Cate Blanchett is such a blazing and commanding force in “TÁR” we almost instantly believe she’s been the title character her entire life: one Lydia Tár, a globally renowned classical conductor who is a generational genius, a fiercely protective mother, a passionate lover, an influential mentor, a generous benefactor, a monstrous manipulator, an ethically questionable educator, a hot-tempered narcissist, a master at transactional relationships, a coldly efficient executive and an alleged sexual predator.
She is brilliant. She is toxic. She is legendary. She is the real thing. She is a fraud. Even though Lydia is a wholly fictional character, she’s so complex and fascinating and unforgettable, I would totally read the autobiography she’s about to publish in the movie, if they released it in real life. Blanchett’s performance is so ferociously engrossing she becomes the clear front-runner for the Academy Award; at the very least, there are now just four best actress nomination slots available.
