NOTES ON A SCANDAL d: Richard Eyre
Directed by Richard Eyre, Notes on a Scandal is a must-see for those who enjoy a cleverly-constructed plot that explores human relationships to the core.
Jaded older teacher Barbara Covett (Judi Dench) contrives to ensnare young and beautiful new teacher Bathsheba Hart (Cate Blanchett). In the meantime, 15-year old student Steve Connolly (Andrew Simpson) entices Bathsheba into a turbulent affair, while Sheba’s husband (Bill Nighy) and children all tear at Sheba’s loyalties.
Credible characters fill Patrick Marber’s clever script: The management-minded headmaster, the happily pregnant young teacher, the older feeble staff member with vain hopes of attracting the new filly in the staff room, the unruly and unquenchably energetic pupils in noisy classrooms and playgrounds, in addition to the defiant quips of the teacher past her prime.
The dramatic events found in Notes on a Scandal are impregnated with cohesive symbolic themes, scenes, and characters ranging from biblical and literary connections (e.g., the choice of the name “Bathsheba”) to mirror images of power relationships (e.g., the older teacher intent on seducing the younger one, while recoiling in horror at similar behavior from her supposed protégée). The superb cast captures unforgettable moments of stillness in which we follow their changing thoughts as they negotiate their way through tumultuous relationships.
Inextricably combined within the action is Philip Glass’s excellent music score, which mirrors the heightened passions and beliefs of the characters. At times, the music combines classical style and form with intriguingly complicit inner themes of darker suspense.
In sum, this gripping, tightly-designed, superbly acted drama is not to be missed.
© Rosemary Westwell
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Judi Dench was delicious in this film, too bad everyone was so intent on finally giving Helen Mirren a long overdue Oscar to recognize Judi Dench for one of her very best performances.