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Date: 11/7/2022
New to Theaters: “Tár”
Composer extraordinaire Lydia Tár receives renowned recognition as one of the world’s great classical music conductors. While she thrives as an artist through her fierce leadership and exacting precision, Lydia eventually comes face-to-face with the misdeeds of her star-studded ascension in “Tár.”
The latest project from “Little Children” writer/director Todd Field views Lydia’s soaring successes and problematic transgressions under an intricate microscope. Thankfully, Field’s deft approach and masterful craft conjure an electrifying odyssey of a celebrated artist facing the spotlight.
Field operates behind the camera like a refined composer, orchestrating his vision with a well-balanced fusion of emotions and tones. Moments of biting satire and depraved behaviors are countered with genuine empathy on Field’s part – a decision that allows Lydia to evolve into a well-rounded character despite her myriad flaws.
In a climate where movies dictate black-and-white platitudes, “Tár” swims in the uneasy muck of human morality with refreshing honesty and nuance. Field’s graceful touch conjures compelling ideals through sheer osmosis, allowing audiences to consume insightful meditations on stardom and the arrogance, ambition and personal demons heightened by Tár’s illustrious status.
Field and cinematographer Florian Hoffmeister also work effectively in defining a vibrant visual voice onscreen. The duo sinks their teeth into the pristine world of classical music, utilizing a patient filmmaking approach illustrated by lingering tracking shots and expressively intimate framing choices. Most people my age think of classical music as a pompous and stiff art form, but underneath the reserved techniques, Field discovers the pulsating life and uncompromising dedication within each musical note. The roaring sounds of each instrument are especially joyous to experience in the context of a quiet movie theater.
None of “Tár’s” strengths would work as well without star Cate Blanchett. The two-time Oscar-winning actress is uniquely gifted in unpacking the complexities resting under the surface of characters who often feel deeply distasteful to viewers. As Lydia, Blanchett unearths the sheer menace of an artist unchecked by the world around her while also imbuing essential vulnerabilities as the character comes to terms with her actions. Blanchett’s performance evokes a transfixing spell on viewers that holds their interest throughout the 158-minute runtime.
“Tár” achieves high marks across the board in its uncompromising vision. Don’t be surprised if this film scores a few Oscar trophies come early next year.
New to Streaming: “Wendell and Wild” on Netflix
Stop-motion animation icon Henry Selick returns behind the camera with “Wendell and Wild.” Stop-motion animation is a wonderfully expressive art form crafted from dozens of intricate designs, elaborate backdrops and precise movements. Every minute element is a pure labor of love that requires hours, if not days, of attention to execute. The art forms demanding qualities are part of what makes Selick’s work so extraordinary, with the auteur enjoying a prosperous career out of conjuring uniquely gothic tales like “Coraline” and “The Nightmare Before Christmas.”
Selick’s latest endeavor features an intriguing collaboration with comedian-turned-horror-visionary Jordan Peele. The duo tells the tale of Kat – an orphaned teenager who finds herself traveling from one juvenile delinquent home after another following her parents’ passing. When she arrives at her latest destination, Kat discovers she possesses powers to summon two demon brothers, Wendell and Wild, who help in Kat’s efforts to resuscitate her parents. Her abilities eventually become more than she bargains for when a sinister plot from two cynical tycoons seeking to transform her dilapidated hometown into a prison unveils itself.
Adults can often write off animation as an art form strictly for children, but “Wendell and Wild” showcases why that’s not the case. Bursting with imaginative imagery and stimulating ideals, Wendell and Wild provides a refreshing breath of fresh air for the family film sphere.
Part of what makes this project so alluring is the impressive partnership between Selick and Peele. It’s hard enough to make one voice, let alone two, feel everpresent behind the camera. With “Wendell and Wild,” Selick’s technical aptitude effortlessly complements Peele’s penchant for challenging social commentary.
Visually, the film evokes an entrancing sense of place and atmosphere. The jagged imperfections and contorted movements of the film’s stop-motion designs are an apt tool for displaying a town and its populous disenfranchised by the world around them. Selick and his creative team lean into their macabre sensibility with immaculate results, conjuring an array of dynamic visuals that further accent the film’s infectious, punk rock energy. It’s also incredible to see how much Selick continues evolving his craft. Whether it’s glimmers stemming from reflective shadows or the iridescent blend of nightmarish colors, “Wendell and Wild” finds several avenues for expanding the stop-motion art form.
The film’s storytelling approach is equally adept. Peele and Selick offer a pointed perspective through their slew of colorful characters, often reflecting on cynical commercialization efforts conducted by business monopolies, corrupt government officials and bad-faith community leaders. While several personas see the broken community as a stomping ground for extracting profits, Kat and her spirited companions fight to return their community to its former glory days. The screenplay weaves this concept with humorous one-liners and moments of genuine reflection, showcasing some of the storytelling magic that makes Peele a beloved voice in the industry.
It also helps to have a talented voice cast who can effectively personify these characters. Peele reteams effectively with his Key and Peele comedy partner Keegan-Michael Key as the lovably buffoonish Wendell and Wild, while emerging star Lyric Ross imbues proper conviction into her role as Kat.
In a world where family films embrace a safe and homogenized aesthetic, “Wendell and Wild” swings for the fences with impressive results. I am excited to make the film a new Halloween staple of mine for years to come.