Review of Notes on a Scandal (2006) by Michelle W — 22 Jun 2009

Based on a novel, Notes on a Scandal is the dairy of an old, needy woman who uncovers a scandal and uses that as a basis for friendship.

This film is enirely plot based so there's not much to say about anything else but really this film succeeds because its a great story with great characters.

The plot moves steadily, oddly this only increases the tension as we wait for the speed-up that doesn't happen. However it does slow down after they are caught and its rather boring then. It's well written, gloomy London sets a good mood and what it unveils is really juicy. Desperate Housewives dirty laundry juicy. Its only human to want to know these dark secrets of other people, which is why we're drawn to scandal and I to this film.

Dench's character is a lonely old woman with little people skills. She often bullies people for company like with Blanchetts character and we learn about previous 'friends' too. And Dench really embodies this initial kind, I-have-experience-and-only-want-to-help facade and then slowly shows this sinister, witchy self. Blanchett has the less interesting character necause of that her acting and role is not so memorable as Dench steals the show.

The film deals with very serious issues and its pretty much dark all the way through, but I don't think it's trying to say anything which personally is a problem for me, but its a thriller that thrills.