Tár: Todd Field’s character study is fascinating because the eponymous character at the center of the film is herself fascinating, and superbly acted by Cate Blanchett, to boot. A female conductor, she is clearly very good at what she does, enough to survive and flourish in a cutthroat world; she is also unfaithful, calculating, and manipulative. The story follows her as some actions of her past catch up to her. Blanchett is magnetic: she is very convincing with the specific conducting gestures, and she uses her posture and voice to fully transmit all the complexities of the character. Nina Hoss and Noémie Merlant play well their characters, respectively the wife of the maestro and her young assistant, both accomplished musicians in their own right. They all deal well with the rich, erudite dialogue. The film has an effective and somber look; editor Monika Willi keeps the story moving nicely, and cinematographer Florian Hoffmeister moves the camera elegantly and his work is crucial to give the film its visual coldness.