Notes on a Scandal (2006)

[7]

Judi Dench plays a cranky old teacher who befriends a new, younger teacher played by Cate Blanchett. Blanchett quickly confides in the older woman and thinks she’s made a new friend. But Dench’s aims are more sinister than that. After Dench catches Blanchett in an extra-marital affair with an underaged student, she uses the knowledge to emotionally manipulate Blanchett. As Blanchett enters crisis mode, she realizes all too late that Dench is no friend. She’s a spider luring a new fly into her web.

Notes on a Scandal is bit like a British lesbian version of Fatal Attraction, but without the boiled bunny or bloodshed. Blanchett showcases her vulnerable side while Dench gives us a look at her rarely seen dark side. Through sarcastic narration, we know from the start Dench’s character is a bitter, lonely woman. But she’s not completely forthcoming in her self-presentation. As other characters uncover disturbing pieces of the puzzle, she emerges as a true movie villain. While neither woman is completely likable, it’s amusing to watch them tear their world apart. The unreliable narrator component adds a fun layer of sophistication, too. Bill Nighy is great as Blanchett’s husband and Philip Glass (The Hours, Candyman) provides a beautifully moody score. With Juno Temple.

Oscar Nominations: Best Actress (Judi Dench), Supporting Actress (Blanchett), Adapted Screenplay (Patrick Marber), Score (Philip Glass)