11/16/22 - Tár (2022) - 6+/7-/10

A complexly simplistic, streamlined impenetrable, and altogether elegantly ambivalent slice of faux-life to lose oneself or the film itself into. A character study wrapped up in a psychologically unsound ghost story dripping on the edges of a neo-speaking out career crumble or possible fantasy delusion. It’s meditative, orchestrally verbose, complicatedly cultured, and empathetically empty - lost in the clutter of a masterfully lived in depiction. I was held at arm’s length, but with a firm grip and in a powerfully absorbing way.

A smart but unlikable asshole is an appreciated deviation and excitingly lively exploration by Blanchette. This is her show, ,and she conducts the dramatic symphony with aplomb. A character of such richness and plentitude that you can see people mistaking this for a non-fictional biography. She is so dominant and staggering, but that isn’t to say that she isn’t excellently accented by the tremendous Nina Hoss, who trembles with restraint and potency.

I can’t say that I know what director Todd Field meant with this film, but I found myself transfixed by it, especially after the fact. I was a bit lost on the rollercoaster he has constructed, but when finished, I found myself trying to rubberneck my way back to the mysteries inherent in the upside-down tunnel we had jetted through. A fascinating film that I didn’t love but I strangely admire.