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Drama/Music
Rated: R for language and brief nudity
Stars: Cate Blanchett, Nina Hoss, Noémie Merlant, Sophie Kauer
Director: Todd Field
Writer: Todd Field
Set in the international world of Western classical music, this film centers on Lydia Tár, considered to be one of the greatest living composer/conductors. She also just became the first woman to head a Berlin symphony orchestra. This incredible combination gives Lydia POWER. Something very unusual in the classical music world for a woman.
Lydia’s exceptionally sensitive hearing often distracts and disturbs her. Anything like a doorbell, a woman screaming, or the sound of a drip of water can overwhelm her and ultimately this gift leads to her down a destructive emotional path.
I really enjoy classical music, but I can’t play an instrument or even read sheet music. I know nothing about the world of how it feels to be a classically trained musician. But this film was very enlightening to me. I never considered that the art of classical music could also be as competitive and political as any other business. This film is more about power than music. Power can be used for good or evil. It doesn’t matter if it’s for profit or art. Power is an incredible ability that can be a weapon or tool.
There is a lot in this movie that is sometimes hard to understand. It is intense. It can be brutal. It is sometimes confusing. But because it is from the mind of a disturbed human, it is a challenge to relate to from a rational state of mind. However, the film makes a strong statement about who is in charge and how they use their power.
Cate Blanchett is one of my favorite actresses and this is one of the best performances she has ever given. In this film, Blanchett is at the top of her creativity. If nothing else, it’s worth going to see this movie to witness a woman at the top of her profession. There is a scene early in the film where her character, Lydia, is teaching a class at Julliard. It is intense, brutal, and filled with difficult dialogue. Blanchett does the 5-minute scene non-stop, no cuts. She is remarkable.
Trailer: