Noteworthy Scandal

Notes On A Scandal
Judi Dench, Cate Blancett
Directed by Richard Erye

One of the best films 0f 2006 mostly fueled by searing performances from its two leads Judi Dench and Cate Blanchett, Notes on A Scandal is a top-notch dramatic tale of obsession and desire.

Dame Judi Dench gives an exquisite performance as an overbearing and scheming elderly lesbian, Barbra Covett, whose love for her objects of desire very often borders on the side of maddening fixation. And it's no different with new teacher colleague, Sheba Hart, played by Blancett. There begins Barbra's intense feelings toward Sheba until she discovers Sheba's infidelity towards her husband by having an affair with a 15-year-old teenage student. Dench's character then works to keep the friendship with Sheba by emotionally blackmailing her. Dench's performance is every bit riveting and powerful as her expressions fully convey her strong will to make Sheba hers by going all the way out. Barbra must be the one of the most repulsive lesbian stalker on screen.

Cate Blancett is very competent as the weak-willed Sheba who gets herself into a dilemma that threatens to destroy both her career and family. While she juggles to keep her secret, prevent her family from falling apart and placating the elderly Barbra, her character seemingly has to either relent to Barbra's demands or head straight into her arms.

While the film contains not even an onscreen kiss between the both, the scene where Barbra tries to seduce the helpless Sheba by feeling down her hands is enough to invoke lust and sensuality.

This is truly a masterful film with solid acting performances. (A)