The contemporary setting of Todd Field’s new TÁR has inspired some to label it a movie about the modern idea of “cancel culture,” but the film’s baseline ideas about sex and power are more timeless, and its story of a woman using her social influence to manipulate others, and her attendant downfall, links it specifically to 1988’s DANGEROUS LIAISONS. While we could have easily spent this entire episode and then some dissecting and debating the many small, nuanced details that bring TÁR to life, we do eventually bring our discussion around to the other film in this pairing to consider what it shares with DANGEROUS LIAISONS in its depiction of feminine power in a patriarchal society, sexual gamesmanship, and public humiliation as comeuppance. Plus, we use Your Next Picture Show to consider the other highlights of Todd Field’s small but mighty directorial filmography.

Please share your comments, thoughts, and questions about DANGEROUS LIAISONS, TÁR, or anything else in the world of film, by sending an email to [email protected], leaving a short voicemail at 773-234-9730, or commenting on our Patreon (patreon.com/NextPictureShow), where you can also find bonus episodes and more. 

Outro music: Mahler Symphony No. 5

Next Pairing: Martin McDonagh’s IN BRUGES and THE BANSHEES OF INISHERIN

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