Why Tár’s Lydia Should Be Seen As A Villain?

Cate Blanchett’s performance in the film Tár has sparked a debate among viewers about whether her character, Lydia Tár, is a victim or a villain.

Lydia, an accomplished female conductor of the Berlin Philharmonic, sees her career and personal life crumble when former protégé Krista accuses her of sexual misconduct and unflattering videos of her classroom debates are released. While the movie tackles the #MeToo movement, it deliberately keeps the truth ambiguous, challenging viewers to draw their own conclusions about divisive topics. Blanchett’s nuanced portrayal of Lydia leaves her guilt open to interpretation, as she denies the allegations while also deleting online correspondence with Krista. Through a few scattered pieces of information, the movie forces viewers to evaluate a complex situation from an outsider’s perspective.

The film Tár also explores the relationship between Lydia and Olga, a young and talented cellist in the orchestra. While Lydia becomes fixated on Olga, viewers watch to see if she will act unethically. The film deals with power dynamics in the workplace but deliberately leaves the truth ambiguous. Despite Olga’s cruel behavior towards Lydia, Lydia’s questionable actions throughout the film, such as stealing medication and crossing boundaries, are also damning. The revelation of Lydia’s true identity as Linda adds another layer to her artificial act. By the end of the film, Lydia is revealed as a monster, and the film concludes with her conducting a Monster Hunter orchestra concert in Southeast Asia.

Cate Blanchett’s portrayal of Lydia Tár has garnered high praise during the awards season, including a Golden Globe for Best Actress in a Drama and an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress. Although the film’s focus on classical music may have made it seem too niche for mainstream audiences, Blanchett’s performance as Lydia captivates all viewers. Initially, she is portrayed as pretentious yet likable during her on-stage interview with Adam Gopnik, but as the film progresses, her darker side is gradually revealed, making her all the more intriguing. Despite never playing the outright villain, Blanchett’s portrayal of Lydia displays a complex personality, showcasing her ability to charm and manipulate younger musicians.

Tár’s six Oscar nominations, including Best Director, Best Original Screenplay, and Best Picture, demonstrate the film’s overall success in showcasing a complex and uncomfortable character study. Tár’s exploration of Lydia’s journey, although at times painful to watch, ultimately proves to be a captivating and fascinating examination.