film: notes on a scandal

[L2R]

film: Notes on a Scandal

d: richare eyre

s: judi dench, cate blanchett

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0465551/

Anyone seen this yet? The trailer looks awesome.

The plot revolves around a lonely old woman who manipulates Cate Blanchett's character for companionship through blackmail when she witnesses the younger woman's secret affair with a student of hers.

I'm looking forward to see Judi Dench's work as a psycho.

 

[L2R]

I saw this when bl was down.

A superbly made drama was not quite as tight and thrilling as i'd hoped for. But then the film built up the suspense to such a degree that i was thinking it'd climax in a skyscraper top axe fight leaving the judi dench impaled some way or another. Having a realistic ending came across as a bit of an anticlimax.

but truth be told, the trailer contained the entire plot and best parts.

i hate film trailers. but i wouldn't have seen this if i hadn't've seen the trailer, but then the trailer spoils the film.
oh what a dilemma!
3/5


EITHER watch the trailer OR watch the movie.


edit: horrible colour removed

 

[(Wordy)]

Saw it last night... I found it taut and chilling: 4.5/5 from me. I hadn't seen the trailer, but I had read a couple of short reviews, so I vaguely knew what to expect, but certainly not enough to ruin the experience.

Dench is absolutely spellbinding as usual, and Blanchett was impressive, although I thought maybe she was over-reaching in some of the final scenes. The Philip Glass score was a real feature too - strings used with Hitchcock-like effect during the pivotal sequences, counterposed with timely doses of synthesised strangeness.

 

[wanderlust]

adding the poll.

 

[Ravr]

Loved it. Judi Dench is a great actress.

I might just pick up the book.

 

[Infinite Jest]

^
Yes, +1. But don't read anything about it or see the trailer, as Lefty said. It kinda ruins it. I went in not knowing anything much about it, so it was fascinating to watch how it developed, especially Dench's character.

 

[SA]

This is one of the films I wanted to catch at the Toronto Film Festival last year, but didn't (can't remember if it was because it wasn't showing or if I simply coudn't make it). I finally had a chance to see it. With time, or perhaps on second viewing, the initial impression may wear off. After first viewing, however, this film has left me genuinely satisfied. The language, the score, the characters, all captivating and near flawless. I haven't read the book, so I can't tell how much, if anything, was left out, as is usually the case with these screenplays. It felt complete though. Complete and very satisfying.

"People like Sheba think they know what it is to be lonely. But of the drip drip, long haul, no end in sight solitude. They know nothing. What it's like to construct an entire weekend around a visit to the laundrette. Or to be so chronicly untouched, that the accidental brush of a bus conductor's hand sends a jolt of longing straight to your groin. Of this, Sheba and her like have no clue." - Barbara Covett (Judi Dench)

Two very powerful female actors compliment each other incredibly well in Notes on a Scandal, rather than compete for or try to steal each other's spotlight. Superb job!

Easy five stars from me.

(no trailer and no book here)