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| Movie Review: Notes on a Scandal Alternate Title: Obsession
Story: Women behaving badly
makes for delicious and juicy storytelling. This outstanding and nerve wracking film directed
by Richard Eyre (Iris, Stage Beauty) with
a screenplay by Patrick Marber from the 2003 book by
Zoe Heller is filled with melodrama. It is the stuff of which
day time soaps are made. And I loved every riveting scene stealing minute
of it. What could be more fun than watching two of the
best actresses on today's screen dueling it out. Sheba is a beautiful
new art teacher who is caught in flagrante delicto with a 15
year old student by battle axe history teacher Barbara. The deceptions
begin. How Barbara insinuates herself into Sheba's life and family,
how she manipulates, fantasizes and obsesses is engrossing film making. The story is filled with passion, sexual repression,
lurid details, scandal, inappropriate behavior and forbidden liaisons.
How sweet it is. The voice-over, which normally bothers me - was
sheer perfection. Did I believe the story? Who cares? It was delectable
and thoroughly entertaining. Bravo! Acting: Judi Dench delivers another
knock your socks off performance. She exposes every line and wrinkle
in her beautiful crusty face. She was glorious. I think Cate
Blanchett is the best actress on screen today and she was outstanding
as the fallen art teacher. She glowed. Bill Nighy,
as the beleaguered husband is fabulous as is the entire supporting cast. Predilection: I like both Judy Dench and Cate Blanchett
and think that director Richard Eyre treats women on screen as well
as Pedro Almovodar.
Critters: A sick kitty named Portia.
Food: A Christmas meal or two.
Blatant Product Placement: Krispy Kreme
Soundtrack: An amazing and edgy track by Philip
Glass
Opening Titles: Simple type.
Visual Art: Some drawings by the young male student
and some bad pottery.
Theater Audience: Packed on opening day.
Weather: The weather was surprisingly good for London.
Sappy Factor: 0
Quirky Meter: 0
Squirm Scale: This topic might bother some people
but not me.
Drift Factor: Not for a nanosecond.
Predictability Level: High
Tissue Usage: 0
Oscar Worthy: Absolutely
Big Screen or Rental: Treat yourself to the big screen
for this scope of melodrama and acting.
Length: Under two hours.
LOBO HOWLS: 9
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