The film Tár, directed by Todd Field, is a psychological drama that masterfully explores the complexities of power, ambition, and the haunting echoes of the past. Beyond Cate Blanchett’s mesmerizing performance as Lydia Tár, the film’s sound design plays a crucial role in creating its unsettling atmosphere. One recurring element, a scream, permeates the narrative, leaving audiences questioning its origin and significance. This article delves into the potential sources and interpretations of the scream in Tár, examining its impact on the film’s overall meaning.
The Ubiquitous Scream: A Sonic Cipher
The scream isn’t merely a jump scare tactic; it’s woven into the fabric of Tár’s soundscape, appearing intermittently and often unexpectedly. Its presence is unsettling, contributing to the sense of unease that surrounds Lydia Tár. The scream seems to follow her, a constant reminder of something she is either trying to escape or confront.
The film never explicitly reveals the source of the scream, leaving viewers to interpret its meaning within the context of Lydia Tár’s unraveling. Is it a manifestation of her guilt? A representation of her victims? Or something else entirely?
Potential Sources and Interpretations
Several theories have emerged regarding the origin and meaning of the scream. Examining these possibilities can help us understand the layers of complexity in Tár.
Lydia Tár’s Subconscious: The Weight of Guilt
One compelling interpretation is that the scream originates from Lydia Tár’s subconscious. As the film progresses, allegations of misconduct against her surface, suggesting a pattern of abuse of power and exploitation. The scream could be a manifestation of her guilt and the internal conflict she faces as her past actions come to light.
This interpretation aligns with the film’s exploration of the consequences of unchecked ambition. The scream serves as a constant reminder of the damage she may have inflicted on others. It is the sound of her conscience, struggling to be heard amidst her carefully constructed facade.
The film shows Lydia battling insomnia, plagued by nightmares and strange occurrences. The scream could be understood as a manifestation of these anxieties, a sonic representation of the torment she experiences in her subconscious.
Krista Taylor: A Voice Silenced
Krista Taylor, a former student of Lydia Tár, plays a significant role in the narrative, even in her absence. Krista’s suicide, hinted at throughout the film, casts a shadow over Lydia’s actions. Some believe the scream could be Krista’s, representing the pain and despair that ultimately led to her tragic end.
This interpretation suggests that the scream is a symbol of the voiceless, those who have been silenced or marginalized by powerful figures like Lydia. It is a haunting reminder of the consequences of abuse and the devastating impact it can have on individuals.
The scream’s appearance often coincides with moments of heightened tension or when Krista is mentioned, further supporting the connection between the sound and her character.
The Collective Unconscious: A Broader Commentary on Power
Another interpretation is that the scream represents a collective unconscious, a shared experience of trauma and oppression. It could be a symbol of the countless individuals who have been victimized by those in positions of power, not just within the classical music world but across various industries and institutions.
This broader interpretation aligns with the film’s exploration of systemic issues and the pervasiveness of abuse. The scream transcends the individual story of Lydia Tár and becomes a commentary on the larger societal problem of power imbalances.
In this context, the scream serves as a call for accountability and a reminder of the importance of challenging structures that enable abuse.
A Primal Scream: Existential Angst and the Human Condition
Beyond the specific narrative context, the scream could also be interpreted as a more primal expression of existential angst and the human condition. It could represent the inherent suffering and fear that are part of the human experience.
This interpretation aligns with the film’s exploration of themes such as mortality, legacy, and the search for meaning. The scream becomes a universal symbol of human vulnerability and the struggle to find purpose in a chaotic world.
In this context, the scream resonates with audiences on a deeper emotional level, tapping into their own anxieties and fears.
Analyzing the Scream’s Placement and Intensity
The timing and intensity of the scream are crucial to understanding its significance. It doesn’t appear randomly; it’s strategically placed to heighten tension, foreshadow events, and reveal aspects of Lydia Tár’s psychological state.
Sometimes the scream is subtle, almost imperceptible, creating a sense of unease. Other times it’s jarring and intense, shocking the audience and disrupting the narrative flow.
The variations in the scream’s volume and tone contribute to its overall impact. A muted scream might suggest suppressed guilt, while a loud, piercing scream could indicate a moment of crisis or a confrontation with the truth.
The Role of Sound Design in *Tár*
The sound design in Tár is not merely a backdrop; it’s an integral part of the storytelling. The scream is just one element of a meticulously crafted soundscape that creates a sense of unease and psychological tension.
The film uses ambient sounds, musical cues, and silence to manipulate the audience’s emotions and create a sense of immersion. The scream is often juxtaposed with these other sonic elements, creating a jarring and unsettling effect.
The sound design works in tandem with the visuals to create a multi-layered and emotionally resonant experience. The scream is a key component of this intricate and masterful approach to filmmaking.
The Ambiguity of Interpretation: A Deliberate Choice
Ultimately, the film’s refusal to explicitly identify the source of the scream is a deliberate choice. It allows viewers to engage with the film on a deeper level, interpreting its meaning based on their own experiences and perspectives.
The ambiguity surrounding the scream forces us to confront our own biases and assumptions about power, abuse, and accountability. It challenges us to consider the complexities of human behavior and the difficulties of judging individuals based on limited information.
The film’s open-ended nature encourages dialogue and debate, prompting viewers to share their interpretations and engage with the film’s themes in a meaningful way.
The Scream as a Narrative Device
Beyond its symbolic meaning, the scream functions as a crucial narrative device. It propels the plot forward, creates suspense, and reveals aspects of Lydia Tár’s character that might otherwise remain hidden.
The scream acts as a catalyst, triggering events and forcing Lydia to confront the consequences of her actions. It serves as a constant reminder of the underlying tension and the potential for disaster.
The scream also provides insights into Lydia’s psychological state, revealing her anxieties, fears, and inner turmoil. It allows us to see beyond her carefully constructed facade and glimpse the vulnerabilities beneath.
Conclusion: The Enduring Power of the Unexplained Scream
The scream in Tár is a powerful and unsettling element that contributes significantly to the film’s overall impact. While its precise origin remains ambiguous, it serves as a potent symbol of guilt, trauma, and the consequences of unchecked power.
Whether it represents Lydia Tár’s subconscious, the voice of a silenced victim, or a broader commentary on societal issues, the scream resonates with audiences on a deep emotional level.
The film’s masterful sound design and deliberate ambiguity encourage viewers to engage with the film’s themes in a meaningful way, prompting reflection and discussion about the complexities of human behavior and the importance of accountability. The scream, therefore, becomes an enduring and unforgettable element of Tár, a sonic cipher that continues to haunt audiences long after the credits roll. The scream isn’t just a sound; it’s a question mark, a challenge to the viewer to look deeper into the dark corners of ambition and the cost of power.
What is the significance of the screaming sound in *Tár*?
The screaming sound, a pervasive and unsettling element throughout Tár, serves as a multifaceted symbol within the film. It’s not simply a jump scare; instead, it represents Lydia Tár’s fractured psyche, the mounting pressure of her career and past actions, and the unraveling of her carefully constructed world. The recurring sound acts as an auditory hallucination, reflecting her growing paranoia and guilt, blurring the lines between reality and her internal turmoil.
Furthermore, the scream functions as a disruption to the controlled environment Tár meticulously maintains. Her life is built on power, precision, and musical mastery. The scream, in its raw and primal nature, challenges this facade of control, exposing the underlying chaos and vulnerability that she desperately tries to suppress. It highlights the dissonance between her public persona and her private struggles.
Is the screaming sound diegetic or non-diegetic?
The ambiguous nature of the screaming sound, oscillating between diegetic and non-diegetic, is crucial to its impact. At times, the film suggests it might originate from within Tár’s environment, perhaps from her neighbor or a nightmare. This diegetic possibility forces the audience to question the reality of what they are hearing alongside Tár, increasing the sense of unease and disorientation.
However, the scream’s frequent appearance in moments of high stress or psychological distress, coupled with its often unreal quality, strongly suggests a non-diegetic origin. This interpretation positions the scream as a manifestation of Tár’s internal state, a sonic representation of her anxiety and the consequences of her choices. The uncertainty surrounding its source amplifies its psychological effect.
Are there any clues within the film that point to the source of the scream?
While the film deliberately avoids providing a definitive answer, subtle clues hint at potential sources and interpretations. Tár’s neighbor, who seems to be experiencing mental health challenges, is a recurring presence, and her cries could conceivably be the source of the initial scream that sparks Tár’s unease. This explanation anchors the sound in a tangible, real-world cause.
Alternatively, the connection to the young girl Olga, who becomes a focus of Tár’s attention and who displays animalistic vocalizations during ballet practice, might suggest a connection to suppressed, primal expressions of emotion. Furthermore, the film’s recurring animal motifs, such as the stray dog, could symbolize Tár’s own suppressed instincts and the uncontrolled aspects of her personality.
How does the screaming sound contribute to the film’s themes?
The screaming sound profoundly contributes to the film’s central themes of power, control, and the consequences of unchecked ambition. It represents the suppressed voices and experiences of those Tár has potentially harmed or manipulated in her rise to prominence. The scream becomes a sonic representation of the pain and suffering she may have caused.
Moreover, the scream mirrors the internal conflict within Tár herself. It reflects her anxieties about losing control, being exposed, and facing the repercussions of her actions. The relentless nature of the scream highlights the pervasive nature of guilt and the difficulty of escaping the consequences of past deeds.
What is the impact of the sound design on the overall atmosphere of *Tár*?
The sound design in Tár is meticulously crafted, and the screaming sound is a central element in creating its unsettling atmosphere. The film uses silence, ambient sounds, and music strategically to build tension and heighten the impact of the scream when it occurs. The sound design doesn’t rely on cheap scares, but rather creates a sustained sense of unease and psychological dread.
By blurring the lines between diegetic and non-diegetic sound, the film immerses the audience in Tár’s subjective experience. The sound design contributes to a feeling of disorientation and psychological unease. The subtle shifts in sound, combined with the ambiguous nature of the scream, create an atmosphere of constant tension and impending doom.
How does the film’s ending relate to the recurring scream?
The ending of Tár, with Lydia Tár conducting music for a video game concert in Southeast Asia, offers a complex and ambiguous resolution related to the recurring scream. It suggests a loss of power and prestige, a humbling fall from grace from the heights of the classical music world. This context reinforces the scream’s earlier representation of Tár’s unraveling.
The final scene implies that the scream might represent the cumulative consequences of Tár’s actions, now manifesting in a career drastically different from her previous aspirations. While the film offers no easy redemption, the ending acknowledges the impact of Tár’s choices. She’s now immersed in a chaotic soundscape far removed from the controlled environment she once craved.
Are there any parallels to the use of sound in other psychological thrillers?
Yes, the use of sound in Tár shares similarities with techniques employed in other psychological thrillers to create tension and unease. Films like The Shining and Rosemary’s Baby use discordant music, unsettling sound effects, and ambiguous sound sources to disorient the audience and create a sense of impending doom. These parallels place Tár within a tradition of films that use sound to explore the inner turmoil of their characters.
Like in Eraserhead or Mulholland Drive, Tár uses sound as a metaphorical representation of internal anxieties and repressed emotions. The screaming sound, in particular, functions similarly to the “radiator lady” in Eraserhead, representing a primal, unsettling force that disrupts the protagonist’s sense of control. This connection to other films solidifies Tár‘s place as a psychological thriller that prioritizes atmosphere and internal experience over simple plot mechanics.