Notes on a Scandal (B+ or 3.5/4 stars)
Dame Judi Dench shows her witchy side in 'Notes on a Scandal' (directed by Richard Eyre). High school history teacher Barbara Covett (Dench) is a prickly spinster who meets new art teacher Sheba Hart (Cate Blanchett) and sees her as an opportunity for 'companionship'; a kindred spirit, so to speak (whether it be as a mother-figure or ... something else). But their newfound friendship becomes tenuous when Barbara discovers that Sheba has been having an affair with 15 yr. old student, Steven Connolly (Andrew Simpson). Sheba confides in Barbara, who is furious that she was deceived; but Barbara assures that her secret is safe with her, as long as the affair ends.
Sheba tentatively agrees, but still can't resist the sexual innocence of her young beau. The scandal breaks-out; threatening ruin for several characters. And Barbara blackmails Sheba (who is married with two children) into a sort of deranged 'relationship'. And a chain of events unfold which could potentially destroy their life as they know it. Is Barbara just a Lesbian recluse? Or is she desperate for the daughter she never had? Will Sheba see through Barbara's scheming ways? And will she reconcile with her husband (Bill Nighy)?
The premise is simple - involving obsession & scandalous secrets. The writing is (mostly) are top-notch. Phillip Glass' musical score is scintillating in some moments, & a bit unnecessarily melodramatic in others. Judi Dench is deliciously venomous in this role. Early on, her description of Sheba as a "white, ripe peach" shows you the kind of detailed, diabolical intellect that the old crone has. And Cate Blanchett is excellent, as well {no shock there}. Watching these two skilled thespians go head to head is the biggest appeal that this film has to offer.
These actresses compliment each other so well. But as for their characters ... the ending showcases very different sides to the women that we came to know over the 90 minute run time; it was weird. There is a lot of fun, catty humor that keeps you intent through the VERY dark plotline. 'Notes on a Scandal' is well-acted, voyeuristic, but I left feeling slightly underwhelmed by the ending. A superb opening hour gives way to an okay final 30 minutes.
Sheba tentatively agrees, but still can't resist the sexual innocence of her young beau. The scandal breaks-out; threatening ruin for several characters. And Barbara blackmails Sheba (who is married with two children) into a sort of deranged 'relationship'. And a chain of events unfold which could potentially destroy their life as they know it. Is Barbara just a Lesbian recluse? Or is she desperate for the daughter she never had? Will Sheba see through Barbara's scheming ways? And will she reconcile with her husband (Bill Nighy)?
The premise is simple - involving obsession & scandalous secrets. The writing is (mostly) are top-notch. Phillip Glass' musical score is scintillating in some moments, & a bit unnecessarily melodramatic in others. Judi Dench is deliciously venomous in this role. Early on, her description of Sheba as a "white, ripe peach" shows you the kind of detailed, diabolical intellect that the old crone has. And Cate Blanchett is excellent, as well {no shock there}. Watching these two skilled thespians go head to head is the biggest appeal that this film has to offer.
These actresses compliment each other so well. But as for their characters ... the ending showcases very different sides to the women that we came to know over the 90 minute run time; it was weird. There is a lot of fun, catty humor that keeps you intent through the VERY dark plotline. 'Notes on a Scandal' is well-acted, voyeuristic, but I left feeling slightly underwhelmed by the ending. A superb opening hour gives way to an okay final 30 minutes.