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What are your favourite scenes in Notes on a Scandal?

posted 8 years ago by PeachMelba
6 replies | jump to latest

Just about every scene and dialogue with Dame Judi Dench as Barbara are my favourites, due to her pointed and ascerbic commentary. I particularly like the scene in the school staff room when Barbara quickly addresses the misconceptions of the staff about 'inflation' and the accomplishments of Sheba's esteemed father. It highlights Barbara's underlying intelligence, refinement and fastidiousness, as well as underscoring the implied incompetence of her colleagues.

Now, over to you.. Let's discuss!

[–] WestEndNiceGuy 8 years ago

I'm a huge fan of almost every scene Judi Dench is in - her dialogue is just delicious. But my favorite:

I love it when the male teacher comes to Barbara's house to find out if Sheba is interested in him, and Barbara says "you want to know if Mrs. Hart is willing to commit adultery with you?" And moments later, once she inadvertently reveals that Sheba is into "the younger man...surprisingly young...", she lets that information sit for a beat before saying "I believe the kettle is boiled..."

[–] PeachMelba 8 years ago

she lets that information sit for a beat before saying "I believe the kettle is boiled..."

Yes, she let's the information sit for just long enough so that it registers, but cleverly changes the subject just quick enough to let him stew on it without any closure from her! She is wicked :)

This is one of my favourite quotes: By the time I took my seat in the Gods, the opera was well into its final act, and I also like the scenes at the vet, although they are sad, they show that there is a real human beneath the devious and widely misunderstood Barbara Covett (but, I am biased!).

[–] julierom 8 years ago

I like all the scenes with Judi Dench. I fast forward through the scenes between Sheba and that manipulative kid. I loathe that boy. Creepy kid.

[–] PeachMelba 8 years ago

I fast forward through the scenes between Sheba and that manipulative kid. I loathe that boy. Creepy kid.

Haha, yes Julierom, he is creepy, and conceited. I should fast-forward those scenes too! I love the tone in Judi Dench's voice throughout that movie, so scathing and 'superior'. She has inspired a new fanhood in me and I now take more notice of the films she is in. I particularly like The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel too, and might have to buy it on DVD.

[–] isaacglover_05 8 years ago

When Sheba realises that Barbara was the one that spilled the beans on her affair. She just goes off at her and I get goosebumps when Sheba says "I was the only one that cares but that's because nobody told me you were a *beep* vampire'
Cate and Judi were so good on screen together! Loved this movie

[–] Future_Games 8 years ago

I love the scene when Barbara sees Sheba and Steven in the classroom. It's incredibly unsettling how she peers between the pieces of paper stuck to the window.

You keep on reminding me of a darkness only I can see