This is a very disturbing movie about two very disturbed women. Great actresses happen to play these two women, so they feel like they may be real ordinary people we can meet everyday, who may have deep dark skeletons.
The character of spinster teacher Barbara is so creepy and Judi Dench really plays it up. Her voice-overs narrating her entries in her diary betray a humorous side to her. But her outward behavior is so cut and dry, stern and strict. Her lonely existence changes when a new art teacher Sheba Hart (played by Cate Blanchett) was hired by her school. Her beauty and freshness appeals to Barbara. When Sheba invites her over for lunch for the first time, Barbara called it 'a merry flag on the arctic wilderness of my calendar'.
I have seen all five nominees for Best Supporting Actress, and I found Cate Blanchett to be the most deserving of the award. Her role here is practically for the Best Actress category in terms of screen time. Although her role is really secondary to that of Ms. Dench. Actually, Dame Judi was also very good in this monstrous role. But I guess, with the conservative nature of the Academy, perverted roles such as these don't really stand a chance to win (especially for women -- except perhaps for that perverted but extra-challenging Holly Hunter role in "The Piano", but that is another story....)
****SPOILER ALERT****
Sheba gets into a sexual affair with a 15 year old student. Barbara finds out, and actually uses this info to blackmail Sheba into being her "friend". There is one scene where Barbara's cat died on the same day that Sheba's Down-syndrome son was having a school play. And Barbara wanted Sheba to be with her! Of course, Sheba cannot. So there amidst the tension, comes out "sweet" Barbara's real nature and fangs. This is a scene that most uncomfortable to watch because of its twistedness. But this is a vital scene, as it is the turning point of the whole.
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