Margaret Thatcher – beloved Prime Minister, or controversial leader? It’s a question that The Iron Lady wisely leaves to the audience to answer themselves. Mamma Mia! director Phyllida Lloyd once again teams up with Meryl Streep for the biopic on Britain’s first female Prime Minister. It’s never easy making a film about an icon that is still alive, and Thatcher’s friends and family have already expressed their concerns about how the former Prime Minister has been depicted. Is The Iron Lady an honest portrayal on one of the most interesting women of the 20th century? Find out after the jump.
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The film follows Margaret Thatcher, now an old woman suffering from dementia, as she looks back on her rise to prominence as well as her interactions with late husband Denis. Penned by Shame screenwriter Abi Morgan, themes such as sexism and woman empowerment are apparent throughout. The image of Thatcher trying to enter Parliament whilst being surrounded by men is a telling one, as are her entertaining shouting matches with the opposition party is Parliament. Some will be irritated that significant people such as The Queen don’t make an appearance, or that key events get breezed over. However, it’s important to note that the film has six decades of history to get through, and it manages to succeed in this difficult task.
It all comes back to what sort of movie the filmmakers are trying to make, and what they are hoping the audience will take away with them. Here, the focus is on the woman as opposed to her policies, and it’s arguably a smart decision. The Iron Lady really gets under the conservative icon’s skin and explores her personality and beliefs. Whether she is expressing her views via dope quotes that would have my editor Yin smiling – the ‘What We Think’ monologue is a particular standout in that regard – or putting the Americans in their place when fighting for the Falkland Islands, we remain riveted as Streep whittles her lines off with aplomb.
Needless to say, Streep is on top form as Thatcher; the voice, movements, and mannerisms are spot on, be it the older or middle-aged version of Thatcher (the make-up department did a fantastic job). She is simply a master of her craft, and whether or not she wins an Oscar – which she will surely be nominated for – few can argue that her efforts don’t deserve it. Alexandra Roach also delivers a fine performance as the young Thatcher eager to prove herself amongst the men although more time could have been invested in her relationship with young Denis, played capably by Harry Lloyd.
Jim Broadbent excels as the older version of Denis, unexpectedly providing some humorous moments throughout the film. The gambit of utilising Denis as a ghost is a good one, but with Denis only popping up sporadically in the flashback sequences, we are left wanting to see more of him. Olivia Colman also does well to produce a strong turn as Thatcher’s worried daughter Carol, with whom we can’t help but empathize with.
‘Any Last Words’? Excellent acting, particularly by Streep, helps provide an insightful look into one of Britain’s most polarizing figures. This biopic is definitely worth watching.
= EXCELLENT
The Iron Lady is in cinemas NOW. Check out the trailer below:
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