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Notes on a Scandal By Harry Forbes Catholic News Service NEW YORK (CNS) -- "Notes on a Scandal" (Fox Searchlight/DNA) is a lurid but skillful melodrama set in England. It concerns lonely history teacher Barbara Covett (Judi Dench), who takes an unhealthy interest in the newest member of the staff: an attractive younger art teacher, Sheba Hart (Cate Blanchett), who's married to an older professor (Bill Nighy) and has both a son with Down syndrome and a teenage daughter. When Barbara learns of Sheba's reprehensible affair with a determined 15-year-old student, Steven Connolly (Andrew Simpson), she agrees to keep it secret in the hope of fostering Sheba's dependence on her. Richard Eyre directs playwright Patrick Marber's adaptation of Zoe Heller's award-winning book, "What Was She Thinking: Notes on a Scandal," with Hitchcockian flair, while taking care not to glamorize the seamier plot elements. There's also a pulsating score by Philip Glass that heightens the suspense. Though Dench is a manipulative villain (her point-of-view narration underscores the story), she skillfully delineates her character's sense of isolation, making her a monstrous but pitiable creature. The themes may rule out the film for many, but for those who approach the plot as the astute psychological thriller it is, they'll appreciate two actresses at the top of their game. The film contains some rough, crude and profane language, domestic violence, adulterous affair with underage boy including some kissing, innuendo and obsession. The USCCB Office for Film & Broadcasting classification is L -- limited adult audience, films whose problematic content many adults would find troubling. The Motion Picture Association of America rating is R -- restricted. Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian. - - - Forbes is director of the Office for Film & Broadcasting of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. More reviews are available online at www.usccb.org/movies. END Copyright (c) 2006 Catholic News Service/USCCB. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or otherwise distributed. CNS · 3211 Fourth St NE · Washington DC 20017 · 202.541.3250 |
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