TÁR
Parents say
Based on 2 reviews
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TÁR
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A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this movie.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that Tár is a smart, thought-provoking drama that follows the downfall of an orchestra conductor due to sexual impropriety. It's presented as a biopic, but Lydia Tár (Cate Blanchett) is a fictional character. The story drives home the idea that using a position of leadership and power to lure/force someone into a sexual relationship is deplorable, no matter your gender, sexuality, brilliance, or accomplishments. The film also questions the effect of "cancel culture" on art. Expect lots of details about the orchestral world, including sophisticated vocabulary and monologues about creating symphonic sounds. The two-and-a-half-hour movie builds slowly; some teens may not have the patience to get to the astounding ending. Most of Lydia Tár's problematic behaviors are suggested rather than shown -- i.e., in verbal references to a suicide and love affairs -- which means the content doesn't get especially mature. But there are two instances of nonsexual female nudity, an outburst where punches are thrown, creepy situations, wine drinking, prescription drug abuse, and strong language ("s--t" and "f---ing").
Community Reviews
Didn't know what I was getting myself into
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Enigmatic movie that feels like a biopic
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What's the Story?
TÁR introduces Lydia Tár (Cate Blanchett), the groundbreaking female conductor of a prestigious orchestra, at the peak of her success. As she prepares both the launch of her autobiography and a highly anticipated performance of Mahler's Fifth Symphony, a former mentee's desperate pleas for attention threaten to undo her.
Is It Any Good?
Patience and a receptive brain are required to fully engage with Blanchett's searing portrait of a highly successful woman who's in tune with everything but herself. As Tár's world building begins, writer-director Todd Field immerses viewers in Lydia Tár's environment, where a five-syllable word is chosen over a simple one every time and names of concertos and prestigious musicians are discussed at length. The niche setting and initially slow pace (the film opens with the full credits -- catering, production accountant, the whole shebang -- on a black screen) will undoubtedly strain the spirit of antsy teens, even those interested in the topic. But once the film gets past establishing Tár as a genius beyond measure, the pace picks up to the point that the long run time isn't felt.
Blanchett is almost always magnificent, but here she proves herself an absolute master of the craft. As a maestra, she wields the baton, speaks about musical technique, and plays the piano with cogency. And Lydia Tár is a complete original: A female character who's deeply complex, utterly unrelatable, intriguing, mesmerizing, and reprehensible. This is a #MeToo story told from the point of view of the powerful predator. If the main character was a man, audiences might not want to sit with the character for nearly three hours. But it's hard not to question the choice of telling this story from a lesbian's point of view. Cinema has often vilified queer characters, and, by and large, most crimes of sexual coercion and abuse of power are still perpetrated by men. The movie market isn't yet saturated with these stories, so why paint a woman as the Weinstein of the classical music world? Field's film is excellent, and Blanchett is exceptional, but it's hard not to worry that the attention that will undoubtedly accompany such a remarkable piece of work will undermine public perception of a historically underrepresented, often maligned group of women.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how depictions of queer characters in entertainment are evolving. How does Lydia Tár compare to other lesbian characters you're familiar with? Do you think a writer or actor needs to have lived experience to authentically portray a queer character?
We love to admire the great, but do we equally love to watch them fall? If so, why?
Talk about why Lydia's relationships are considered sexual misconduct. What is grooming, and what are the signs? How does she abuse her position of power and influence?
Lydia says frequently that to interpret a piece of art correctly, you must identify the creator's intent. What do you think is the filmmaker's intent in making Tár?
Would you call this "female-forward" entertainment? Why, or why not?
Movie Details
- In theaters: October 7, 2022
- On DVD or streaming: November 15, 2022
- Cast: Cate Blanchett
- Director: Todd Field
- Studio: Focus Features
- Genre: Drama
- Topics: Music and Sing-Along
- Run time: 158 minutes
- MPAA rating: R
- MPAA explanation: some language and brief nudity
- Last updated: December 22, 2022
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