Tár has garnered many rave reviews since its release in October, however, audience members have not always agreed with the critics' compliments. Despite the film receiving six Oscar nominations and a 91% critic rating on Rotten Tomatoes, the audience score has only risen to 73%. This disparity calls into question the true quality of the film and where exactly critics and viewers have diverged.

Tár follows Cate Blanchett as Lydia Tár, the intense and at times difficult conductor of the Berlin Philharmonic. The film is a psychothriller that draws on themes of sexual abuse and power dynamics in the world of classical music. Although it seems biographical at first, and was even marketed as such, Tár is not a true story. One of Tár's defining features, rumored even before its release, was Blanchett's outstanding performance. However, even this became a cause for debate among audiences and critics.

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Tár Was Intended For Critics More Than General Audiences

Tar Cate blanchett

The best explanation for Tár's mixed ratings is that the film catered more toward critics than to general audiences. As an Oscar contender, it needed to broach relevant and important topics while presenting above-average film practices and a great concept and execution. While almost all movies strive to meet these goals, Tár diverges from other more mainstream films because many of its features aim to please a movie lover and expert rather than the average moviegoer.

Although general audiences may still love Tár by its ending, it makes sense that many would find flaw in its execution. Several aspects of the film such as the length, dialogue, and vague plot are more suited for critics rather than general audiences. Many casual viewers hope to be entertained by a film and have a sense of clarity about a film, whereas critics can prioritize style and meaning. When it comes to Tár, director Todd Field emphasized artistic expression and dissection rather than wowing audiences.

Tár Is Well-Made, But Not Easy Or For Everyone

Cate Blanchett as Lydia Tár

Another reason for Tár's rating disparity is subjectivity. Aside from being intended for critics, Tár may also not be to everyone's taste. By being rooted in classic music and orchestra culture, the film creates an atmosphere that may interest some viewers but seem inaccessible to others. Additionally, depictions of abusive sexual relationships may also turn audience members away. Even Cate Blanchett's role as the villainous Lydia Tár could affect someone's opinion of the film based on their opinion of her in previous films.

Tár is not a perfect film either. Its depiction of "cancel culture" may be questionable to some viewers, along with other smaller details such as its portrayal of the Philippines and its comparison of Lydia Tár to her mentor Leonard Bernstein. At its core, Tár tells a unique story that is arguably well-done but not easy to consume and may repel certain viewers, leading to its variable ratings and reviews among critics and audiences.

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