Notes on a Scandal

[kybearfuzz]

Big warm birthday hugs to the very handsome spatts5! I hope it was a good one :)


A tense moment between Dench and Blanchett
in Notes on a Scandal
I was supposed to have a date tonight, but that fell through. Without formal plans, I headed out to Skyline Chili for dinner and then over to the Esquire Theatre to catch a showing of Notes on a Scandal.

The movie revolves around an unpopular and lonely old-maid history teacher named Barbara (Judi Dench) who become very enamored with the new art teacher Sheba (Cate Blanchett) at a British high school. As the two women grow close, the history teacher discovers her new best friend having an affair with one of her 15-year-old students. Feeling betrayed, Barbara uses this juicy piece of information to manipulate Sheba into an uncomfortable closeness with her. Barbara documents her actions into several diary volumes throughout the film, which ultimately proves to be her undoing.

The reviews for the movie were not wrong, it delivers a tense drama. Both of the lead actresses are exceptional in their roles. Though they never really use the L-word, it is intensely implied that Barbara's desire for a relationship is beyond mere friendship. It's a darn good movie.

Did I enjoy the movie? Yes.
Would I watch it again? Eh, it's not something I'd watch over and over.
Buy the DVD? Nah, see above.

Comments

[queensheba.livejournal.com]

I REALLY want to see this movie. A lot.

[anziulewicz.livejournal.com]

I would really like to see this. The Queen (Helen Mirren) is showing here, miraculously, so maybe Notes from a Scandal will make it here also. Any movie with Dame Judi is OK by me, even if she's a baddie.

[spatts5.livejournal.com]

Thanks Mark for thinking of me in my time of morning. That's very sweet of you!