Review: Tar

When a director is making their first feature film in 16 years and has only directed two others in the past where both got multiple Oscar nominations, you have to check it out.

Especially when it is lead by one of the greatest female actors of all-time, Cate Blanchett.

I had been hearing plenty of awards buzz. So that was enough for me to not knowing anything about going into my screening of it.

With all its firepower, director Todd Field and his team decide to take their time in developing its plot and character developments. But it is doing it in a way that is making us want to work for it and make it feel rewarding when we get to the final act.

It's certainly worth by the end as the look and tempo changes in a big way. The camerawork gets a bit chaotic to match the emotions of the central character.

The cast is really about one person, Cate Blanchett, who gives another powerhouse performance. We all know how captivating of an actor she is and this is another feather to add to the already impressive cap.

It's a strong casting choice and the film is pretty much all Blanchett. That presence, that look, the physical prowess, she has it all. No matter what character she is playing, you always believe it and this is no different. It's another performance that deserves a run at the major awards.

There's honestly not much else given to the rest of the cast. So I'll mention the appearances of Noemie Merlant, Mark Strong and Julian Glover as I always love seeing them on screen.

The film covers a number of topics. One in particular that I'm sure will be discussed at length by many is 'cancel culture'. It's certainly a topic that I was not expecting. But I like how it was used.

It also talks about power struggles and what makes someone a genius.

I liked how the script was so rich in detail to the industry the story is part of. It's clear that they've done their homework. It manages to still entice you despite moments of jargon specific to the profession covered that you have no knowledge of.

However, I'm not sure if it needed to be over 2hrs 30mins. It does prolong particular parts to its story that didn't it need to. But it does some do impressive scenes that takes its time as well. Also while it does cover interesting topics, I don't think it goes into enough depth to make it challenging.

Thankfully, those faults I had with it are only minor. I thought this was a very well executed piece of work that virtually plays out like a modern Greek tragedy and Blanchett's performance is the thing that is carrying this to become the success and awards contender that it already is. In fact, this could be Blanchett's best work and that really is saying something.

This is a memorable character study that is effectively shot, there is a good amount of growing tension and there are multiple scenes that are simply mesmerising. That is thanks to the camerawork and Blanchett's performance.

Rating: 8/10