Tar: The power of Cate Blanchett’s passion, and vice versa

Cate Blanchett’s performance in Tar has already sparked feverish talk of a third Oscar win.

Cate Blanchett on the red carpet at Sydney’s Cremorne Orpheum on Sunday for a special screening of her new film, Tar. Picture: David Swift

Cate Blanchett is no stranger to the theatre of passion and power – nor to the world of classical music – but in her portrayal of world-­renowned conductor, Lydia Tar, the two-time academy award winner is breaking new ground.

Blanchett, whose performance in Tar has already sparked feverish talk of a third Oscar win, was in Sydney on Sunday promoting her latest film about a lesbian composer and conductor who becomes the first woman to lead the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra.

At the height of her powers, Tar is preparing to conduct a live recording of Gustav Mahler’s epic Fifth Symphony, but over the course of several weeks life intercedes and the fiery maestra is besieged by a series of personal crises that threaten to ruin her.

While Australians will have to wait until January 2023, Blanchett told an audience at a special screening at the Hayden Orpheum Picture Palace that the film was uncomfortable and would give no easy answers. “(It) is a meditation on power. It says no one’s innocent, no one’s entirely guilty and absolutes are nonsense … It’s very difficult to find spaces where you can have nuanced discussions about the big questions that we need to ask ourselves.”

Blanchett, also executive producer of the film, said despite her character being a difficult, deeply flawed and complex personality, it was still possible to love the art even if you do not love the artist.

“One of the great joys in life is being part of something that one doesn’t in the least bit understand,” she told the audience. “I think a great joy for me as an actor is grappling with characters, who say and do and experience things you don’t understand … to try and place yourself literally — as the cliche goes — in their shoes.”

Critics have praised Blanchett’s portrayal of Tar as one of her most compelling performances, comparing it to her 2013 Oscar-winning performance in Blue Jasmine.

“I feel so blessed to have worked alongside … the Dresden Philharmonie (during the filming) which was a life-changing experience to stand up on the podium in front of all those musicians.”

In September, Tar made its world premiere at the 79th Venice International Film Festival, where Blanchett was awarded the Volpi Cup for best actor.