Scandalous

I recently watched one of those "showcase for acting" movies, Notes on a Scandal. The acting in this case is by Judi Dench and Cate Blanchett (with a significant supporting role played by Bill Nighy).

Jumping to the end, I'm going to end up recommending this movie. I also think it's one of those movies where the less you know about it, the better; so I'd rather not add anything to what you might already know, particularly not just what the "scandal" in question is. Let's just say it's a contemporary tale in which Judi Dench plays a character who insinuates herself as a confidante for Blanchett's character when a moment of crisis befalls her.

It's a very quiet and carefully written piece. What's especially compelling about it is that Dench's character has some very particular motivations of her own in this story, and even though she is the narrator, those motivations aren't made clear until some time into the drama. When finally the truth is revealed, it unifies quite nicely with the plot -- this entire movie is a study in what happens when people attempt to satisfy personal desires in deeply unhealthy ways.

The acting is great, across the board. It is the nature of these characters that none can come off particularly sympathetic. (Well, perhaps Bill Nighy's.) Frankly, they could come off as something close to monstrous if not handled deftly by Dench and Blanchett. You may not identify with their actions, but you do identify with the feelings.

But because you can't really empathize, the movie isn't all that moving on an emotional level. I found that I could recognize the truth of the film, and certainly appreciate its craft (particularly on an acting and writing level), but it's not the sort of movie that gets you caught up.

I'd still recommend Notes on a Scandal. It's not a "you'll laugh, you'll cry" kind of movie, but you will think. I rate it a B.