Lydia Tár is brilliant. She is also successful. She is also a bully. The third so often follows from the first two that they all seem to go together. Those who are brilliant and successful don’t get called a “bully,” but instead are simply “demanding” or “exacting.” And that’s what the world around world-class composer sees: a fiercely talented world-class conductor who loves the music above all else (or so we’re supposed to think) and requires everyone to serve her efforts to coax world-class music from her orchestra and all others she comes across. But the music has ceased being the primary motivation for Tár’s life; instead, Lydia Tár’s primary motivation for life is the elevation of Lydia Tár. And, as so perfectly realized by writer/director Todd Field and world’s best actress Cate Blanchett, her use–and abuse–of those who cling to her for their affirmation and livelihoods eventually fights back.

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