In which Cate Blanchett plays Lydia Tar a world famous conductor at the pinnacle of her career, trying to negotiate the shifting sands of fame and celebrity. Aloof imperious autocratic ruthless in her self preservation, except to a favored few intimates and even these relationships are transactional. It is one of these relationships and its tragic ending that precipitates her downfall. Kept in power by her musical gifts and and fawning political supporters. A dry lifeless and overly long film. Supported by equally sterile visuals. Almost completely devoid of the emotional powers that she urges her students to bring to their musical efforts.
Ms Blanchett plays her character with expert ease. Unfortunately her character does not generate any sympathetic empathy when her eventual inevitable downfall with its comic ending occurs. Which might be the point. Nina Hoss and Sophie Kauer give notable performances. Director Todd Field (In the Bedroom; Little Children) could have taken 40 minutes out of this 2hour and 38 minute marathon without any ill effect.
Mahler would not have been happy 46 stars (20 to Ms Blanchett) Peacock TV
