The Next Reel Film Podcast

“You want to dance the masque, you must service the composer. You gotta sublimate yourself, your ego, and, yes, your identity. You must, in fact, stand in front of the public and God and obliterate yourself.”
A Cinematic Masterpiece from Director Todd Field
Director Todd Field may not be a prolific filmmaker, but his small body of work showcases his incredible talent and strong voice. After a 16-year hiatus, Field returns to the director's chair with Tár, a film that has been praised as a perfect piece of cinema and a masterful character study.
Join us – Pete Wright and Andy Nelson – as we continue the 2023 DGA Awards Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Theatrical Feature Film Nominees series with a conversation about Tár.
Conducting a Symphony of Power and Manipulation
In our discussion of Tár, we dive into the complex themes and character dynamics that make this film so compelling. We explore how the film positions Lydia Tár (Cate Blanchett) as an antagonist against youth perspectives on art versus the artist, and how her own ideology and manipulative behavior inevitably lead to her downfall.
We also delve into the gender dynamics at play in the film, with Tár using her power and position as a woman in a male-dominated field to manipulate and control those around her. Blanchett's performance is a standout, delivering a believable portrayal of a diabolical character that is rarely seen played by women in film.
Other topics covered in our conversation include:
  • The film's unorthodox opening credits and how they set the stage for the story
  • The signature scene of Tár's guest lecture at Juilliard and how it represents the film's central themes
  • The inevitability of Tár's behavior and how the film builds a case for her corruption by power
  • The importance of representation and understanding changing perspectives in the arts
Tár is a film that showcases the incredible talent of both its director and lead actress, delivering a powerful character study that explores themes of power, manipulation, and the corrupting influence of artistic genius. It's a film that is sure to spark discussion and leave a lasting impact on viewers.
We have a great time talking about it, so check it out then tune in. The Next Reel – when the movie ends, our conversation begins!
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Creators and Guests

Host
Andy Nelson
With over 25 years of experience in film, television, and commercial production, Andy has cultivated an enduring passion for storytelling in all its forms. His enthusiasm for the craft began in his youth when he and his friends started making their own movies in grade school. After studying film at the University of Colorado Boulder, Andy wrote, directed, and produced several short films while also producing indie features like Netherbeast Incorporated and Ambush at Dark Canyon. Andy has been on the production team for award-winning documentaries such as The Imposter and The Joe Show, as well as TV shows like Investigation Discovery’s Deadly Dentists and Nat Geo’s Inside the Hunt for the Boston Bombers. Over a decade ago, he started podcasting with Pete and immediately embraced the medium. Now, as a partner at TruStory FM, Andy looks forward to more storytelling through their wide variety of shows. Throughout his career, Andy has passed on his knowledge by teaching young minds the crafts of screenwriting, producing, editing, and podcasting. Outside of work, Andy is a family man who enjoys a good martini, a cold beer, a nice cup o’ joe. And always, of course, a great movie.
Host
Pete Wright
#Movies, #ADHD, & #Podcasting • Co-founder @trustory.fm🎥 The Next Reel Family of #Film Podcasts @thenextreel.com🎙️ Taking Control: The ADHD Podcast @takecontroladhd.com📖 Co-author of Unapologetically ADHD • https://unapologeticallyadhdbook.com

What is The Next Reel Film Podcast?

A show about movies and how they connect.
We love movies. We’ve been talking about them, one movie a week, since 2011. It’s a lot of movies, that’s true, but we’re passionate about origins and performance, directors and actors, themes and genres, and so much more. So join the community, and let’s hear about your favorite movies, too.
When the movie ends, our conversation begins.