Notes on a Scandal Trivia

1. When Barbara writes about Sheba's appearance in her journal, what does she say her complexion resembles?

From Quiz Notes on a Scandal

Answer: peach

Judi Dench plays Barbara, a spinster school teacher who becomes enamored with the newest teacher at her school, Sheba Hart (Cate Blanchett). Throughout the movie, Barbara's journal entries are used to narrate the story. Upon her first encounter with Sheba in the school yard, Barbara seems interested in the details of Sheba's appearance - from her odd wardrobe to her hair color to her flawless complexion - all of which she pens meticulously in her diary and the viewer can hear through the narration.

From Quiz Notes on a Scandal

Answer: Judi Dench

Barbara Covett is manipulative, lonely, and obsessive. Her character is the one who narrates the film. Judi Dench has been in many films including "Pride & Prejudice", "Mrs. Henderson Presents", and many of the James Bond films. She comes from England.

From Quiz Notes on a Scandal

Answer: lasagna

Barbara is excited for the invitation since she spends all of her time outside of school alone. To prepare for her visit to the Hart household Barbara buys a new suit and has her hair done. She wants to look her best but look like she isn't trying to impress. However, at the house Sheba's daughter Polly immediately asks Barbara why she is so poshed up and Barbara lies saying she has an appointment later that day. When Barbara is walking up the front steps to the Hart's home, you hear her thoughts, saying that lasagna doesn't agree with her bowels and she'll only ask for a small helping. During dinner Polly catches her rearranging her lasagna to hide it under her salad.

From Quiz Notes on a Scandal

Answer: bicycle

The Hart family owns a Volvo wagon but Sheba rides her bike everyday to school. The bike even has a basket on the front handle bars.

From Quiz Notes on a Scandal

Answer: Steven Connolly

Steven Connolly is her 15 year old student. The actor who plays Steven, Andrew Simpson, was actually 17 when this film was made. He initiates the affair in the beginning and decides to end it when Barbara pushes Sheba really far.

From Quiz Notes on a Scandal

Answer: hat

Sheba's son Ben has Downs Syndrome and she is making him a costume for his role in the school play. Steven puts on the wizard's hat that Sheba is making for Ben and this upsets her. She explains to Steven about Ben's condition and you can see at this moment she is torn, thinking about her family and the consequences of her actions.

From Quiz Notes on a Scandal

Answer: Barbara

Barbara is so obsessed she saves one of Sheba's hairs and puts it in her diary. Barbara holds the secret of Sheba's teacher/student affair and uses it to manipulate Sheba. In the film Barbara says that by them sharing a secret it's connecting them.

From Quiz Notes on a Scandal

Answer: Art

She really has no prior teaching experience but confesses to Barbara that after 10 years of caring for her son, Ben, she was ready to try something different. Sheba is a talented artist but is unfamiliar with teaching children and her students run roughshod over her for the first few weeks. Barbara advises her to show no fear to her students and she'll earn their respect.

From Quiz Notes on a Scandal

Answer: picture frame

Barbara's one companion is her cat, Portia, so Sheba gives her a beautiful silver picture frame with Portia's name engraved on it. Barbara is truly touched. Days later, Barbara discovers that Portia is very ill and shortly after Christmas must have her ethanized. Barbara asks Sheba to be with her at the veterinarian's office when Portia dies but she can't - Ben has his play that day and Sheba must be with her family. This enrages Barbara and as revenge for this slight, she confesses to a fellow teacher that she has heard rumors of Sheba's affair with a student. This starts an absolute storm of controversy in the Hart's lives, as Sheba is arrested.

From Quiz Notes on a Scandal

Answer: Barbara answers Sheba's cell phone.

Barbara is over for tea at the Hart residence when she sees a male figure sneaking into Sheba's art studio in the back. She thinks at first it is a robber but then it dawns on her that the affair is still going on. At that moment, Sheba's cell phone rings and even though both woman try to grab the phone, Barbara answers it and it is Steven on the other end asking when she is coming out to see him. Barbara is furious for being lied to and gives Sheba an ultimatum - end it now or Barbara will tell Sheba's husband about the affair.

From Quiz Notes on a Scandal

Answer: Portia

Barbara lives alone, well almost alone, she has her cat to keep her company. Her cat becomes ill and has to be put down later in the film.

From Quiz Notes on a Scandal

Answer: her son's play

Barbara tells her she'll be sorry if she doesn't go to the vet with her to see Portia put down. Sheba ultimately chooses to go to her son's play. Then Barbara tells a teacher about the affair and sets the wheels in motion.

From Quiz Notes on a Scandal

Answer: Anabelle

The last scene shows Barbara sitting on her favorite park bench, overlooking the city. Anabelle is sitting there too and the two ladies strike up a conversation. You can tell immediately that Barbara is enamored with her and we can only assume that Anabelle will become another victim of Barbara's obsession.

From Quiz Notes on a Scandal

Answer: obsession

Of course this movie's main theme is about obsession. There are two: the obsession Barbara has for Sheba, and the obsession Sheba has for Steven. This film takes obsession to another level.

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