Notes on a Scandal

Judi Dench and Cate Blanchett act up a storm in this creepy psychological thriller that lies somewhat in the vein of Fatal Attraction. Dench stars as Barbara Covett, a veteran teacher at a public high school in London and a strict disciplinarian to say the least. She’s the kind of authority figure that commands attention as soon as she enters a room. Blanchett plays the school’s new art teacher Sheba Hart, whose docile attitude practically invites misconduct from the rambunctious students. Barbara effectively takes Sheba under her wing, while secretly growing a rather dangerous affection for her. She conveys all of this in her many diary entries, which eerily serve to narrate the picture. The plot takes a dramatic turn when Barbara catches Sheba having an affair with a student and finds a way to work this to her own advantage. Judi Dench, who is exceptional in whatever she does (as her plethora of Oscar nominations indicate), is in complete control of this frighteningly delicious role. It’s the best (and scariest) portrayal of a female psychopath since Kathy Bates in Misery. Blanchett is also outstanding, starting off as a rather meek and gullible victim of Barbara’s manipulation, but then grows steadily into a freight train of nerves as her character is pushed closer and closer toward the edge. Bill Nighy provides some wonderful supporting work as Sheba’s older husband, and Philip Glass’s unrelenting score beautifully drives the film down its spiral of desperation. Zoe Heller’s novel, adapted by playwright Patrick Marber (Closer), could easily have been the source for a great grade-B thriller; however, the story has been elevated by a taut script and two of the best performances of the year.

Directed by Richard Eyre.
Written by Patrick Marber.
Starring Judi Dench, Cate Blanchett, Bill Nighy and Andrew Simpson.

Rated R for language and some aberrant sexual content. 92 min.

**** so says The Fish