You know a film is good when it inspires two jaded (in the best possible way) movie reviewers to passionately debate about what they just saw and how it impacted them.
Never in my wildest dreams could I have guessed this film's final scene would take place at a video game concert attended by cosplayers in the Philippines.
Seriously! Even though I know nothing about classical music this movie was completely believable and engaging to watch. Lydia did feel like a real person that would exist
Someone pointed out that Olga did not live in the abandoned looking building, and she just walked through it, not wanting Lydia to find out where she lived. Olga did not trust Lydia and was impervious to her advances, feigning just enough interest to keep Lydia strung along. Also, Olga was hip to Lydia’s machinations and predatory ways. Being a precocious cellist from a musically connected family (I think she mentioned her father was a conductor?), she would have known about Lydia’s reputation. The prey had become the hunter; Olga was using Lydia.
The country Lydia goes to at the end is the Philippines. I am Filipino myself and can confirm this from the language. The Marlon Brando film referred to is Apocalypse Now.
I saw one review where they said that it was the island of Dr. Moreau. I don’t remember anything about crocodiles in Apocalypse Now. So I didn’t really get that. Of course, the imagery of going up the river there’s a nice echo of Apocalypse Now.
This movie is a masterpiece, the scene when she goes back home and watches the old pbs videos from her childhood broke me. I cried not for her but for art.
I agree. She was amazing in Notes of a Scandal. She’s a sensational actress, one of the best of our generation. She was also incredible in Blue Jasmine, one of my favorite movies.
Lydia Tar is indeed ferocious as Nick points out. The scene at daughter Petra’s school where Lydia speaks to the child Johanna who is bullying Petra was chilling. One amazing scene in a movie full of great scenes.
I feel more compelled by a sense that the obvious egoistic ferocity masks a profound loneliness and vulnerability revealed in the scene just prior to [edited] when her brother reveals her true name, and she is seen sitting alone in a dark room watching tapes of Leonard Bernstein, her mentor. This is the only time in the entire film that we see her crying. "Tár" is Icelandic for tear. I agree with Joseph that the ferocity feels clumsy and at the same time transparent, a bit strange, out of touch. As though she is so estranged from her true self, and we are in a sense witnessing her stumbling through motions that would lead her to her eventual fall from the podium for which she had fought and sacrificed all, and subsequent return to the self she had left behind in that dark, lonely home. That scene felt like a rare opening into a substantial truth about the character's journey. The tears felt more primal, more developmentally fundamental than the ferocity she espoused to negate any who may threaten to expose certain unravelling truths. That might also explain in part her vicious reaction to her daughter's bully. A magnificent, poignant, soul-searching masterpiece of film that lingers long after the lights come back on.
@@syna3469 great point, I hadn’t thought about the moment in the house. I just finished watching the film a few hours ago. The moment that really sticks to me is the ending afterward. What did you make of her trip and her ultimate decision to work at a “lower station” than one would think her ego would allow her? Haha
@@R3dTi3nJ3ans Great question, I thought about the ending for a long time. Here are some of my long winded thoughts, but I'd love to hear yours too if you'd be willing to share them. The film starts out with a song sung by a healer, Elisa Vargas Fernández (ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-JBHph4tSr-I.html) This made me wonder if the journey depicted in the film could have something to do with Tar's healing. In the scene at her childhood home, she cries and nods as she listens to her mentor describe the "meaning" of music - that it's about "how it makes you feel." Perhaps she never had that as a child (as hinted by her brother's total indifference to her plight, and absence of other family in that home during a difficult time) and adapted in ways to be able to live without requiring that - a space where she is allowed to truly "feel" and be herself (which requires mirroring/empathy from those around her, and a feeling of safety) - for instance, she had to take pills to cope with it all, but hid that from everyone she knew including her spouse at the time. But she did always have the music, which by definition comes from beyond, and that became her singular calling. Perhaps her passion for that music/transcendence became something like an inner compass that ultimately guided her out of a difficult childhood, and on to the greatest heights. She did accomplish greatness as a composer, but maintaining that position required work in the nature of performance, "fitting in", pleasing the right authorities, a politics that didn't feel quite right, excluding a "weird" member who "didn't fit in", etc. What gave the new cellist power in Tar's life, was perhaps reflective of how she once was, and what gave her life (having to fend for herself as an unknown in an elite world, fearless devotion to a singular vision, etc.) In other words, the seductive draw of the new cellist Olga seems to parallel a draw for Tar to make contact with her self/lifeforce, as the need to exclude the "weird" member mirrors her suppression of her own vulnerability. The blunders she made that ultimately led to her downfall, were perhaps enacted out of stronger impulses for life, and against death/despair. She goes in search for Olga, looking to return her teddy bear, and insodoing descends into a dark underground - wish/longing meets a reality characterized by darkness, absence, decay and despair. She rushes up a flight of stairs, attempting to flee an awful terror, and this is where we see her fall. Her injury generated more lies fabricated to maintain her increasingly fraught position om the podium. Her ultimate exit from that elite world of the Berlin philharmonic, cemented by a seemingly deranged act, could also be interpreted as a kind of liberation, however unusual and painful. She found a renewed sense of mission, after witnessing a form of enslavement (masseuses identified by numbers - reminiscent perhaps of the way she had treated younger females who looked up to her - that made her throw up; that is, purge), and dedicated herself once again to music in that world. Though a "lower station", the reduced political demands would allow her interact more truly/deeply with the music. As the archetype of wanderer/traveler/seeker is called to transcendence in search for deeper resonance, perhaps that has always been her calling. In the closing scene, as the music plays and the camera pans over a sea of strangely dressed audiences, a narrator announces the opening of a new beginning.
@@syna3469 This is an incredible analysis 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽 two things I might add regarding the ending and the idea of this being a catalyst for her growth: despite her being “reduced” to taking that job in the Phillipines we still see her taking it seriously: studying the music, treating the orchestra with respect, bowing for the audience. Meaning she still has the love of music and her talent there as her companion. We also see her look at the pills and choose to not take one before her final perfomance at the gaming concert. It’s like she can just focus on the music and conducting in a raw form without the drugs or the cutthroat politics of her prior life
I just saw this movie today. I was not expecting to like it as much as I did, but I thought it was excellent. It didn't even feel like it was over 2 1/2 hours. I was so invested in it. Cate was so incredibly good.
This is the best review. I must watch this movie because of the way you broke down the psychology of the characters plus you tied a non-sci fi movie to a sci-fi feel, that truly piqued my interest. Two Scorpio approved. 🙂
Two different perspectives here which really add to the overall character which makes her sound really compelling! A character who seems reckless to some while at the same time comes across as strong and bold to others… i havent seem the movie but it makes me want to watch it! Also i love cate blanchett.. i think she’s an awesome actor… thanks for the review!
Yes to Greek tragedy. The movie starts with Tar at her peak and shows the continuous and quick fall of the protagonist. I think it also primarily highlights the enormous double standard in the classical music world and in society between her mentor Bernstein--who maintained his popularity even after he left his wife, came out, and led a reckless and likely scandalous life--and Lydia Tar, who is similarly dynamic and lust-driven but judged strictly by a hypocritical society. She seems to live her life in a fishbowl. An amazing and sad film. Highly recommend.
Just saw this screening and came straight to your review. Ending was a shocker. I live by Julliard and go to see student performances sometimes so that scene and theme were interesting to me. She played a total predator who derailed that musician’s career and couldn’t help herself even when meeting with her defense lawyers she had to bring her next object of affection. That said Blanchett is one of the best actors out there and I thought she should have won for the last scene in Carol (movie) alone.
I had the same thought that she can’t help herself. I think the orchestra would be have been willing to give her the benefit of the doubt if she wasn’t so obviously repeating the cycle with the new cellist. Do you think if she had given the position to Francesca, it would’ve helped her case because she wasn’t sleeping with her?
Regarding Krysta- I’m still giving Lydia the benefit of the doubt. We don’t know enough! She didn’t recommend her to orchestras, but what if she was right to not recommend her?
@@darkwriter_xx94 it’s been a year now since your comment, yet here I am to share my thoughts. I’m afraid Lydia and Francesca had history together. I believe the 3 of them were intimately involved at the trip they referred. The problem was that Krista was expected more from Lydia and Francesca was more timid. There is a scene when Francesca goes to Lydia’s house and starts crying due to Krista’s suicid3 . Well, there Francesca asks Lydia a hug but she literally says “this is not the place”. To me it was due to the fact her wife would be around and may implies something. I’m addition, the person who was always filming Lydia seems to be Francesca and on the first scene we can see a text asking if she still loves Lydia. Moreover, after the long first interview with the New Yorker, Lydia met a woman with a red and expensive bag, and Francesca was so jealous probably because she knew what happens when Lydia meets attractive women. Anyhow, Francesca shouldn’t be pissed off if Lydia dates other people unless feelings are implied. So, yes Francesca was another lover from the past. Then, yes Sebastian was right assuming he was living because of the Girl.
*I had to watch this first and comb back, love you Boos never thought it would be so long to savor it* Kate was ABSOLUTELY UNTOUCHABLE. , the writing, *that Juilliard scene, kiss* My God! There are lines I rewound with FULL intention to memorize in the spot. the "Ugly American"...how cheeky. I was fully satisfied.
I just saw this and I definitely missed something. I love Cate Blanchet but I do not understand the talk about her performance. I thought this movie was slow and boring and I could not wait for it to end. I honestly didn't think that Blanchet did much until the last 20 minutes of the movie.
:)"I know very little about what they're actually talking about - but you feel so invested in it" Reminds of "Beautiful Mind" with the human drama angle. Okay, so, add Joseph's opening remarks : "This movie feels like a case study" piques my interest so much more for the character here :)
all i needed was that rating to go and sit thru this movie i fell asleep during the 1st watch but nicolas has changed my drive lol thank you fellas god bless
I have been wanting to see Tar since before it came out. I finally watched it last night. Hands down, fav movie of the year! Cate Blanchett is a force of nature. I wish I could have seen it in a theater, it must have sounded amazing. Cheers!
I was waiting for this. Love both Field's films and Cate; stellar combo. It looks like a head trip. I cannot wait to see it on the big screen. 😍 thank you.
Thanks, I had no idea what happened in the last minute of this too long movie. A cosplay gig - so courante! Also I liked how they folded in a bit of performing artists coming out of pandemic.
Nick!!! The Indiana Jones cross-reference MIND BLOWN, MY INNER CHILD AND ADULT SELF SCREAMED *I LOVE YOU* I(I have watched Little Children no less than 8 times, absolute the perfection of subtleties love love love
The ending was in the Phillippines. The characters were speaking in Tagalog. The Marlon Brando movie referenced was probably Apocalypse Now which I'm almost certain was filmed in the Phillippines.
I watched this last night after I saw the film - it just opened in the UK so late to the party. Glad that you both appreciated it and could get past the assumed knowledge about the classical music scene. The parts which were like a play probably lost some people. So appreciated your mentioning untouchability, lack of recognition that ascending to and maintaining greatness is dependent on others. If your PA runs your life, maybe don't cross them! I couldn't understand why an aspiring assistant conductor would need to do administration. I winced when the principal cellist was passed over. The success of any performance is in the players' hands. I felt that people other than Francesca were plotting against her in the end eg how Mark Strong's character got hold of her score after begging to take a look at it. Re the sinister elements I wondered if this was a descent to madness, or maybe a bit like Lady Macbeth being wracked by guilt, or even being gaslit.
Yeah we know that Mark Strong tried to bribe Francesca for access to Lydia’s notes and at some point her notebook went missing. Did Francesca steal them? Did Sharon give them to go Mark Strong?
This film was excellent!!! I felt the same way about not understanding what they were talking about in terms of the world of music, but I was so intrigued and engaged. I couldn’t take my eyes off of her.
You two have made me - have to see this. I love the way you both have broken this down - both different - at times - but obviously this film inspired some passion about this "excellent piece of cinema" can't wait to see it.
This movie is breathtaking. I need to watch it again because at times the dialogue is super dense and witty. I wanted to pause and rewind so many times. Once this hits streaming I’ll be able to truly dissect everything and catch the smart/snarky comments that went over my head. *SPOILER* why the heck didn’t she call the police on her disturbed neighbor?! That was the only time I truly got upset with Lydia… I agree that her sloppiness caused her downfall.
I liked this one too, it was long but it didn't feel too long. Love your videos ❤️ Did you guys notice the screams during the running scene were Heather's screams from the end of Blair Witch Project? I was surprised.
I wish that you would do longer videos on films that are worth it (like this one)! It's so fun after watching a film myself, to watch your videos and it's always a shame when they're cut short and I can tell you still have so much more to say.
Joseph, i love you guys and watch every video but gotta be honest - i really wish this aversion to long videos would go away. i would have loved to hear Nick and you keep going. sometimes the videos end up feeling unnecessarily cut short, and this is definitely one of them.
It’s a great performance. But the movie is like a spreadsheet with bullet points of scenes of life from a pretentious person. That should be uninteresting but it’s a study of the rich and powerful with the back drop of the professional symphony industry. Like the song “Sweet Dreams” by the Eurythmics people are used and abused to pursue their dreams in this entertainment industry. Did Krista stalk Lydia Tar or was she abused by her? Did Olga manipulate Tar to get what she wanted? Tar is a phony person with a talent for music and conducting. She is also caring enough to mother her daughter and assist a troubled neighbor. She’s complex but my question is who is doing the using? Everyone in her life including her wife Sharon are dependent on Tar until the realize they don’t have to be, she has exhausted her usefulness. Great review! Thanks for giving viewers a lot to consider in a balanced critique.💛
I really felt like the ambiguous nature of the film, like about what’s happening, the character’s intention, or how they feel about something gets really close to how complex this would be in a real life situation which makes it feel more real.
It just occurred to me while watching this that Mahler himself was accused of putting on a character and reinventing himself as a kind of knock off Wagner, which he presumably did for fame and profit. This is more or less the idea behind Ken Russell's movie about him. That seems like a deliberate parallel to the Lydia Tar persona.
I have 2 theories regarding the ending, but I could be completely wrong so I'd like to hear from others: . . . . . . 1. Lydia (real name Linda) is fired from the orchestra world and unable to find work in established institutions. She loses everything and starts getting back in touch with what drove her love of music in the first place. She travels and in the Philippines is reminded by a massage woman of Mahler's 5th symphony which she never got to conduct. The pain is too much for Lydia and she vomits. She realizes she has to completely shed her past to move on. She finds work conducting for a children's orchestra in the Philippines. She finds her passion and love again while losing all the fame, prestige and wealth. 2. Lydia is fired and being investigated for having a part in the suicide of her former student / love interest. She changes her identity. She flees to the Philippines. She has the same experience at the massage parlor and takes on work conducting a children's orchestra there afterwards. The main difference in my 2 interpretations is whether she fled to escape prosecution or was she fired and had limited employment choices? Either way, the last few shots with her conducting for a children's orchestra mixed with a very avant-garde costume show made me view her as being more free from the stuffiness and elitist confines of the established classical music world. I think Linda felt free and happy again not having to continue playing the role of Lydia.
I'm kinda curious about the possibilities that might happen to her after she attacked the conductor,perhaps in reality she might face some charges about it, but then the next following scenes Lydia travels to South East Asian countries... Maybe she escape her current life in Berlin???
Was it not the Philippines? The people sounded like they were speaking Tagalog and the "Marlon Brando" film must have been Apocalypse Now as it was filmed in the Northern Philippines and took place along a river.
Cate performance is a Master class in acting. Lydia Tar is a phenomenal character, both brilliant yet manipulative and cruel. Great story , one of the few films I watched in 22 that I kept reflecting on. Todd Field bravo sir.
A marvelous portrayal of the lesbian predator. Todd Field said, ‘Read the book Challenge and you’ll know.’ Moral of the story is if you can’t follow through with your continuous damaging predations expect to fall. Lydia is brought down by Krista’s parents as they seek justice. The gathered depositions have sent Tar on the run but any expert in forensic psychology/technology will tell you despite being in Asia the US know she’s there and most likely are watching from afar. You can run but you can’t hide from manslaughter charges. Where’s the evidence? In the depositions and in her home.
For me… There’s one teeny weenie moment when she approaches the podium, and she knocked the other guy over, and he said something like it’s a mistake… Where I’m thinking oh my god most of the movie so far has been some kind of hallucination, and she’s not even a conductor… She’s just imagining that she is.
At the end of the movie, Tar doesn't even have control over the music anymore: you conduct for stuff like that w/ a metronome in your head and start when the movie cues you to.
Mmm Olga wasnt squatting. She didn't want Lydia to know where she lived. She was the one live-streaming to someone (maybe to Francesca) on one scene where Lydia is giving a lecture. Probably live streaming (and plotting) with Francesca.
Great point that Blanchett is playing Lydia playing a role. Some reviewers have claimed Blanchett's performance is "cold," but that's exactly how Linda Tarr would have played the star Lydia Tar. Real Greek Tragedy via cancel culture...when women turn as bad as men.
I was too excited to correct typos. screw it. Kate did the damn thang, rewatching JUST to see her threaten the kid 😂 ( nope, not ashamed because bullies get what they get, lol)
She conducted the live score for Monster Hunter video game composing isn’t seen as something thats on the level of film composing, it’s totally not true. Seeing as SIE sound team for games like Blood Borne and Yoko Shimomura with Kingdom Hearts, sell out shows and have massive events but the stigma against it all, because its gaming kind of makes people over look it.
I hate the ending. I'm pretty sure she could have salvage what remains of her reputation, somewhere in Europe or in the US? Or even Japan. She could have probably went there to cool down then comeback even bigger.
Lydia absolutely is an apex predator. When her bad behaviour proves consequential she is not remorseful; she is merely irritated by its inconvenience. Lydia doesn't think she's done anything wrong. Her entire moral compass has vanished. The film does have a plot, and you guys were right to cite that almost as some grand operatic tragedy. It's the story of how power corrupts, and absolute power corrupts absolutely. I am mystified why, after Lydia's fall from grace it is suggested she's somehow financially compromised. This is odd - wasn't she a very wealthy woman? Were there legal or financial consequences we were not informed about? Perhaps there were multiple court cases, and compensations - it's never even suggested. I found the ending, in the Philippines, melancholy. It's not such a bad fate - plenty of professional musicians make a good living composing and performing video game soundtracks.
I really liked the film and I felt so terrible for Lydia because I really felt like she didn't do anything wrong......except.....that Lydia was not political enough. She made decisions based on what she felt right instead of considering the politics of the older members in the orchestra.
