Notes on a Scandal

As the book by Zoe Heller was such a well written peice, it was almost ready to become a film, and with two powerful female leads set to play the main characters Sheba and Barbra, i held this film in high expectations. Although i was not under the influence the film would be true to the book as a whole, i was highly disappointed by the lack of similar events. From the very first scene the film has changed itself so far from the book that it is a completely different film. Dench and Blanchett offer superb characters with the correct about of sexual tension, anger and unease between them. However the novel offered a much more subtle view of Barbra's obession, compared to the film, where right from the begining she appeared obbsesive. With the film even having added moments such as accounts of a restraining order against Barbra and the final scene where Barbra meets a new friend who is similar to Sheba in every way. Overall the whole film was poor. If i had not gotten so attached to such a well written book it may not have been a dissapointment, however if you enjoyed the book, avoid this film.

If Dench was the all-seeing, dominant and assertive Matriarch as M in Bond, then she is surely the diametrically opposed character in Notes On A Scandal; furtive, obsessive and ultimately unpleasant spinster - Barbara Covett. Hers is a life of social desolation and her first-person commentary, acting as a beautiful narrative, splendidly illustrates the bleak emptiness of her existence. Her blind fury at young people, the education system, life in general, is so utterly realistic, you find yourself squirming with disgust at her very word. Fantastically done.

Blanchett has rather less to work with in terms of parameters, but is also unhappy as Sheba Hart, whose life has become a treadmill since a whirlwind start to her adult life. Regardless of this slightly contrived backdrop, one finds the Hart story is completely plausible, the whole sordid mess spiraling out of control, until Covett intervenes.

It's 5 out of 10 on value for money because of the extortion racket that is your local DVD rental store. It's not a 9 or a 10 because I think it could immerse itself yet further in the subject matter, and be even more daring, perhaps controversial. But I imagine its packaged as well as one could hope for, for it to have been released on the big screen and to have attracted such a fine cast. Don't miss it.

Then its breakneck gripping drama, very fast-paced for what is largely a two-person thriller. Sure the support cast are worth their weight in gold, Nighy especially; yet you find you want to witness the confrontation to this enthralling saga. I'll say no more about what happens, as it is an entirely delicious drama, using often taboo-rated subject matter, and it achieves what is a superlative result.

It is no wonder whatsoever there was a lot of interest in this at the time, and all the nominations for all the various awards are truly merited. Dench for my part could well have given one of her best ever performances here. Blanchett does her career no harm either.

A real good meaty drama for those wet weekends.