Notes On a Scandal-A Review

Judi Dench gives a rivetting performance as Barbara Covett. The malicious and acerbic teacher of a London school, who rules her students with a heart of ice.

The story of the film revolves around Barbara's warped and cynical view of life which touches every facet of her enclosed world and colours the life of those who come into contact with her.

Cate Blanchett plays the whimsical yet manipulavite Sheba Hart. A woman who feels that her life has become to pedestrian and longs for excitement this comes in the shape of her student Andrew Simpson. One is left to wonder who seduced who?

The underlying theme is Barbara's growing obsession for the beautiful Sheba and the betrayal she feels when Sheba fails to meet Barbara's litmus test of perfection.

Through Barbara's acidic wit we see the foibles and failures of her victims and yet Barbara fails to recognise that it is envy that is the driving force of her embittered heart.

The movie reaches towards its climax as Barbara's hold over Sheba tightens and the twisted love Barbara feels for Sheba remains unspoken between the two of them.

There are no heroes in this complex story of human nature with a twist. The only sympathy I felt went to the deceived husband and the betrayal of Sheba's family.

It is an excellent movie starring two great actors of this century Judi Dench and Cate Blanchett.