Amanda Hess, a critic at large for the New York Times, and Jon Favreau, an Offline critic at large, dive into the complexities of the film 'Tár'. They explore its take on cancel culture, highlighting the blurred lines between identity and moral accountability in today's digital age. The duo discusses whether there's sympathy for canceled celebrities and the nuances of artistic merit versus ethical responsibilities. With humor and insight, they examine Lydia Tár's character dynamics and the cultural reflections around authority and isolation.
The podcast explores how changes in societal norms and accountability, influenced by the internet, reflect ongoing historical cycles of scrutiny.
It discusses the disconnect between individuals' perceptions of power and the transformative impact of social media on traditional hierarchies.
The conversation highlights the nuances of cancel culture and the complexities surrounding artistic genius, emphasizing accountability for unethical behavior.
Deep dives
The Evolution of Social Norms
The discussion highlights how societal norms evolve over time, particularly in relation to the impacts of the internet. It is emphasized that people who once evaded scrutiny for their behaviors may no longer do so due to changing social standards and accountability. The conversation suggests that this cycle of accountability and social norms has existed for generations, indicating that historical contexts can shape contemporary reactions to behavior that was once acceptable. An example used to illustrate this transformation is a character's struggle with past actions that are now viewed in a different light.
Impact of Technology on Power Dynamics
The podcast examines the significant influence of technology, especially the internet, on traditional power structures within society. It discusses how characters in the film, particularly Lydia Tar, navigate their personal hierarchies while simultaneously being oblivious to the shifting landscape caused by technology. This disconnection ultimately leads to their downfall as the internet serves as a platform for public scrutiny and accountability. The narrative illustrates a contrast between old power dynamics and the emerging forces of social media that challenge established authority figures.
The Complexities of Cancel Culture
The distinction between accountability and cancel culture is a key theme, with the characters grappling with the consequences of their past actions in a digital age. The conversation explores how the term 'cancel culture' has been politicized and its implications for both the accused and the accusers. It underlines the nuances of public perception and the challenges that come when someone's identity is tied to their professional achievements. The film is presented as a critique of how society enforces norms, often leading to disproportionate consequences for those in positions of power.
Lydia Tar's Evolution as a Character
Lydia Tar's character arc showcases the complexity of an individual who possesses undeniable talent yet engages in unethical behavior. As her world begins to unravel, her reliance on manipulation and control becomes more apparent, indicating deeper flaws beneath her polished exterior. Additionally, her interactions with younger characters reveal an underlying fear of being replaced, which fuels her abusive tendencies. This psychological insight into her character highlights the broader themes of power, control, and the fear of irrelevance in an ever-evolving cultural landscape.
The Portrayal of Artistic Genius
The podcast delves into the idea of artistic genius and the expectations placed upon individuals who reach the pinnacle of their fields. It discusses how genius is often romanticized, allowing artists like Lydia Tar to manipulate their positions for personal gain while disregarding the impact on others. This sociocultural commentary draws attention to the transactional relationships that often characterize the art world, posing significant questions about the morality of creatives. The discussion emphasizes that while artistic brilliance may warrant certain privileges, it does not absolve individuals from the consequences of their actions.
This week Offline Móvie Clúb takes on “Tár,” the 2022 film about a music conductor whose narcissism and abuses of power bring about her very public downfall. Max is joined by New York Times critic at large, Amanda Hess, and Offline critic at large, Jon Favreau, to examine the movie’s takes on cancel culture, identity construction and the limits of control—especially online. Should we feel pity for cancelled celebrities? To what extent is social media real life? And is “Tár” secretly a comedy?
For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click here. For a transcript of this episode, please email transcripts@crooked.com and include the name of the podcast.
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