Review of Notes on a Scandal (2006) by Matt H — 15 Sep 2014
There is something vicarious about scandals. Scandals are usually of the people regarded above all, on pedestal, effortless in their charm and bearing. That's when the scandal takes deep shades and deeper interest.
As Oscar Wilde says, It is absurd to divide people into good and bad. People are either charming or tedious.
Kate plays the former - One among the few. Judi the other kind.
Kate Blanchett can sleep walk through such role, she does exactly that. Casting masterstroke. Her natural charm and presence make one feel and realize again and again, how such perfection is hard thing to last and its just a matter of one slip, enough to take the tumble down.
Story comes alive with Judi Dench's point of view and narration this also brings to fore shades of our own side and empathy that grows with every incidence. Single point of view makes it real vivid and edgy.
Story is racy in every inch of its progress even though screenplay is typically slow. Slow pace is so British thing and it works. It works because the gripping performances, . especially Judi's is power packed. She would make one doubt Meryl Streep's top seed position if discussion ever comes.
A great lesson on movie making or specifically a melodrama. Get your core characters in focus, make the spectrum of emotions come alive and let the peripheral characters work as props as they peep in in the fringes.
Crave for such movies that are true to its plot.
This review of Notes on a Scandal (2006) was written by Matt H on 15 Sep 2014.
Notes on a Scandal has generally received very positive reviews.
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