Tár

Todd Field writes and directs this story of control, infidelity and mental health all set in the world of classical music. Cate Blanchett is Lydia Tár, the first female lead conducter at the world famous Berlin Philharmonic. She is well respected jetting between the US where she guests as a lecturer at Juilliard. Her passion is the work of composer Mahler whose work she is recording. While doing this she also is balancing her family life with her wife Sharon (Nina Hoss) and their daughter Petra. While also releasing her memoirs, trying to compose her own music and prepare the orchestra to perform and record Maher five the last of nine pieces. However the tragic suicide of a former colleague begins a process that starts to unravel Tár’s life taking her on a painful downward spiral.

This film may not be for everyone there is a lot here and it takes its time telling its story. But personally I found it intriguing and absorbing a film. Its orchestral setting helps naturally bring a tension and energy in the way of something like Whiplash.

But at the real heart of what makes this work is an incredible performance from Cate Blanchett, completely believable and her presence absorbing and engaging throughout. Her character is successful, but belligerent, controlling and abusive. She lives in a world where historically men have dominated and have behaved as she has and she believes this to be fine. But as her world unravels Blanchett brings this to screen perfectly as her character becomes increasingly desperate.

The supporting cast are also strong Nina Hoss, Noémie Merlant and Sophie Kauer all shine around Blanchetts central whirlwind.

The score as you’d expect is fabulous in bringing the pace and frenetic nature of the story to life.The film can be slow moving at times and probably over runs a little, but it does lead to a satisfying end.

Tár is for me an intriguing and compelling watch. Built on a fabulous performance by Cate Blanchett who takes you on an increasingly desperate downward spiral. It won’t be for everyone, but worked a treat for me.