Revenge of the School Marm
by Flick Chick Vique
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Notes on a Scandal earns 4 Red Vines for being adult drama at its best |
A few minutes into Notes on a Scandal I leaned over to my companion and said, “Didn't everybody have one of those?" I was referring to Judi Dench's character in the movie: cool, composed, critical; the aging school marm who could break up a fight just by appearing on the scene. But I hope I was wrong…very wrong to assume any of us had a teacher like Judi Dench's "Barbara."
In Notes on a Scandal, a pottery teacher (Kate Blanchett) has an affair with one of her young students. During one of her trysts Dench spies her upon quite haphazardly. But instead of reporting Blanchett to the authorities, Dench agrees to keep her secret under the guise of friendship after securing a promise that Blanchett will terminate the affair immediately.
What unfolds is an odd work-friend relationship between the two teachers. But when Dench finds out that a weak willed Blanchett did not end the affair, tensions between the two reach a fever peak. And when Blanchett chooses a family function over consoling Dench on the loss of her pet, things spiral out of control with ugliness.
Like a story ripped from today's headlines of predatory female teachers, this tale holds no heroes. Blanchett does a wonderful job of portraying a free spirit withering from the responsibilities of family life. A fairly good, normal wife and mother who, in a weak moment, makes a horrible decision from which she can't escape.
And Judi Dench! Wow! How can such a sweet, grandmotherly face hold such venom! She is unsurpassed in her portrayal of a lonely spinster of questionable moral motives.
The supporting cast shines but this is primarily a 2-woman show. And what a show it is. Both women are sure to be nominated come Oscar time.
Notes on a Scandal is a riveting adult drama that will keep you on the edge of your seat. The amazing part is that you'll do so even though you won't really have anyone to root for. Not even the child at the center of it all.
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