Notes on a Scandal
Barbara Covett, an unhappy, bitter, and lonely teacher (Dame Judi Dench), is nearing retirement and is hated by both her students and colleagues. She spends most of her time alone in her apartment taking care of Portia her cat and writing. Barbara writes harsh and unfavorable comments about Sheba Hart’s behavior and clothing when she joins Sheba Hart’s high school art class as the new teacher. Barbara assists Sheba with two difficult students and Sheba is grateful to her for inviting her to lunch. Sheba presents Richard Hart, her ex-college professor and husband (Bill Nighy), to Sheba. Sheba is twenty years younger than Sheba. Sheba also introduces Polly (Juno Temple), her teenage daughter who rebels against her mother and Ben Lewis (Max Lewis), her Down’s Syndrome son. Barbara is drawn to Sheba but discovers Sheba has an affair with Steven Connolly (15-year-old) and Barbara hides this secret from her school headmaster. Barbara plans a Machiavellian revenge on Sheba after Portia is killed and Sheba doesn’t stay in Barbara’s vet office to see Ben for a play. This creates scandal and turmoil in their lives. –Claudio Carvalho, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Director: Richard Eyre
Actors: Andrew Simpson, Bill Nighy, Cate Blanchett, Judi Dench, Juno Temple, Michael Maloney, Phil Davis
Country: United Kingdom
