Notes on a Scandal
Saturday, Maya went to a sleepover birthday party at her best friend Jackie’s house. Ted and I took the opportunity (free babysitting! Is it called that when your baby is almost 11?) to go see a rated ‘R’ film, with dialogue, sex, and intrigue. Specifically, we saw “Notes on a Scandal“, with Judi Dench and Cate Blanchett. I’ve got one word for you…Oscar. (Both are nominated, Dench for leading roll, Cate for supporting) Judi Dench gives a chilling performance as a British schoolteacher (Barbara), who befriends the new art teacher, Sheba (played by Blanchett), and becomes obsessed with her.  Barbara witnesses a tryst between Sheba and a 15 year old pupil, and they are drawn into a twisted relationship, with Barbara having the power of her knowledge to hold over Sheba, who has not only her career to lose if her affair becomes known, but also her family. She is married to Richard (Bill Nighy, who also gives a fairly amazing performance), and they have two children. Dench reminded me of nothing so much as a spider, seeing an opportunity, and taking it, not caring who gets harmed in the meantime.
I won’t go into more detail, because I want you to get a sitter (if you have kids) and go see this film. The acting and directing were amazing, and it was a chilling tale of obsession and passion.  Two thumbs up. Â
13 Comments
Py Korry
Those characters were twisted on so many levels, but certainly got us talking about their motives for acting the way they did.
curiositykiller
Oooo.. I wanted to see this movie ever since the trailer came out — I’ll drag a guy friend along. He’ll go in screaming and kicking, but probably come out pleasantly surprised.
curiositykiller
oh, btw, I “sorta” tagged you – if you have already done that meme….
Ml
Sounds like a great movie! Thanks for the recommendation.
Beenzzz
That sounds like an awesome movie. I really like Cate Blanchett!
christie
oooh! I so want to see that!
Autumn's Mom
I like Cate also. Sounds like one for Netflix. My movie buddy IS my 12 year old. haha
Wendy
My mom was raving about this one – i cannot wait to see it – oh, and Little Children? STILL not playing anywhere near here – unreal..
Lalunas
I have only heard good things about this movie. Got to go and see it.
starshine
Oooo! Thanks for the recommendation! I definitely want to go see this. So many films that I want to see before the Oscars.
Oscar parties are the new Super Bowl parties, don’t you know?!
Gina
I wanted so see it, but so little time!
Cherry
Movies with Sex and intrigue and twisty characters? Sounds interesting… going in the queue.
Lotus
I read the book and I so want to see the movie! I also have “Little Children” and “King of Scotland” on my list of “must-sees” – oh when, oh when am I going to be able to make time to see them all?