Thanks for this. I’ve seen both. And thought a lot about both, and liked Zadie Smith’s article. She didn’t persuade me to like Tar, but I liked her insights on generational change. I like her ability to value her own approach and views, and at the same time to be open to and curious about the insights of the next generation (especially around art and politics). Plus she is funny. Re The Banshees, I think the background is the Civil War (not The Troubles) since it is set in 1923. And so the ending of friendships and the self mutilation and self-deforming all make sense. Yea, the stereotypes are all, well, of course, over drawn and predictable, it it is more allegory than anything else. And yet, as you note, superb acting and lines delivered with perfect timing. Thanks for writing! PS I did not know the Irish view of McDonough.
I mentioned The Troubles because I interpret the movie as commentary on the entire history of violence in Ireland. Not just the civil war happening during the action of the film but the subsequent Troubles as well, beyond the period of the film. I hope that makes sense. Would love to hear why you disliked Tár if you have time to share. And thank you for reading!
I can see Tar is a well-made movie, and asking important questions, though the tragic fall of the "cultural luminary," isn't that interesting to me. I'm intrigued by the decision to tell the tale of the artist monster as female, though I couldn't find a way in to her character. BUT, now that you draw my attention to her background (I completely missed that!!), I'll have to think further. I may, however, still struggle with the visuals--severe Euro-glamour--not my thing. I get it is meant to be way over the top--just like one-room-island-cottage off the coast of western Ireland is--but I'm a sucker for animals, water, and cliffs. That beauty is seduction that works on me, but I did think it looked a bit like the movie was doing its bit to help tourism. Re: Zadie Smith, she is from Willesden, and I think NW is an interesting novel about class. Her take on The Wife of Bath as The Wife of Willesden is going to open soon here. I'll go, and see. And re Irish films: I loved "The Quiet Girl," which is Ireland's entry in the Oscars (not The Banshees of Inisherin, interestingly).
I read this awhile back and found it thought-provoking, as I sometimes avoid the art of people whose actions I find objectionable. Then I just found out that the King County (WA) Library System has chosen "Monsters, a Fan's Dilemma" by Claire Dederer as its Community Read selection. https://www.npr.org/2023/05/10/1174293359/monsters-a-fans-dilemma-review-claire-dederer
Brilliant, you captured everything I was feeling about “Tar” but yet to see the second film, waiting for it to debut on a streaming service as live in the woods of East Texas. Keep these posts coming as I love films as much as books!
Thanks for this. I’ve seen both. And thought a lot about both, and liked Zadie Smith’s article. She didn’t persuade me to like Tar, but I liked her insights on generational change. I like her ability to value her own approach and views, and at the same time to be open to and curious about the insights of the next generation (especially around art and politics). Plus she is funny. Re The Banshees, I think the background is the Civil War (not The Troubles) since it is set in 1923. And so the ending of friendships and the self mutilation and self-deforming all make sense. Yea, the stereotypes are all, well, of course, over drawn and predictable, it it is more allegory than anything else. And yet, as you note, superb acting and lines delivered with perfect timing. Thanks for writing! PS I did not know the Irish view of McDonough.
I mentioned The Troubles because I interpret the movie as commentary on the entire history of violence in Ireland. Not just the civil war happening during the action of the film but the subsequent Troubles as well, beyond the period of the film. I hope that makes sense. Would love to hear why you disliked Tár if you have time to share. And thank you for reading!
I can see Tar is a well-made movie, and asking important questions, though the tragic fall of the "cultural luminary," isn't that interesting to me. I'm intrigued by the decision to tell the tale of the artist monster as female, though I couldn't find a way in to her character. BUT, now that you draw my attention to her background (I completely missed that!!), I'll have to think further. I may, however, still struggle with the visuals--severe Euro-glamour--not my thing. I get it is meant to be way over the top--just like one-room-island-cottage off the coast of western Ireland is--but I'm a sucker for animals, water, and cliffs. That beauty is seduction that works on me, but I did think it looked a bit like the movie was doing its bit to help tourism. Re: Zadie Smith, she is from Willesden, and I think NW is an interesting novel about class. Her take on The Wife of Bath as The Wife of Willesden is going to open soon here. I'll go, and see. And re Irish films: I loved "The Quiet Girl," which is Ireland's entry in the Oscars (not The Banshees of Inisherin, interestingly).
Oh, I will find The Quiet Girl immediately. Thanks for the recommendation.
I read this awhile back and found it thought-provoking, as I sometimes avoid the art of people whose actions I find objectionable. Then I just found out that the King County (WA) Library System has chosen "Monsters, a Fan's Dilemma" by Claire Dederer as its Community Read selection. https://www.npr.org/2023/05/10/1174293359/monsters-a-fans-dilemma-review-claire-dederer
Brilliant, you captured everything I was feeling about “Tar” but yet to see the second film, waiting for it to debut on a streaming service as live in the woods of East Texas. Keep these posts coming as I love films as much as books!