“Tár” with Jon Favreau and Amanda Hess
1Digest
This podcast episode dives deep into the film "Tar," a 2022 film about a renowned conductor's downfall due to narcissism and abuse of power. The hosts, along with guest critic Amanda Hess, discuss the film's exploration of cancel culture, the changing power dynamics in society, and the internet's role in shaping and dismantling identities. They analyze the film's strengths, including its accurate portrayal of narcissism and the bullshit often associated with cultural luminaries, as well as its comedic elements and exploration of power dynamics. However, they also critique the film's flaws, particularly the overplayed hand of the "Bipoc Pengemder" phrase in the Juilliard scene, which they believe contributes to the movie's backlash and reinforces a negative perception of cancel culture. The hosts also discuss the film's controversial ending, where Lydia Tar finds a new job conducting a youth orchestra for a monster hunter cosplay concert, and debate its interpretation. They share their personal connections to the film, discussing how they relate to Lydia Tar's experiences of aging, the feeling of being replaced by younger generations, and the challenges of navigating power dynamics in the workplace. The podcast concludes with a "True or False" round, where the hosts analyze the film's themes, characters, and overall message through a series of true or false statements.
Outlines
Introduction and "Tar"
The podcast begins with a discussion about the denotification process and how it relates to the movie "Tar." The hosts introduce Amanda Hess, a critic at large for the New York Times culture section, as a guest. They then introduce the Offline Movie Club, a podcast dedicated to discussing movies and their reflections on technology and the internet. This week's episode focuses on "Tar," a 2022 film about a renowned conductor's downfall due to narcissism and abuse of power.
"Tar" and the Internet
Amanda Hess shares her initial annoyance with the movie's portrayal of internet usage, but later recognizes its commentary on different perceptions of the internet and how it shifts power structures. The hosts discuss how the movie highlights the disconnect between those who are deeply entrenched in the online world and those who are not. They also explore the film's exploration of cancel culture, particularly the idea that being canceled can feel like a death.
"Tar" and Power Dynamics
The hosts discuss how "Tar" portrays the changing power dynamics in society, particularly the shift from traditional power structures to those influenced by the internet. They analyze how the movie depicts the use and misuse of power, and the complicity of those who benefit from it. They also delve into the movie's exploration of cancel culture, particularly the idea that being canceled can feel like a death. They discuss how "Tar" portrays the punishment for someone who abuses their power, and how the internet can fuel narcissism when individuals are shielded from criticism.
"Tar" and the Juilliard Scene
The hosts analyze the pivotal Juilliard scene, where Lydia Tar confronts a student who challenges her views. They discuss how the scene reveals Tar's true nature as a bully and how her power dynamics are exposed. They also discuss the scene's portrayal of the art vs. artist debate. They debate whether "Tar" is truly about cancel culture, ultimately concluding that it's more about the consequences of past actions and the inevitability of social change. They discuss how the movie portrays the haunting of Lydia Tar by her past, and how her downfall is ultimately a result of the shifting power dynamics around her.
"Tar" and the Pyramid Structure of Power
The hosts discuss Todd Field's concept of the "pyramid structure" of power, which is central to the movie's themes. They analyze how the movie portrays the ecosystem that supports powerful individuals, even when they are abusive, and how complicity plays a role in maintaining these structures. They also discuss the movie's strengths, particularly its accurate portrayal of narcissism and the bullshit often associated with cultural luminaries. They also highlight the movie's comedic elements and its exploration of the power dynamics that surround powerful individuals.
"Tar" and the Art vs. Artist Debate
The hosts discuss the movie's exploration of the art vs. artist debate, particularly the idea that talent can sometimes justify bad behavior. They analyze how Lydia Tar believes her artistic genius gives her a license to treat people poorly, and how the movie ultimately challenges this notion. They also discuss how "Tar" portrays the generational shift and the evolution of social norms. They analyze how the movie shows that what was once acceptable behavior is no longer tolerated, and how the internet plays a role in accelerating this change.
"Tar" and its Flaws
The hosts discuss the movie's flaws, particularly the use of the phrase "Bipoc Pengemder" in the Juilliard scene, which they believe is an overplayed hand that contributes to the movie's backlash. They argue that the scene feels forced and tips the audience too hard into how to feel about the characters. They also discuss the movie's controversial ending, where Lydia Tar finds a new job conducting a youth orchestra for a monster hunter cosplay concert. They analyze the reasons why some viewers found the ending to be redemptive, while others felt it was too comedic or dismissive of Southeast Asian video game music.
"Tar" and the Reality of Power Dynamics
The hosts discuss the movie's portrayal of power dynamics, particularly the relationship between Lydia Tar and her assistants. They analyze how the movie realistically depicts the power imbalance that exists in many professional settings, and how assistants often have a limited understanding of their boss's true nature. They also discuss the movie's flaws, particularly the overplayed hand of the "Bipoc Pengemder" phrase in the Juilliard scene. They argue that this scene contributes to the movie's backlash and reinforces a negative perception of cancel culture.
"Tar" and its Real-World Impact
The hosts discuss the movie's real-world impact, particularly the debate surrounding the existence of Lydia Tar as a real person. They also discuss how the movie sparked a conversation about the nature of biopics and the use of fictionalized accounts of real people. They discuss how the movie's reception might be different if it were released today, arguing that audiences might be more willing to engage with its themes of cancel culture and power dynamics with a greater sense of detachment. They also discuss how the movie's portrayal of the internet and social media might be perceived differently in a post-2020 world.
Keywords
Denotification
The process of removing someone from a list of individuals who are considered to be a threat to national security. This often involves a review of the individual's past activities and associations.
Cancel Culture
A form of social ostracism in which individuals are publicly condemned for their actions or beliefs, often leading to the loss of their jobs, platforms, or social standing.
Cultural Luminary
A person who is highly respected and influential in a particular field or area of culture. They are often seen as leaders and innovators, and their opinions and actions carry significant weight.
Pyramid Structure of Power
A hierarchical system in which power is concentrated at the top, with those at the bottom supporting those at the top. This structure often involves complicity and the exploitation of those with less power.
Bipoc Pengemder
A term used to describe a person who identifies as both Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) and gender non-conforming. This term is often used in discussions of intersectionality and the experiences of marginalized groups.
Ego Death
A psychological experience in which an individual's sense of self is dissolved or significantly altered. This can be triggered by various factors, including psychedelic experiences, intense meditation, or traumatic events.
Authenticity
The quality of being true to oneself and one's values. This often involves being genuine and honest in one's interactions with others, and not conforming to societal expectations or pressures.
Gen X
The generation born between 1965 and 1980. This generation is often characterized by its cynicism, individualism, and skepticism towards authority.
Tech-Free Zone
A metaphorical space or period where technology and its influence are absent or minimized. It is often used to describe situations where individuals are less likely to be judged or scrutinized for their actions due to the lack of digital evidence or online presence.
Q&A
What is the biggest thing "Tar" gets right about the internet and its impact on power dynamics?
"Tar" accurately portrays how the internet can shift power structures, exposing the disconnect between those who are deeply entrenched in the online world and those who are not. It highlights how the internet can fuel narcissism when individuals are shielded from criticism and how it can be used to dismantle carefully crafted identities.
How does "Tar" explore the concept of cancel culture?
"Tar" explores the idea that being canceled can feel like a death, portraying the punishment for someone who abuses their power. It also highlights how the internet can fuel narcissism when individuals are shielded from criticism and how the shifting power dynamics around someone can lead to their downfall.
What is the significance of the Juilliard scene in "Tar"?
The Juilliard scene is pivotal in revealing Lydia Tar's true nature as a bully and exposing her power dynamics. It also highlights the art vs. artist debate, showing how Tar believes her artistic genius gives her a license to treat people poorly.
Why is the ending of "Tar" so controversial?
The ending of "Tar" is controversial because some viewers interpret it as redemptive, while others feel it's too comedic or dismissive of Southeast Asian video game music. The ending portrays Lydia Tar's isolation and alienation, leaving her alone in a new world that she doesn't fully understand.
How does "Tar" reflect the anxieties of Gen X?
"Tar" reflects the anxieties of Gen X through its exploration of the generational shift and the feeling of being part of the old guard. Lydia Tar's experience of being replaced by younger generations reflects the anxieties of those who are transitioning from a position of power to one of obsolescence.
How does the film "Tár" use humor to address the complex themes of power, abuse, and accountability?
The film employs humor, particularly through Lydia Tár's character, to highlight the absurdity of certain situations and the hypocrisy that can exist within institutions like the classical music world. Her use of phrases like "Hashtag Rules of the Game" and her "tech-free zone" defense are comedic moments that expose the flaws in her logic and the problematic nature of her actions.
What is the significance of Lydia Tár's "tech-free zone" defense?
Lydia's defense of her actions by claiming they occurred in a "tech-free zone" is a satirical commentary on the way individuals attempt to evade accountability in the digital age. It suggests that even in a world where technology is pervasive, there are still attempts to create spaces where actions can be shielded from scrutiny.
Show Notes
This week Offline Móvie Clúb takes on “Tár,” the 2022 film about a music conductor whose narcissism and abuses of power bring about her very public downfall. Max is joined by New York Times critic at large, Amanda Hess, and Offline critic at large, Jon Favreau, to examine the movie’s takes on cancel culture, identity construction and the limits of control—especially online. Should we feel pity for cancelled celebrities? To what extent is social media real life? And is “Tár” secretly a comedy?
For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click here. For a transcript of this episode, please email transcripts@crooked.com and include the name of the podcast.
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