Notes on a Scandal (2006)

I am not sure why this movie is so good, maybe it is the acting, but I really enjoyed it. In Notes on a Scandal, a weathered high school teacher becomes obsessed with the school's new, younger art teacher, who herself becomes entangled in an affair with a 15 year old student. The plot of this movie seems kind of slow and is on the depressing side, but the director and cast do a terrific job of making this movie absolutely captivating. Dame Judi Dench plays the meddling spinster who is desperately hoping for a companion. It is unclear throughout whether or not she is actually a lesbian, but that just adds a deeper level to the amazingly complex character this Oscar winner excellently portrays. Fellow Oscar winner Cate Blanchet plays the new teacher caught up in an elicit affair and in the schemes of her so-called friend, and she does so wonderfully. It is becoming increasingly clear that Blanchet is one of the best actresses to ever grace the cinema, a young Judi Dench, if you will. Almost every performance she delivers is magnificent, and almost every time she is in a film, her role is nominated for a myriad of awards. Notes on a Scandal is a very British movie, at times I had trouble understanding what they call English, but it is really enjoyable. The director does two really interesting things with this film. First of all, much of the movie is narrated by Judi Dench, who is reading what her character has been meticulously writing in her latest journal. It really helps the plot to progress and gives the viewer a keen insight into her neurosis. When you hear that Kate Blanchet is having an affair with a 15 year old, it makes you think that she is the villain of this film, but as it turns out, Judi Dench is the one who has the real problems and is far more detestable. Second, throughout the entire film, a very interesting selection of background music is playing. It really helps Notes on a Scandal to progress, it keeps the movie flowing seamlessly. My wife and I both really liked this film, and while it is not one that I would normally watch multiple times, it is the type of movie that I would like to have in my own personal collection. I would recommend this film to anyone, as long as you are interested in watching a movie with a deep plot rather than one with a lot of action. I give Notes on a Scandal 4 stars.