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Notes on a Scandal, a review by Jon

Notes on a Scandal
4 out of 5

I felt compelled to highlight this film. You may read the overview or even the reviews and feel that although it may be worthy of all the praise, it doesn't really appeal. A short (87 minutes) British drama about a school teacher's affair with a pupil doesn't leap out as essential viewing, but it really is.

This film is worth seeing for several reasons. The note perfect acting from the whole cast is one, the sublime writing another, but I enjoyed it almost as a thriller. That's the last thing I thought I'd be describing it as, but Judi Dench portrays such a potent menacing threat as Barbara it certainly comes very close. And like the best villains, Barbara doesn't know herself.

That's what is so good about the writing; the plot is often advanced by what is not said, rather than by what is. A great deal of the tone is provided by Barbara and her diary (the titular "Notes"), written in beautifully descriptive language, but unusually for narration, it isn't the voice of the film. Her problems are very clear to the viewer. Also other angles are emphasised by overheard comments from supporting characters who aren't always on screen.

It's a very adult film. Concise, to the point, with clear distinct lines and tackling moral issues head on without any sugar coating. A masterclass in screen acting, I couldn't recommend it as an enjoyable story because it's a grim situation, but it's engrossing. And Judi Dench is scary!

(From Notes on a Scandal on November 4th, 2007)

Hors de prix, a review by Tom

Hors de prix (2006/France) IMDb | Wikipedia Icon Home Entertainment (United Kingdom) Director: Pierre Salvadori Writing: Length: 102 min. Video: Anamorphic Widescreen 2.35 Audio: French: Dolby Digital 5.1, French: Dolby Digital 2.0 Stereo Subtitles: English

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Stars:Plot:
Set against the wildly atmospheric backdrop of the French Riviera Jean (Gad Elmaleh), a shy young bartender is mistaken for a millionaire by beautiful scheming opportunist Irene (Audrey Tautou). Abandonned when she discovers his true identity, a love-struck Jean has no intention of letting someone this gorgeous get away! Jean's comical attempts to gain Irene's affections gradually evolve to him setting himself up as a gigolo at the luxury hotel she is staying at...and then the fun really begins. A sexy and thoroughly charming romantic comedy, if you love Breakfast at Tiffany's you'll love this.

Extras:

• Deleted Scenes
• Featurettes
• Scene Access
• Trailers

Alone the hotness of Audrey Tautou in this movie makes watching it worthwhile
She is worthy to be the modern Audrey Hepburn.
And the movie itself is funny, too. It's supposed to be a modern take on "Breakfast at Tiffany's", but as I haven't seen it for awhile and don't remember much about it, I cannot confirm or deny it. I really should rewatch my Hepburn movies one of these days.



Rating:

(From Tom's Random Reviews on April 1st, 2009)

"Due South" marathon, a review by Tom

1.12 Hawk and Handsaw (1995-01-19)
Writer: Paul Haggis (Created By), David Shore (Story By), David Shore (Screenwriter), Paul Haggis (Screenwriter)
Director: George Bloomfield
Cast: Paul Gross (Constable Benton Fraser), David Marciano (Detective Ray Vecchio), Beau Starr (Lt. Harding Welsh), Daniel Kash (Detective Louis Gardino), Tony Craig (Detective Jack Huey), Catherine Bruhier (Elaine), Michael Riley (Walter Sparks), Kate Trotter (Nurse Unger), Terri Hanauer (Dr. Farmer), Deborah Rennard (Dr. Esther Pearson), Shay Duffin (Father Behan), Phillip Jarrett (Danny), Ann-Marie MacDonald (Psychologist), Graham McPherson (Dr. Martins), Aron Tager (Nelson), Chris Leavins (Jim), Tyrone Benskin (Mr. Shawl)

A fun episode. Fraser does not seem out of place in the loony bin at all

Rating:

(From "Due South" marathon on July 15th, 2009)