An Anatomy

 ‘The Anatomy of A Scandal’ is my most beloved Netflix series so far. It does bring an end to my long lasting search for inspiration from within the cinema world. Inspiration for blogging. My readers and my friends would know that I no longer have access to my much cherished independent cinema chain in London, as I am in Cyprus for the time being. Despite being a chain, it is the most boutique.

This new series I like is probably followed by The Crown in the degree to which I like Netflix series. The Crown without which I could have known little about the British ruling class. It’s funny how you can spend so much time in the U.K. but know so little about a particular class in the society. I suppose I have been very focused on my own readings, my own ambitions. The Anatomy of A Scandal depicts another group of people, not as ‘royal’ so to speak but also in power. We find ample material about the emotions of those in power, what power can mean to those who actually have it and not to those who aspire for it. Large homes and pretty women who have probably spent lifetimes taking care of themselves are accompanied by men who speak well and are, the viewer can safely presume, have had the chance to read well. 

But all these assets take a second stage when seemingly small problems in life begin to crystallise. How did you get to where you are? Did you marry your wife for creating an impression? Do you know how to love? Old (enough) men who hold government offices fail to provide sustainable answers to some of these questions. In a series capturing fiction, a lot of realism and strong emotional analysis support the plot. I haven’t seen anything so real so far on the British screen. This is my British screen, with the lovely and my ‘real’ accents that the actors and the actresses wear so casually. Not relying on major Hollywood actresses is a blessing in its truest sense. As for the beauty of the actresses, the leading lady is no short of an international diva.

Sienna Miller is beautiful and intelligent as Sophie, Michelle Dockery is sharp and courageous as Kate Woodcraft and Naomi Scott is rich as Olivia. All these women have pieces of the viewer in them, all changing places as it becomes more and more difficult to judge somebody morally. The layout of the problem brings light to what humanity does to many people all at once, and how close intelligence is to happiness. It’s easy to believe that men in power are happy and healthy. The Anatomy of a Scandal gives us another account.