Cate Blanchett graces the screen in "TÁR," a musical drama that has earned her the prestigious Golden Globe for Best Actress and secured six Oscar nominations.
Director Todd Field reveals that he envisioned only one actress for the lead role in "TÁR": Cate Blanchett. He affirms that if she had declined the role, the film would never have come to fruition. Field expresses his admiration for Blanchett's unparalleled mastery of her craft, emphasizing the awe he experienced while working with her on set. He declares, "She could do it all. It's impossible to adequately describe what it means to have the privilege of working with an artist of her caliber. All I can say is that in every way, this film is Cate's."
In "TÁR," Cate Blanchett embodies an innovative conductor leading one of Germany's most prominent orchestras, Táren. At the pinnacle of her career, she prepares to conduct Mahler's legendary Fifth Symphony and publish a book. However, her life takes an unexpected turn, leading to a piercing exploration of power, its impact, and its endurance in today's world.
Todd Field shares insights into the character of Tár, emphasizing her dedication to art from a young age and the subsequent transformation of her dream into a nightmare. Tár's leadership reveals institutional weaknesses, a contradiction wherein she enforces rules she herself unwittingly breaks. The narrative scrutinizes power dynamics and their ramifications.
Cate Blanchett sheds light on Tár's enigmatic nature, describing her as a woman in a position of authority within the rarefied world of renowned German orchestras. Tár becomes a challenge for Blanchett in portraying a character disconnected from self-awareness. The actress delves into the character's unraveling, with music serving as the vital link between the audience and Tár's turbulent journey.
Blanchett began preparations in September 2020, immersing herself in German language acquisition and mastering piano pieces featured in the film. Field praises her self-taught dedication, emphasizing her relentless pursuit of excellence. Blanchett's commitment extended beyond the screen, with tireless efforts in piano lessons and mastering challenging scenes.
Lydia Tár, the character Blanchett brings to life, suffers from misophonia, a neurological disorder amplifying reactions to auditory stimuli. The actress appreciates the intricacies that build the film's atmosphere, emphasizing her deep immersion into Tár's world, including understanding and speaking the character's language.
As Blanchett delves into the role, she recognizes the unique challenge of portraying Tár's complex thoughts, racing at a stratospheric speed per minute. The conductor's perspective becomes a focal point, particularly in concert scenes, where controlling myriad thoughts while engaging with the audience becomes a monumental task.
In "TÁR," Cate Blanchett not only encapsulates the essence of an enigmatic conductor but also delivers a performance that resonates with the harmonies and dissonances of a woman's life falling apart. The film promises a rhythmic exploration of power and vulnerability, guided by Blanchett's extraordinary portrayal and Todd Field's directorial finesse.
