Review of Notes on a Scandal (2006) by Lubaina K — 20 Apr 2009
For the most part Notes on a Scandal is a terrific underplayed thriller. Cape Fear or Misery without the horror and violence. On the other hand, it is an overplayed drama in some sequences. The actors sometimes boil into their own dish, separate and distracting from the film.
The film is full of conflict and is conflicting itself. The voice over is both beautifully written and read, but is overused and the film becomes dependent on it. Perhaps such conflicting ideals are exactly what a film like this needs.
Blanchett and Dench give two incredible performances. Dench treads a thin line between cantankerous crone and kindly sage. Blanchett manages to create a character both lacking in responsibility but also sympathetic.
Nighy gives the role of the cheated on husband real class and fragility. His outburst is one of the many pure moments of raw emotion. A film that has you on the edge of your seat with that unnerving sense of catastrophe.
This review of Notes on a Scandal (2006) was written by Lubaina K on 20 Apr 2009.
Notes on a Scandal has generally received very positive reviews.
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