Review of Notes on a Scandal (2006) by Samantha K — 25 Oct 2008

A vicious and haunting look at the politics of parasitism.

Told from the perspective of Barbara Covett (Dame Judi Dench), a schoolteacher steeped in â??traditionalâ?? mores, we are introduced to a British school with a recent addition. The new art teacher Sheba Hart (Cate Blanchett) is young, idealistic, and looking to change the lives of the youth in a positive manner.

She is quickly befriended by Barbara who provides her with the guidance necessary to surviving in this institution. And Sheba needs it. He husband is a good guy but busy, She has a developmentally disabled son and has become a teacher because she needed something to do. Felling adrift, she quickly becomes close to Barbara.

Then Sheba has an affair that could bring her career to an end. Confiding in Barbara, Sheba learns to trust this older woman who is derided by her colleagues as out of touch and out of date. Barbara begins ratcheting up the cost of this â??friendshipâ?? though emotional blackmail increasing the stakes and threatening everything Sheba has. With this power over Sheba, Barbara takes their friendship into a very sinister place.

The story, based on a novel, is arresting by itself. When played by Dame Judi Dench and Cate Blanchett it becomes downright chilling. Theirs is an acting tour-de-force. Director Richard Eyre keeps you riveted to the screen through letting his actors go and keeping the pressure on by not letting up in his pacing. It just keeps coming and smashes through where you would think such a tale should end. Just like real life.

It is this realistic touches that complete this film. You get the motivations and revelations viscerally and can see how this came to be even though it in no way lets anyone free. Actions have consequences and they must be addressed.

Check it out. Especially if youâ??re a fan of great acting.