Director: Richard Eyre
Starring: Judi Dench, Cate Blanchett and Bill Nighy
‘A Meaningful Masterpiece’
Not many actors have made movie that satisfy audiences like Bill Nighy. Ever since his rise to fame in the 1990’s, Nighy has becomes a bold icon. Whether it’s caring fathers, aging seniors or corrupt police officers, Nighy has portrayed countless strong characters. Arguably, Nighy’s best strength as an actor has always been his strong commitment towards craft. He is one of those rare actors which has always poured his heart and soul into every role. Even when he is not the main focus of a movie, Nighy has commonly left a strong impression. A commemorated actor that has produced films which are British, Nighy has made timeless movies which audiences cherish. Although he is most well-known for his iconic role in the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise, Nighy has proven he can excel in every genre. Throughout his commemorated career, Nighy has made many memorable films tackling strong themes that are definitely worth talking about without a doubt.
I’m a huge fan of Nighy and adore all the films he has made in his career. However, “Notes on a Scandal” is my favourite. Released in 2006, Richard Eyre’s movie offered a strong portrait of teacher scandals. Packed with captivating production, engaging storytelling and powerful acting, it’s one of the best movies ever made about scandals. At the centre of it all is a bold performance by Bill Nighy, who embodies a husband whose wife becomes the victim of a scandal. Ultimately, what makes “Notes on a Scandal” a masterpiece is its universal appeal. Unlike most movies about scandals, it tackles strong themes that everyone would relate to. A riveting masterpiece about scandals, there are are many reasons why “Notes on a Scandal” is worth watching.
“Notes on a Scandal” tells a story of a high school teacher that becomes involved in a shocking scandal. Cate Blanchett portrays Sheba Hart, a veteran high school teacher devoted to her art. Sheba has always had a talent for managing her profession being a teacher with charisma. However, Sheba’s life drastically changes when she becomes the victim of a scandal causing disaster. Sheba starts a forbidden romantic affair with Steven, one of her most beloved students. As Sheba’s forbidden affair comes to the attention of her husband Richard (Bill Nighy), she experiences obstacles which terrify. Faced with a stressful scandal, Sheba questions her devotion toward a profession that she had once considered to be special.
Richard Eyre has always been fascinated with the themes of extramarital affairs. His iconic movie “Iris” captured an author that engaged in extramarital affairs causing disasters. With “Notes on a Scandal”, however, Eyre created his first ever scandal drama. It was Eyre’s first attempt to capture the lives of teachers facing scandals causing catastrophe but he pulled it off effectively. Using stunning cinematography, Eyre captures a teacher that becomes centre of a scandal causing an adversity. Inspired by Alexander Payne’s “Election”, Eyre successfully uses handheld camera to capture teachers in a scandal that cause tension. For instance, the handheld camera enhances the extra-martial affair scene. During this unforgettable scene, Sheba begins her forbidden affair with one of her students causing tension. Using hand-held camera, Eyre captures teachers in a dilemma. Handheld camera is complex. Gore Verbinski’s “Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest” suggested handheld camera enhances pirate movies. Nevertheless, it works tremendously in this film. Using stunning visuals, Eyre captures scandals that are frightening.
Another bold aspect of “Notes on a Scandal” that deserves appreciation is the production. From a technical perspective, the movie is very well made. Evoking Peter Weir’s “Dead Poet’s Society”, Eyre effectively uses the settings of schools to capture teachers that face tragedy. For instance, the setting of the school elevates the scandal discovery scene. During this tense scene, Barbara is shocked to discover Sheba’s extramarital affair in her school. Using school settings, Eyre creates a portrait of education that’s compelling. Moreover, the musical score is magnificent. Philip Glass’ music is key to the success of the movie. It gives the movie tense atmosphere capturing the heavy burden which teachers in an affair bear. Through exceptional production design, Eyre captures teachers that face decline.
Storytelling is one of the reasons why “Notes on a Scandal” is a movie about scandals that’s compelling. The film is beautifully written, and effectively uses silence to capture the lives of individuals affected by scandals. For instance, silence elevates the farewell scene. During this heartbreaking scene, Shelba bids sad farewell to her student after their affair comes towards a tragic end. Using sequences of silence, Eyre creates a portrait of scandals that audiences relate to. Silence is a tricky technique to use in movies. As Autumn de Wilde’s “Emma” proved, silence suits Jane Austen adaptations. Richard Curtis’ “Love Actually” proved silence elevates Christmas movies. Nevertheless, it works well in this movie. Through an excellent screenplay, Eyre captures teachers in scandals that face a price to pay.
One appreciates amazing performances.
Bill Nighy delivers one of his greatest career performances as Richard Hart. Nighy earned appreciation for playing aristocratic figures in British dramas. With “Notes on a Scandal”, however, he took on his most complex role. It isn’t easy to portray the husband of a wife in a scandal, but he succeeded tremendously. This is the actor unlike you’ve ever seen him before: intense, charismatic and emotional in his most iconic role. Nighy has often excelled at playing emotional heroes under pressure, and “Notes on a Scandal” showcased his strengths as an actor. With engaging expressions, he conveys the angst, grief and resentment of a husband in a broken marriage. It’s a bold performance by one of the most commemorated actors on Hollywood today.
While the film is mainly a stunning showcase for Bill Nighy, the supporting cast is fantastic and worthy of appreciation. Cate Blanchett is captivating, bringing regret to a woman that engages in scandalous affairs that leave her upset. Judi Dench is dazzling, bringing sense of curiosity to a woman that discovers affairs causing adversity. Lastly, Andrew Simpson is worthy of appreciation. As a young student in scandals, he is unforgettable.
Finally, “Notes on a Scandal” would earn the appreciation of everyone for capturing lives of teachers in a scandal. Unlike most films about scandals, it tackles powerful themes everyone will relate to. It discusses strong themes such as angst, determination and scandals that will resonate with everyone. Viewers don’t need to be familiar with scandals to appreciate it. The film delivers a bold message on scandals that resonates with everyone. Therefore, “Notes on a Scandal” is one of those rare movies about a scandal everyone will adore.
Fans of Bill Nighy would appreciate “Notes on a Scandal” and so would movie-goers seeking heartfelt entertainment. A captivating classic about painful scandals, it honours an actor that is iconic.
Nearly 20 years following the release of a groundbreaking film about teachers that become the victim of a shocking sex scandal, it’s a powerful reminder of a commemorated actor that has built a lasting legacy through his abilities to portray compelling characters in unforgettable movies which audiences consider special.
5/5 stars
The Film Buff 