Yeah, of course that's not my favourite film...
My favourite film
There is a lot of film which I like. Some of them I have seen and forget immediately after seeing. Some of them I have been remembered. One of the films which belong to this category is Notes on a Scandal.
The film is about domineering and solitary teacher Barbara. She is very lonely in her life, which is understandable, because she is also unpleasant and very strict. One day a beautiful, young and modest new teacher Sheba starts work in the high school, where Barbara teaches. Sheba is very charming, so lonely Barbara befriends her. What Barbara doesn't know is that Sheba has a husband, two children and secret romantic relationship with a student from the school. What Sheba doesn't know is that Barbara is not completely mentally healthy. Barbara wants to help Sheba to escape from the daily routine full of care of her son who has Down's syndrome. When Barbara finds out Sheba's relationship with the student, she uses the situation to make their friendship closer and closer, so she can influence and control her life. When their friendship seems to be at risk, Barbara decides to divulge Sheba's secret. The result is that Sheba's husband expels her from the house. Sheba has no place to go, but Barbara is very glad she can offer her Barbara's house. But there is something that can make things much worse as well as solve them. Barbara writes her diary. She entrusts everything her diary Sheba's secret included.
The film is based on excellent acting performance of Judi Dench and Cate Blanchett, who were cast in the lead role. The story is very interesting and current. According Zoe Heller, who has written the book which inspired the filmmakers, the story is about normal life which turns into a nightmare, and that's something that can happen to anyone.