Review of Notes on a Scandal (2006) by Doctor S — 10 Oct 2011

Supreme performances from two of the world's finest actresses highlight this absorbing drama that does not follow the typical arc. The story of Sheba Hart (Cate Blanchett) as an attractive art teacher covertly having sex with a 15 year-old student practically writes itself if this was produced for Lifetime.

However once her confidant and fellow teacher Barbara Covett (Judi Dench) who has taken Sheba under her wing discovers the immoral affair, the bonds of their relationship tighten through shared secrecy, and Barbara has ulterior motives that we do not see coming.

Both characters have serious flaws and Cate & Judi are completely convincing within their actions - we don't agree with them, but we understand why they take them. Going in I thought this was a true story and actually was surprised when I found out this is an adaptation of a fiction novel.

The sensationalistic subject matter is similar to other real-life news stories and credit goes to Richard Eyre for crafting a film within the boundaries of reality. Notes on a Scandal plays out the trashiness of a tabloid but with the veracity of a police blotter.