The Chilling Portrait of Power and Abuse: What Did Lydia Tár Do to Krista?
Lydia Tár’s actions against Krista Taylor form the tragic and ethically complex core of the film Tár. Tár systematically abused her power to manipulate and control Krista. She engaged in a sexual relationship with her, then blacklisted her from the music industry when Krista attempted to end the relationship. This professional sabotage, combined with the emotional manipulation, ultimately contributed to Krista Taylor’s suicide. The film meticulously exposes how Tár leveraged her influence and status to silence Krista and erase her from the professional sphere, highlighting the devastating consequences of unchecked power dynamics.
Unpacking the Abuse: A Closer Look at Tár and Krista
The film Tár doesn’t provide explicit, graphic depictions of the abuse, but instead relies on subtle cues and implications to paint a picture of manipulation and coercion. The timeline of the events is carefully constructed to allow viewers to infer the sequence of events and the motivations behind Tár’s actions.
The initial phase involves grooming Krista. Tár recognizes Krista’s talent, perhaps sees her vulnerability, and exploits both. This grooming likely involves professional attention, mentorship (or its facade), and ultimately, the development of a sexual relationship. The power imbalance inherent in Tár’s position as a renowned conductor and instructor and Krista’s status as a student amplifies the unethical nature of this relationship.
When Krista tries to distance herself, Tár retaliates. She uses her immense influence within the classical music world to blacklist Krista, effectively ending her career before it has a chance to flourish. This professional devastation is presented as a direct consequence of Krista attempting to assert her independence. The emotional and professional impact of this blacklisting is devastating, culminating in Krista’s tragic suicide.
The film skillfully portrays the ambiguity and uncertainty surrounding the precise nature of Tár’s actions, forcing the audience to grapple with the nuances of power dynamics, consent, and the long-lasting ramifications of abuse. It doesn’t offer easy answers but instead invites introspection on the responsibility that comes with wielding power and the consequences of its misuse.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
H3. Was Lydia Tár’s Relationship with Krista Consensual?
While the film doesn’t explicitly state the nature of their relationship, it strongly implies a power imbalance that makes genuine consent highly questionable. Tár’s position of authority and influence over Krista, combined with the significant age difference, creates a dynamic where true consent is difficult, if not impossible, to achieve. The film suggests coercion and manipulation, rather than a freely chosen partnership.
H3. How Did Tár Blacklist Krista?
The film doesn’t show the explicit mechanics of the blacklisting. However, it is implied that Tár used her extensive network and influence within the classical music industry to prevent Krista from securing auditions, grants, and other professional opportunities. Her word, laden with influence, would have been enough to poison Krista’s reputation and sabotage her prospects.
H3. Did Francesca Know About Tár’s Relationship with Krista?
Francesca, Tár’s assistant, is aware of the power dynamics and possible affair with Krista, observing Tár’s behaviour and handling Krista’s emails. The level of her knowledge is left somewhat ambiguous, but she clearly suspects and understands that the relationship was inappropriate and potentially abusive.
H3. What Was the Significance of Krista’s Suicide Note?
The suicide note, or rather the email correspondence Francesca withheld from Tár, is a crucial plot point. The contents are never fully revealed, but they are implied to detail Krista’s despair and feeling of being blacklisted by Tár. This information could potentially lead to legal consequences for Tár and further damage her reputation.
H3. Why Did Tár Lie About Being Attacked?
Tár lies about being attacked after injuring herself falling up stairs, and after earlier being frightened by a dog. This lie serves multiple purposes: it deflects blame from her own actions, portrays her as a victim, and elicits sympathy. This pattern of manipulation is consistent with her broader strategy of controlling narratives to maintain her power.
H3. What Do the Pills Tár Takes Symbolize?
The pills Tár takes are beta blockers prescribed to her wife, Sharon. Taking these pills, potentially to calm her nerves or anxiety, symbolizes Tár’s reliance on external forces to manage her emotions and stress. It also highlights her manipulative tendency to exploit those around her, even family members.
H3. Was Tár Hallucinating at the End of the Movie?
The film’s ending is deliberately ambiguous. Some viewers interpret Tár’s final performance as a hallucinatory sequence, fueled by guilt and mental breakdown. Others believe it’s a literal depiction of her descent into a marginalized position. The ambiguity adds to the film’s complexity and invites diverse interpretations.
H3. What Is the Significance of the Massage Parlor Scene?
The massage parlor scene is crucial for highlighting Tár’s hypocrisy and cultural insensitivity. While she is appalled by the exploitation of Asian women, she herself engages in exploitative relationships. This scene exposes the contradictions within her character and her selective application of ethical principles.
H3. Did Lydia Tár Face Legal Consequences for Her Actions?
The film doesn’t explicitly show Tár facing legal consequences. However, the implication is that Krista’s suicide and the potential exposure of Tár’s blacklisting could lead to legal repercussions. The threat of legal action hangs over Tár throughout the film, contributing to her downfall.
H3. Is Tár Based on a True Story?
No, Tár is not based on a true story. Lydia Tár is a fictional character. However, the film draws inspiration from real-world issues of power, abuse, and cancel culture within the classical music industry and other fields. This helps to provoke real world discussions on the topic.
H3. What Was the Point of Tár’s Downfall?
Tár’s downfall serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked power and the consequences of abusing one’s position. It illustrates how even the most successful and influential individuals can be held accountable for their actions, and how a culture of silence can perpetuate abuse.
H3. How Does the Ending of Tár Relate to the Film’s Themes?
The ending, with Tár conducting music for a video game concert, is symbolic of her loss of prestige and her fall from grace. It contrasts sharply with her previous position as a world-renowned conductor and highlights the devastating consequences of her actions. The setting, a surrealist venue, reinforces the sense of disorientation and alienation she experiences.
H3. What Does the Film Tár Say About Cancel Culture?
Tár engages with the concept of cancel culture but doesn’t offer a simple endorsement or condemnation. It explores the complexities of holding individuals accountable for their actions while also raising questions about the potential for overreach and the impact on individual lives. The film does not shy away from discussing the ramifications of abuse and those guilty of it being held accountable.
H3. Who Brought the Story to the Press?
The movie hints that Francesca might have been involved in bringing the story to the press’ attention.
H3. What kind of game did Tár conduct at the end of the movie?
Tár conducted the score of Monster Hunter, a fantasy video game series, for a group of cosplayers.
The film Tár is a complex and thought-provoking exploration of power, abuse, and the human capacity for both greatness and destruction. The film underscores the importance of ethical considerations and the consequences that arise when power is wielded irresponsibly. It serves as a powerful reminder that actions, especially those taken from positions of authority, have far-reaching consequences. You can explore more insightful discussions and analyses related to media and culture, including the impact of games, at the Games Learning Society website.