Many films claim their subject matter is going to stir up some scandal...or at least spark a healthy debate, but in today’s “we’ve seen it all before” world, this is a big claim to make!  It is hard to find a subject too shocking or too taboo for audiences who embrace films of rampant violence, meaningless sexuality and even recreational use of hardcore drugs.  When a film actually manages to find material that goes beyond these newly acceptable norms, it seems more often than not, that it does so in an overblown fashion...as if taking it to the level of exploitation and ridiculousness will take the edge off.  But not many films go where Notes On A Scandal goes...

It takes guts and skill to tackle the subject of statutory rape, especially when the act takes place between a teacher and her student.  It seems that in recent years, true life accounts of such behavior are entirely too frequent, and in each of these cases the public at large is eager to stand at the base of the gallows and watch the perpetrator swing; so you can see how an explanatory, if not sympathetic, story of such acts could rile up those who have proclaimed themselves “guardians of the moral compass”.  This, however, is exactly what Notes On A Scandal does; sincerely, straight-forward and with no apologies...with a delightfully menacing twist thrown in.

Cate Blanchett plays Sheba Hart, the young and inexperienced new teacher at Barbara Covett’s (Judi Dench) school.  Well, it might not “technically” be hers, but Covett certainly views it as such, maintaining a strict pattern of discipline and an awareness of all goings-on that borders on the tyrannical.  She has been in this school far too long for any new upstart to steal her thunder, no matter how friendly, beautiful and well-meaning...and if this new-comer should happen to falter, you can bet she will be there to capitalize on the situation.

Mrs. Hart on the other hand needs a friend; someone to guide her through this new faze of her life and mentor her in her new career choice.  But her new position as teacher isn’t the only stress in her life, adding to a stagnant marriage, two children of her own, one with the special needs of down-syndrome, and the relatively young age at which she was swept into it all.  She feels lost and more than a little alone in all this...  When these stresses lead Hart hesitantly into an illegal sexual relationship with one of her students, it doesn’t escape the attentions of the ever-watchful Covett for very long.

Covett has been slowly warming to the new teacher...watching her closely and embracing the purity of her guanine desire to help her students.  Perhaps there is something between the two of them that could spawn a friendship...or something more.  But before the twisted paths of Covett’s psyche can be fully explored, she catches the young Mrs. Hart in the most compromising of situations...with a student.  A choice must be made; to turn in the blossoming object of her affection and watch her secret and disturbing dreams for the two of them die, or to use this circumstance to her advantage and bring the pretty and helpless teacher into her confidence. 

What follows is a downward spiral for both of these women, as their personal and professional lives turn into a complete shambles.  While each is being punished for their own sins, they discover the truth behind the actions of the other...not all of which will be easy to swallow.  As the world around them crumbles to dust, each one fights to remain in control of not only the situation, but the hopes they hold for the future.

Notes on a Scandal has some of the best writing I have seen in a film in recent years...something it shares with the last film I reviewed, “The Queen”.  Also like that film, Notes presents some of the finest actors currently working in roles that demand no less than perfection.  While Cate Blanchett is no slouch of an actress, and brings an infallible belief in her character to the role of the troubled teacher which convinces us all to go along for the ride with her and leave our judgment behind, it is Dame Judi Dench who effortlessly continues her domination of the acting game. 

Seeing this wizened actress portray such a twisted and nefarious character as Barbara Covett gives me a new found appreciation for her talents and range, and only with her unique talents does the character manage to stay this side of unbelievable.  At times in the film Dench acts as our narrator and manages to convey just as much emotion and conviction as when she is onscreen, which is telling as to the extent she puts herself into a character.  With a powerhouse and explosive turn up by one of my favorite actors, Bill Nighy (Shawn of the Dead, Still Crazy), as Sheba Hart’s 20+ years senior husband, there is enough talent credibility in this film to carry ten Hollywood productions!

I enjoyed immensely the fact that we are allowed to pass our own judgment on the child-endangering teacher, and that some political agenda or another isn’t forced down our throat.  When I think of a movie set to stir up a debate, this is how I think it is best done.  With a clear villain set in place alongside Blanchett’s troubled character, it is much easier to think clearly about the whole thing, as an outlet for our discomfort, anger and disgust already exists.  With the witch-hunting left to a bare minimum, we can peer much more closely at the mitigating factors leading up to her missteps and decide whether the punishment she faces in the film is fitting or not.

There are some bonus materials attached to the film including a behind the scenes, a making-of, and a handful of “webisodes” which appeared as publicity for the films release.  Although I wanted very much to see a little more about what inspired this film and delve a little deeper into the filmmakers intentions, I must say that the featurettes are surprisingly bland.  Each repeating the last almost verbatim, there is much talk about getting into character and the strengths of the acting talent (hey...that’s my whole review!) and not much more.  Luckily the film speaks volumes for itself and lengthy explanations are just not necessary to its success.

Notes on a Scandal is exactly the sort of film that is fun to talk about afterwards...to pick a side and defend it against friends and family.  Heck, it may even change the way you yourself look at some of the particulars of these cases.  In any event, this is the sort of film that filmmakers set out to make, but most are too cautious to really attempt.  A dynamite cast and crew lend the whole production the air of dignity it needs to stand against its critics and the close minded, and in the end it succeeds in sparking what could easily become a wildfire of thoughtful insight.

-aaron-