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Why I love Notes on a Scandal

by
scribegrrrl

Notes on a Scandal was released on DVD this week. I'm not sure I'll actually buy the disc, but I did love the movie. There. I've said it.

Much has been written, here on AfterEllen and elsewhere, about the "negative lesbian image" of scheming schoolmarm Barbara Covett (Judi Dench). I agree that she's not doing us any favors as far as media representations go. And I do think that's an important issue. Percentage-wise, there are way too many lesbian psychos in movies. That's just a fact.

But it's a fact I sometimes happily ignore. Because when I watch movies, I'm not just a lover of women. I'm also a lover of many other things: suspense, horror, drama, exceptional acting. I'm even a lover of something you might call trash, be it unabashed prurience, unflinching sadism, or stylized I-shot-Marvin-in-the-face masturbatory shlock. Trash can sometimes, in the right hands, rise to the level of art. Notes on a Scandal has an exquisitely trashy element — a seedy, pulp novel feel — and Cate Blanchett and Judi Dench knew exactly how to handle, cradle, fondle it. That's why I found the film thrilling, upsetting, and ultimately satisfying.

Doesn't that matter? Putting aside the question of how lesbians are represented in the media, doesn't it matter that I as a consumer and viewer am interested in, and entertained by, stories that might be said to represent the margins of human experience? To me, that's one of the great things about being gay: We've had to get past notions of "normal" in order to figure out who we are, and as a result, we're often willing to explore other kinds of so-called deviations. Not for ourselves, necessarily — I really hope I have nothing in common with Barbara Covett on a personal level — but for the intellectual and emotional rewards of pondering mind-opening provocations, curiosity-heightening challenges and even wince-inducing affronts to everything we hold decent.

That's why I've always liked movies about lesbian psycho killers, with the possible exception of Butterfly Kiss — and again, I'm making a personal exception there, not a political one. (It just kind of depressed me.) Ultimately, I believe that it can be useful and even edifying to cross over to the dark side for a couple of hours. I realize that the heterosexual male gaze (and its accompanying box office dollar) is often seeing something else entirely during those same hours, and I agree that sites like AfterEllen should and can point out and combat that problem. But I'll still be willingly drawn in by — even when I'm also sickened by — virtuosic portrayals of women like Barbara Covett and Aileen Wuornos. There's a reason they call it "profoundly" disturbed: When someone like Judi Dench brings it to life, disturbing can be dazzling. It can move you.

Even if you're a dried-up old spinster.

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    • Submitted by
    scribegrrrl
    on April 19, 2007 - 11:00pm.
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    Zoetrope's picture

    Barbara Covett

    Submitted by
    Zoetrope (16 posts)
    on April 19, 2007 - 11:02pm.
    I agree with your take. Zoe Heller said this of Barbara: “I never felt that Barbara was malevolent through and through like a stick of rock. It’s a post-menopausal woman pointing out something about the invisibility of her age. Particularly single women without children, without property. It’s a protest against the hostility that those women encounter.” To critique the character of Barbara as just another "negative lesbian image" oversimplifies the complexity of her character and what Barbara embodies: loneliness. IMHO, her loneliness trumped her so-called sexual identity. At times, it seemed like the director was intruding upon his own film - somehow not trusting the brilliance of the acting. An example of this other than the heavy-handed soundtrack, occurs in the final scene: there was no need for a new "victim" to sit down, next to Barbara Covett on the park bench.
    cosmiccowgirl's picture

    the ending

    Submitted by
    cosmiccowgirl (464 posts)
    on April 20, 2007 - 1:29am.

    I LOVED the ending. Not sure that it should be given away here, but since Zoetrope already did it...

    The ending really defied the usual fate of the evil lesbian. Barbara is just starting the whole cycle all over again. She hasn't paid much of a price or been punished or killed like your typical lesbian psycho, but is instead allowed to happily pursue a new "girlfriend"--all while the straight Sheba is rotting in jail.

    I think way too much has been made of what a bad lesbian stereotype Barbara is. She's so delightfully perverse, so charmingly bizarre. In the hands of a less adept actor, maybe it would have bothered me, but the character was so nuanced and interesting I'd much rather her represent me than some cardboard cut-out "positive" lesbian. I have just recently been going through all the movies with lesbians in my Netflix queue, and I have to say that out of Red Doors, Eulogy, Loving Annabelle, Southern Belles, and several more, Barbara Covett was by far my favorite lesbian character!

    Also, scribegrrrl, I think your assessment of NOAS is spot on. Great post!

    Beckychr007's picture

    Visibility is most important

    Submitted by
    Becky C. (85 posts)
    on April 19, 2007 - 11:48pm.

    I agree.

    Like the slogan of AfterEllen "Visibility Matters."

    I do not think we should take the position that Sydney Portier took in regard to visibility of African-Americans in movies--he would only play uplifting positive characters. As a personal decision that is fine--but I know it was not the right move for African-American actors generally.

    Any visibility in meaty true good roles is good. And I do believe along with increased visibility in those roles the good girl/positive roles do come along.

    I realize the problem with the stereotypes. But, even with those I don't think is good to condemn them. It is important to point out that they are stereotypes--made for the male gaze--male kink appeal--playing on male fears. But, I don't think they should be condemned. Of course, I like them sometimes for their camp--not to mention sometimes the fetish appeal:)

    But, even the male kink increases visibility and acceptability--both with men and straight women. Along with these it is importnat to have an ongoing dialog and critique-- what is going on and what it is really like and bring up the differences with the reality. But, if fosters acceptance and likability of lesbians as a whole, then I think it is a positive thing.

    danieller's picture

    notes...

    Submitted by
    Danielle Riendeau, Contributing Writer (15 posts)
    on April 20, 2007 - 12:08am.
    What's most interesting about this film is actually the lack of the male gaze - at least, in its most obvious, frequent incarnation. The character and viewpoint most central - and most important to the story- is a woman (a twisted one, sure) And while I'd never condone the use of stereotypes (in.. anything), I'd also like to avoid a world wherein every gay character is an oversimplified, 1 dimensional hero. I think we'd all like to see complicated, nuanced portrayals of lgbt characters, whether they're of the good or evil persuasion.

    but really, there's also nothing wrong with liking a little trash. I'll confess... I love Basic Instinct. I know how awful it is, but I love it anyway. It's so ridiculous that I can't imagine anyone ever taking it seriously.

    locachica's picture

    So far we're only focusing on the lesbian in the movie....

    Submitted by
    locachica (106 posts)
    on April 20, 2007 - 1:06am.
    Let us not forget that Cate Blanchett's character is not a shining example of heterosexuality either. I agree with what was said, that sometimes I watch films as more than a lesbian.  This movie is a guilty pleasure, if you will.  I think we've come a long way. If this movie had been made 10 years ago, I may have been upset about Barbara Covet. As it is, I'm not. I'm content just to watch two of the most brilliant actresses the silver screen has ever witnessed.
    cosmiccowgirl's picture

    yes,

    Submitted by
    cosmiccowgirl (464 posts)
    on April 20, 2007 - 1:41am.
    I think that's part of why the movie doesn't bother my political sensibilities. There's no straight couple that wins out over the lesbian. Straight sexuality is just as perverse, or moreso, in the film as gay sexuality.
    dirty third's picture

    i hated it

    Submitted by
    dirty third (27 posts)
    on April 20, 2007 - 5:33am.
    on many levels. To start with, I didn't care about either character. Maybe I'm really the stereotypical uptight gay woman ;-) but I am bothered by teacher - (underage) student affairs. It wasn't very valid for me why Sheba had to go for the student, but, hey. Then the whole stalker angle, ugh. It's true that I may have a hard time empathizing with a non-young, non-"sexy" character (shallow much?), but if there's gotta be a stalker I'd prefer it be young and sexy. So as far as I am concerned the movie is about a whiny pedophile and an old hag stalker, and, as well acted as it was, I couldn't wait for the credits to furking roll.
    kessia's picture

    I have to admit, I have not

    Submitted by
    kessia (5 posts)
    on April 20, 2007 - 7:05am.

    I have to admit, I have not seen the movie and I just do not think I will for the reason DT offered. I am deeply bothered by the abuse of position of power, probably because I have a deep affinity for consentuality. It is not possible in such a relationship for the student/client etc  to offer "real consent"

    best,

    kess

    jennifer from pittsburgh's picture

    BK

    Submitted by
    jennifer from p... (1160 posts)
    on April 20, 2007 - 6:24am.
    I just saw 'Butterfly Kiss' a month ago and I sooooo wanted to like it, but ultimately not so much. Although, no one plays mentally unstable the way that Amanda Plummer does. Now, there's a dinner party guest.
    brazen's picture

    dinner party guest???

    Submitted by
    brazen (75 posts)
    on April 20, 2007 - 11:01pm.

    Heck, you'd always be listening out for a hint of a "jangle" with one eye on the knife drawer....

     While it was a shock/horror plot, Amanda Plummer & Saskia Reeves were bloody good in it!

    Queen Bea's picture

    May I?

    Submitted by
    Queen Bea (92 posts)
    on April 22, 2007 - 2:53pm.

    What about Angela Bettis in "May"? Now there's unstable for you.

    "I told you to face the WALL!"

    or

    "I bet you got some cold ones in there!"

    "Yes, I do."

    She could go toe-to-toe with Amanda Plummer. Now, there's a dinner party. Not one that I'm going to host anytime soon, mind you...

    jennifer from pittsburgh's picture

    Oh c'mon, May was classic!

    Submitted by
    jennifer from p... (1160 posts)
    on May 10, 2007 - 9:04pm.
    Oh c'mon, May was classic! You loved it, you know you did.
    TheWeyrd1's picture

    Butterfly Kiss...eeeeewwwwwww

    Submitted by
    TheWeyrd1 (395 posts)
    on April 20, 2007 - 11:36am.
    So a couple of years ago I joined Blockbuster Online and proceeded to have my own personal Lesbian Film Fest. For one year, at 3 DVD's a week, followed by another 9 months of 1 DVD a week, I plowed through their entire online catalog... I saw everything, (though to be fair, I did throw in a few gay flicks and Xena Series DVD's and Jody Foster films cause she does have a few lesbian scenes so they count!) and I have to say Butterfly Kiss was THE WORST EVER film. It was awful. It was so awful, I wish I'd never seen it and I'm pretty forgiving when it comes to lesbian flicks. Some films are so bad they are good...but not BK...ewwwwwwwww...it was just bad!
    Zoetrope's picture

    Oops!

    Submitted by
    Zoetrope (16 posts)
    on April 20, 2007 - 2:34pm.
    Forgive me! I was tired and wasn't thinkin' spoiler alert! Good point re: the ending Cosmic. Even though I dislike "tidy" endings, you're right: ultimately, Dench's character was not "punished" for her desire in the old school way. I liked this film because there was no one character you were supposed to "like" or sympathize with - investing in a character by disinvesting makes the audience work harder. What repulses, also attracts/seduces. Dame Judi Dench and Cate Blanchett are brilliant actors so I would be hardpressed to skip one their films. Danielle, you mentioned the "male gaze" - I wonder if one could argue that Dench's character to some degree, appropriated the "hetero male gaze" or interiorized the "hetero male gaze"? It would be interesting to analyze how "the gaze" in genreal works as a component of stalking or the mechanics of Desire in NOAS. Cheers!
    dirty third's picture

    investing in a character by

    Submitted by
    dirty third (27 posts)
    on April 21, 2007 - 4:34am.

    investing in a character by disinvesting makes the audience work harder

    or turns them off ;) all I could say at the end of the movie was "what a shitty situation". There was no particular contrast. I did enjoy the bit where Sheba finally stroke back, but that was too little for me. I disinvested in both cases and all the movie gave me was a headache.

    anasazi's picture

    Why I love Notes on a Scandal...

    Submitted by
    Anasazi (22 posts)
    on April 20, 2007 - 3:27pm.

    Three words: Dame Judi Dench. She's truly the most gifted actress alive. Or do you know of anybody else who could play a writer suffering from AIDS and James Bond's ball-breaking boss?

    All hail the beautiful Ms. Dench. 

    "The more I'm afraid of something, the more I know I have to do it." JL

    Courtney's picture

    Watching movies...

    Submitted by
    Courtney (13 posts)
    on April 21, 2007 - 8:28pm.

    Once again Scribegrrrl you prove you just soooooooooooo get it! "Because when I watch movies, I'm not just a lover of women. I'm also a lover of many other things.....There's a reason they call it "profoundly" disturbed: When someone like Judi Dench brings it to life, disturbing can be dazzling. It can move you. "  That about sums it up for me. 

    I look forward to all your recaps and "blog" comments - keep 'em coming

    caseyremy's picture

    Please list movies where lesbians are normal people

    Submitted by
    CaseyRem (2 posts)
    on April 30, 2007 - 12:05am.

    Okay so everyone has all sorts of reasons why this movie was not homophobic....yes Cate Blanchett, Judi Dench....my absolute favorites...incredible actors...we all agree on that.......which for me makes this movie even worse....it lends so much credibility to this tired, same old, stalker, lonely, empty, lesbian story.

     Did anyone here see Children's Hour.....? Kind of a remake isn't it? The same old 50s sicko lesbian story or am i missing something?

    Yes, there are more dimensions to this story, yes more complexity, yes great acting....but as a lesbian, my god! I'm tired of watching a movie about lesbians being sick, empty people.

    So what I'm wondering from all of you who did not think this was somehow a statement about lesbains and how messed up they are ....please name mainstream movies that actually represent normal, healthy lesbians.

     Maybe I'm just not renting the right movies???

    poetes's picture

    normal lesbians in films

    Submitted by
    poetes (80 posts)
    on April 30, 2007 - 1:19am.
    Imagine Me and You is a cute movie. I just saw it on HBO this weekend. The women are very normal in my opinion.
    pyc2star's picture

    yeah i agree  i got the

    Submitted by
    K (139 posts)
    on April 30, 2007 - 1:45am.

    yeah i agree

     i got the chance to see "imagine me and you" in the theatre and loved it. also "saving face" is a great funny lesbian movie that is just awesome through and through..

    "red doors" is another good one. i didnt like it as much as imagine/saving face but it is still pretty good.

    "eulogy" is a great movie. while it is not a lesbian movie there are lesbian characters that are really well rounded. the same can be said for "whats cooking"

    TheWeyrd1's picture

    so many lesbian flicks...what's normal again?

    Submitted by
    TheWeyrd1 (395 posts)
    on May 10, 2007 - 8:39pm.
    During my 2 year personal lesbian film festival I saw so many flicks I forgot what was normal...

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