Notes on a Scandal (2006)

O An excellent must-see
X Good video rental
O Mediocre
O Rent something else

Review by Jason Pyles / October 4, 2007

“Notes on a Scandal” is a sad yet alarming tale about debilitating loneliness. Most of the characters suffer from (and for) this affliction, in one way or another. And the acting performances are so authentic, we truly believe that we are witnessing real, hurting people.

As a critic, I’m usually careful to not give away too much in the plot summary, but considering the conservative tastes of Flix Club renters, you should know — up front — what this movie entails: “Notes on a Scandal” is about a female teacher who becomes intimately involved with a 15-year-old male student; and, about another, much older female teacher who has romantic inclinations toward the younger, aforementioned female teacher.

“Sheba” Hart (Cate Blanchett) is a first-year Art teacher at a high school in London. (This character’s full name, Bathsheba, was no doubt selected for its Biblical parallels.) Sheba’s presence in the school seems to affect students and faculty alike in “Bathsheba-like” ways. Sheba is married to a much older man (played by Bill Nighy), and she has two children: an atypical son with Down’s Syndrome and a typical teenaged daughter.

And though she seems so, Sheba is not perfect. When one of her 15-year-old students continues to make advances toward her, Sheba eventually submits and begins a pedophilic affair.

Barbara Covett (Judi Dench) is a seasoned History teacher, who seems bitter, but she secretly struggles with profound loneliness and an affinity toward women. Barbara has affections for Sheba that are, again, to use a Biblical adjective, unseemly. When Barbara finds out about Sheba’s secret, she tries to strategically use the revelation to obtain her wishes.

This edited version of “Notes on a Scandal” is devoid of depictions of sexuality and nudity, though we do briefly see Cate Blanchett wearing a bra. One line of particularly descriptive dialogue is cut off in the middle. And the editor has been careful to cut away from scenes where Blanchett kisses the boy, though it is evident what is about to happen.

“Notes on a Scandal” and its themes, I suspect, will not be for everyone. But as far as its performances and dramatic quality, it is a fine film.

Directed by Richard Eyre
Judi Dench / Cate Blanchett / Bill Nighy
92 min. Drama
(Original MPAA rating: R)
Edited version age recommendation: 16 and up

DVD release date: April 17, 2007
Copyright 2007.
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