"I could gain everything by doing nothing."

Notes on a Scandal - this movie was delightfully wicked, deliciously disturbing and very much lived up to the hype that swirled around my brain. Dame Judy Dench is excellent. She is superbly oblivious to the reality that surrounds her. Cate Blanchett is touching, reviling and understood.

The movie unfolds from Judy Dench's point of view. She is caustic and witty when she writes in her journal. Even though the movie is narrow the edges are plain. The audience knows there is something off. Judy is Barbara and Cate plays Sheba.

Barbara and Sheba meet at school. Barbara is an old battle ax and Sheba is fresh meat - an airy art teacher. They become friends. Sheba is married to an older man and has two children. Barbara lives alone with her cat. Barbara eventually learns that Sheba is having an affair with one of her students a 15 year old boy.

The movie spins and dives. It is engaging and frightful. I highly recommend this film. It is delicious. No other words are needed.