Movie Review: Notes On A Scandal

Once the Oscar Nominations are announced, I make an effort to see as many of the films as possible. When a film is nominated for multiple awards, I do what I can to see it. This year, Notes On A Scandal is one such film. Nominated for Best Actress (Judi Dench), Supporting Actress (Cate Blanchett), Original Score (Phillip Glass), and Adapted Screenplay (Patrick Marber), Notes On A Scandal is a film worth noting. These nominations aren’t simply to flesh out a lacking list, but are actually deserved.

Displaying sleazy content in a manner that isn’t pedestrian, Notes On A Scandal is a riveting drama showing just how creepy a lonely old lady can be. It is the salacious story of obsessive relationships. Barbara is an older teacher leading a lonely existence. Sheba is the new teacher who proves to be a kindred spirit. Realizing the depth of her feelings for Sheba, Barbara soon discovers she isn’t the only soul to be drawn to Sheba’s luminance. Protecting Sheba’s scandalous secret, Barbara deludes herself into seeing more to their friendship than exists. Which the truth becomes known, Barbara does the only thing she can think to do. And with all the excitement ensuing, she doesn’t change her tune.

Notes On A Scandal is certainly a character driven film. Judi Dench is so aptly able to conceal her creepiness that it isn’t inconceivable to think of people falling prey to her wits. She performs a memorable role, reeling the audience in so they desire to see to what lengths this obsessed stalker appearing a good friend is willing to go. Judi Dench proves herself a gifted actress and deserves the Oscar for Best Actress if ever anyone has. Cate Blanchett displays a sort of effervescent vulnerability that draws attention like the most fragile yet awe-inspiring flower. I certainly cannot imagine anyone disagreeing with her pulling off a win at the Oscars as well.

Acting aside, many other aspects of the film deserve mention. Patrick Marber, and his screenplay adaptation of Zoe Heller’s novel, accomplished what many try and few are able to do: Voice-over narration. Many times voice-over comes across as distracting and fail to really add to the film. However, Marber was able to write Barbara’s narration in such a way to allow a glimpse into the thoughts of Barbara in a way that further developed her character instead of distracting from it. I tend to hate films with a lot of voice-over and find it ruins an otherwise decent film. To write such delectable introspection in the form of voice-over is a rare talent and Marber should be proud of his accomplishment.

Notes On A Scandal is a disturbing drama that should be on everyone’s Must See list.