Tár

TÁR (15)

D: Todd Field

Focus Features / Standard Film Company / EMJAG (Todd Field, Alexandra Milchan & Scott Lambert)

US/Germany 🇺🇸 🇩🇪 2022

158 mins

Drama

W: Todd Field

DP: Florian Hoffmeister

Ed: Monika Willi

Mus: Hildur Gudnadottir 

Cate Blanchett (Lydia Tár), Nina Hoss (Sharon Goodnow), Noémie Merlant (Francesca Lentini), Sophie Kauer (Olga Metkina), Julian Glover (Andris Davis), Mark Strong (Eliot Kaplan)

This really should have been Oscar number three for Cate Blanchett, portraying renowned conductor Lydia Tár in this psychological drama from writer-director Todd Field.

The narrative is a bit of a slow burn, with Lydia preparing for an showstopper concert before becoming embroiled in allegations of bullying & misconduct, causing her already tempestuous character to become even further enraged.

The film is possibly half-an-hour too long, but Blanchett’s masterful performance is engaging throughout, helped by fine supporting turns by Nina Hoss, Mark Strong and the rest of the ensemble.

Nominated for 6 Oscars, including Best Picture, it really should have been the 2022 winner for Best Actress in a Leading Role.

8/10