I was drawn to Notes on a Scandal by its three stars -- Judi Dench, Cate Blanchett and Bill Nighy -- who are among my favorite actors. There is enough material here for a very good movie. Unfortunately, this is not it. The script borders on the melodramatic, and the performances likewise. I could not get past the fact that it was Judi, Cate and Bill up there, I never really was convinced that any of them had become their characters. Bill Nighy has one fine explosion scene that demonstrates he is capable of parts beyond what he has been playing, but the others seem to be competing for who can be the most dramatic, Judi with her strange, wacko spinster teacher and Cate with her ditsy blonde bombshell.
In addition, let's face it, there is a heavy ick factor to the story and it's difficult to watch, especially if you have children or other young relatives the age of the boy in the story. I had hoped this film would be Oscar worthy but it misses badly, and Notes is going to have trouble finding an audience.
In addition, let's face it, there is a heavy ick factor to the story and it's difficult to watch, especially if you have children or other young relatives the age of the boy in the story. I had hoped this film would be Oscar worthy but it misses badly, and Notes is going to have trouble finding an audience.