Notes on a Scandal
| Directed by: | Richard Eyre |
|---|---|
| Written by: | Patrick Marber |
| Cast: | Cate Blanchett, Judi Dench |
| Studio: | Fox Searchlight Pictures |
| Genre: | Drama |
| Official Site: |
Notes On a Scandal is pure, unadulterated melodrama - but when it's so expertly crafted as this one, it's easy to turn a blind eye to just how ridiculously over the top the story really is. This is a deliciously dark, tightly paced, and magnificently acted piece of filmmaking that, despite the difficult subject involved, is actually a lot of fun to watch.
The film received Oscar nominations for both Cate Blanchett and Judi Dench, and I can tell you that both actresses delivered truly amazing performances. Dench, in particular, is extremely effective as a heartbreakingly lonely woman with her own personal agenda. She manages to maintain an element of sympathy despite her vicious intentions. And Blanchett is equally as compelling as the woman who, following a horrible mistake, finds herself at the center of Barbara's crusade.
The technical aspects are also rock-solid, with crisp cinematography and a haunting score by Phillip Glass, which gives many of the final scenes a tremendous dose of suspense.
As I stated before, the story itself is very over-the-top, but everything else works so well, I think you'll be able to look past that, especially given the insane talent involved. If you're looking for a great psychological thriller, do yourself a favor and pick this one up.
