About Notes on a Scandal

Notes on a Scandal is a 2006 British psychological thriller-drama film, directed by Richard Eyre and produced by Robert Fox and Scott Rudin. Adapted by Patrick Marber from the 2003 novel by Zoë Heller, the plot revolves around the intense relationship between lonely, older woman Barbara Covett (Judi Dench) and her younger, art teacher colleague Sheba Hart (Cate Blanchett), who is having an affair with a 15-year-old student.

Making / Production

The film was shot in London over a twelve week period. Richard Eyre, known for his work in theatre and television, directed the film. Patrick Marber, who has written for both stage and film, adapted the screenplay from Heller's novel. The film was co-produced by BBC Films and DNA Films.

Actors

• Judi Dench as Barbara Covett: Delivers a powerful performance portraying a lonely, old schoolteacher ensnared by her own manipulative schemes.
• Cate Blanchett as Sheba Hart: Effectively portrays a younger, naive and vulnerable art teacher who becomes prey to her colleague's manipulations.
• Bill Nighy as Richard Hart: As Sheba's husband, Nighy’s impromptu performance peaks during his confrontation with Blanchett regarding her affair.
• Andrew Simpson as Steven Connolly: Balanced portrayal of Sheba's student with whom she has an affair, showing a complex mix of adolescence and maturity.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• The film is based on the 2003 Man Booker Prize shortlisted novel "What Was She Thinking? [Notes on a Scandal]" by Zoë Heller.
• Judi Dench actually wrote letters as Barbara, in character, to Cate Blanchett.
• Newcomer Andrew Simpson beat out hundreds of candidates for the role of Steven Connolly.

Awards

Notes on a Scandal received four Academy Award nominations including Best Actress for Judi Dench, Best Supporting Actress for Cate Blanchett, Best Adapted Screenplay, and Best Original Score.

Quotes

• "When one is in a long standing relationship, the sexual appetite can become something of a paradigm."
• "People like Sheba think they know what it's like to be lonely. They cast their minds back to the time they broke up with a boyfriend in 1975. They're idiots."

Music, Soundtrack

• The original score was composed by Philip Glass, known for his minimalism style. The soundtrack adds dramatic tension to the film.
• Notable tracks include "The Promise", "A Life Lived Alone", and the haunting "Notes on a Scandal".