible for her to be a composer.
Todd Field has always been fascinated with themes of mental health. A brilliant director, Field has often made movies about mental health. His celebrated film “In the Bedroom” offered a strong portrait of grieving families that struggle to survive in a bedroom. With “Tar”, however, Field made his first classical music drama. It was the director’s first ever attempt to capture the lives of classic music composers facing tragedy but he succeeds tremendously. Using bold cinematography, Field captures a classical composer facing adversity. Evoking James Mangold’s “Walk the Line”, Field uses point of view shots to capture the hardships faced by composers experiencing a decline. For instance, POV shots elevate the dream scene. During this unforgettable scene, Tar experiences a grim hallucination. Using strong POV shots, Field creates a bold portrait of composers which is compelling. POV shots are tricky to use in movies. As Martin Scorsese’s “The Aviator” proved, POV shots enhance biopics about aviators. Nevertheless, it works immensely in this movie. Through breathtaking visuals, Field captures the tensions that composers are facing.
Another admirable aspect of “Tar” which deserves appreciation is the production. From a technical perspective, the film is extremely well made. Inspired with Milos Forman’s “Amadeus”, Field successfully uses production of orchestras to capture the lives of composers. For instance, the set-design of the orchestras elevates the composing scene. During this memorable scene, Tar conducts an orchestra of her musical performance. Moreover, the music score is magnificent. It gives the movie a tense atmosphere capturing the painful burden which classical composers bear. Through phenomenal production, Field captures the lives of classical composers facing tension.
Storytelling is one of the main reasons why “Tar” is a classical music drama which is engaging. The movie is beautifully written, and effectively uses dramatic monologues to capture musicians which endure tension. For instance, dramatic monologues elevate the students argument scene. During this heartfelt scene, Tar has a tense argument with her student concerning classical music. Through strong dramatic monologues, Field crafts a portrait of musicians audiences can relate to. Dramatic monologues are tricky to use in most films. Anthony Minghella’s “The Talented Mr. Ripley” suggested monologues elevate movies about con-artists. However, it works immensely in this movie. Through a spectacular screenplay, Field captures the lives of composers with devotion to music to play.
One appreciates amazing performances.
Cate Blanchett delivers one of her greatest performances as Lydia Tar. Blanchett first earned appreciation playing royal queens in British period dramas. With “Tar”, however, she took on her most complex role. It isn’t easy to portray a classical composer that faces adversity but she succeeds. This is the actress unlike you have ever seen her: intense, charismatic and emotional on her most memorable role. With mesmerizing expressions, she captures the angst, grief and resentment faced by a classical music composer facing tensions. It’s a powerful performance from one of the first greatest acted workings
Finally, “Tqr” would earn appreciation of everyone for capturing composers facing tension. Unlike most movies about classic composers, it tackles strong themes that everyone would relate to. It delivers bold themes including ambition, mental health and trauma which would resonate among everyone. Therefore, “Tar” is one of those rare musical movies everyone would truly adore.
Fans of Cate Blanchett will absolutely enjoy “Tar” and so would movie-goers seeking entertainment. A mesmerizing music drama, it honours an actor with charisma.
Nearly three years after the release of an iconic film about classic conductors that have a passion for composing music, it’s a fantastic reminder of an actress that has built a terrific career through her abilities to play compelling characters in memorable movies which have never lost their abilities to captivate the public.
5/5 stars
The Film Buff 