Notes on a Scandal (2006)
Crime, Drama, Romance |
Notes on a Scandal is a British psychological thriller-drama film directed by Richard Eyre and produced by Robert Fox and Scott Rudin. Adapted from the 2003 novel of the same name by Zoë Heller, the screenplay was written by Patrick Marber. The film stars Judi Dench and Cate Blanchett and centres on a lonely veteran teacher who uncovers a fellow teacher’s illicit affair with an underage student.
It was nominated for four Academy Awards – Best Actress, Best Supporting Actress, Best Adapted Screenplay, and Best Original Score.
Barbara Covett is a history teacher at a comprehensive school in London. A spinster nearing retirement, she has contempt for her students and fellow teachers. Her only comfort is her diary. When a new art teacher, Sheba Hart, joins the staff, Barbara is immediately attracted to her. Sheba is married to the much older Richard, and is just re-entering the work force after devoting herself to her special needs son.
Barbara later witnesses Sheba in a sexual encounter with a 15-year-old student named Steven Connolly at the school. When Barbara confronts her, she recounts all the details of her involvement with the boy, but Sheba asks her not to tell the school administration until after Christmas, as she wants to be with her family. Barbara claims she has no intention of reporting her, providing Sheba ends the illicit relationship immediately, but Barbara secretly plans to use the affair as a means of manipulating Sheba.
Director: Richard Eyre
Writers: Patrick Marber (screenplay), Zoë Heller (novel)
Stars: Cate Blanchett, Judi Dench, Andrew Simpson, Bill Nighy, Joanna Scanlan, Michael Maloney, Tom Georgeson
Cast:
| Judi Dench | … | Barbara Covett |
| Cate Blanchett | … | Sheba Hart |
| Tom Georgeson | … | Ted Mawson |
| Michael Maloney | … | Sandy Pabblem |
| Joanna Scanlan | … | Sue Hodge |
| Shaun Parkes | … | Bill Rumer |
| Emma Kennedy | … | Linda |
| Syreeta Kumar | … | Gita |
| Andrew Simpson | … | Steven Connolly |
| Phil Davis | … | Brian Bangs |
| Wendy Nottingham | … | Elaine Clifford |
| Tameka Empson | … | Antonia Robinson |
| Leon Skinner | … | Davis |
| Bill Nighy | … | Richard Hart |
| Juno Temple | … | Polly Hart |
| Max Lewis | … | Ben Hart |
| Debra Gillett | … | Lorraine |
| Barry McCarthy | … | Dave |
| Julia McKenzie | … | Marjorie |
| Adrian Scarborough | … | Martin |
| Jill Baker | … | Sheba’s Mother |
| Diana Berriman | … | Marcia |
| Alice Bird | … | Saskia |
| Benedict Taylor | … | Eddie |
| Miranda Pleasence | … | Eddie’s Wife |
| Jonathan Speer | … | Vet |
| Stephen Kennedy | … | Mr. Connolly |
| Derbhle Crotty | … | Mrs. Connolly |
| Catherine Drew | … | Newsreader |
| Anne-Marie Duff | … | Annabel |
| Alex Argenti | … | Christmas Shopper (uncredited) |
| Gabrielle Brooks | … | Choir Member (uncredited) |
| Kevin Hudson | … | Teacher (uncredited) |
| Denzil Kwabi | … | Denzel (uncredited) |
Sources: imdb & wikipedia