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Today, my darling man released me from my domestic duties and sent me off to the movies for a treat. So I am happily able to bring you a review of a film that is actually playing in cinemas. Hooray! Hope you enjoy it!

“Notes On A Scandal”
Directed by Richard Eyre
Starring Judi Dench and Cate Blanchett
Playing at Village Cinemas

There are two types of actor; those who turn the character into themselves and those who turn themselves into the character. The former is the more common of the two and Producers with an eye for the box office frequently cast to “type” to guarantee bums on seats.
The latter is a much rarer breed, for they are the true crafts-people of their profession. Rarer still is when two such actors are cast in the same film. Judi Dench and Cate Blanchett are two such actors and as they are both box office “heavy weights” Notes On A Scandal is a triumph of casting.
Set in a London High School Judi Dench plays Barbara Covett head of the history department. Barbara is a desiccated spinster of ambiguous sexuality, not popular, but respected for her intelligence and experience. When Sheba Hart, the new art teacher begins work at the school, Barbara develops a serious crush. Sheba, (Blanchett) worn out from taking care of her teenaged daughter and her ten year old down syndrome son, is caught in a marriage that has lost much of its spark. She embarks on an affair with a fifteen year old student which is discovered by Barbara who reveals herself to be a master manipulator. Barbara inveigles herself into Sheba’s life making herself an indispensable and bosom friend, but when Sheba does not support her during a time of crisis, Barbara feels utterly betrayed and as the saying goes “hell hath no fury…”
We are so used to Dame Judi being “good” in films that we forget how “good” she actually is and it is a long time since I have seen her in a role that really stretches her abilities as this film does. It is a completely honest performance, shot without flattery, which gives a chilling insight into the world of the desperately and despairingly lonely. Blanchett is beautiful, transparent, vulnerable and unsuspecting. The pair fairly crackle in their scenes together.
The narration of Babara’s journal entries throughout the film is a device that has doomed many a lesser film to failure, but works effectively in this case.
Based on the novel by Zoe Heller, the screenplay by Patrick Marber is exceptional. It is the sort of film that the Brits do better than anyone. Not having read the book I do not know how far we have strayed from the original, but Notes On A Scandal is reminiscent of the John Fowles novel The Collector. Both works intrinsically understand that the capture of their unsuspecting prey relies on an intimate knowledge of human nature. The ending too has a “Fowlesque” quality and perhaps herein lies my only criticism. Dench paints such a complete portrait of this woman, of her habitual and destructive behavior, that the conclusion feels a little clumsy and unnecessary. However, it is a small point and does not materially diminish the calibre of this movie.
It is difficult in a film of this nature to raise the stakes to the necessary level. Director Richard Eyre hits the mark perfectly and aided by a wonderfully tense score, the audience is not let off the hook for a second.
Blanchett and Dench are helped along by a superb supporting cast. Bill Nighy as Harts cuckolded husband is excellent, as is Andrew Simpson, who plays the young student who seduces and is seduced, by his teacher.
Notes On A Scandal is expertly filmed, although there is nothing about it that demands a big screen, so it will translate to DVD very well. If, however you are looking for a movie to see at the cinema you will not be disappointed with this choice. It is solidly shot, well written and flawlessly performed. There is very little else you can ask for in a film. I give it 8 1/2 out of 10.