Judy Dench is magnificent as the appropriately named Barbara Covett, an older teacher at a London high school. She is big on discipline and cynicism, and her ferociousness keeps both the students and staff in line. Novice art teacher Sheba Hart (Cate Blanchett) joins the staff, “making ripples in the stagnant pond”, and Barbara is one of the many people at the school who is attracted to her. We know of Barbara’s secret desires as we have access to her nightly journal entries that have filled volumes of notebooks over the years.
Although Sheba is married with a couple of children, the shrewd spinster who seems to have a history of cultivating special friendships wastes no time in bringing her obsession to fruition. Dench’s character is incredibly lonely and she is impervious to the inappropriateness of her fixation. However hers is not the only inappropriate attraction in this intriguing tale in the film.
When Barbara hears of Sheba’s dissatisfaction with her marriage and discovers that she has “a room of one’s own”, she is certain she has found a kindred spirit. But beneath the pathetic older woman’s misguidedness lies the volcanic rage of years of thwarted passions. This, coupled with a supremely calculating mind, makes Dench’s character totally unforgettable.
Based on the novel by Zoe Heller, music by Philip Glass has gives the narrative a dark and disturbing undertone. Don’t miss this film about illicit love.
Notes on a Scandal is 96 minutes and screens at most cinemas.
