And they’re off! The would-be contenders for the upcoming season of film awards are now lining up at the post in movie theatres.
One of the first to enter the race is Tár – and judging by the pre-award buzz, we are probably destined to hear a great deal about it. Will moviegoers subscribe to the enthusiastic reception already accorded to the film?
It depends.
First, will viewers have the determination to stick with the film’s 160-minute running time? Much of the film follows the protagonist’s work as conductor of the Berlin Symphony Orchestra. Lydia Tár’s success is underscored at the start of the film as she is interviewed and shown as a woman of enormous achievement in a sphere largely dominated by men. We see her as a woman of considerable charm who is passionate about classical music. But we soon discover that underneath it all, Lydia is domineering, ruthless, and capable of viciousness in her dealings with others.
Nor is that all that one learns about her. She is also a lesbian who has used her position of power to prey on some of the young musicians who come into her sphere of influence. Tár arises from the #MeToo movement and the growing coverage of sexual predators, including, as the film indicates, among leaders in the classical music world. This key aspect of the film’s narrative is presented sensitively and with restraint.
This might be both timely and absorbing. Despite considerable cinematic strength, particularly in superb visuals and in creating moments of true suspense and narrative interest, the film is often somewhat confusing in its plot development as it follows the triumph and ironic fate of the protagonist. Writer Aaron Wolf and his co-director Timothy Nuttall have not been easy on their audiences.
Despite some negatives, the film has some very real attractions. It provides what seems to be a fascinating and authentic glimpse into the world of classical music, particularly regarding Mahler’s Fifth Symphony; it presents, apparently equally authentically, some intriguing insights into how symphony orchestras develop. Above all, it features a magnificent performance by Cate Blanchett – superbly nuanced and brilliantly realized.
Because of its many merits, many viewers will find the film a worthy award contender. Though it is a challenging and taxing piece of work, when the Academy Award nominations are announced a few weeks from now, one can be certain that Tár will feature prominently and that Ms. Blanchett’s work in particular will be recognized prominently.
