For a film called THE IRON LADY this movie was felt more
like it was formed from Reynold's wrap. But what else would you expect in a
movie made about a Conservative woman by a group of Liberal die hards? Its
difficult not to bring politics into a film of this nature since the
centerpiece is a politician. But when all that's offered is a one sided
description how can you not?
For those who are confused while watching a film that jumps
back and forth in time then stop reading and forget this movie. It does that
from start to finish and not very well. The object of the movie, the Iron Lady
in question, is ex-British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, portrayed here by
Meryl Streep in an Oscar winning performance. Just another example of why the
Oscars mean so little these days.
The film opens with Thatcher in her later years post PM
status and after the death of her beloved husband Dennis (Jim Broadbent). At
this time Thatcher was dealing with the impending onset of Alzheimer's as well
as the loss of the man she so desperately cared for. We watch as she attempts
to force herself to part with those things left behind, clothes and the like.
And while she does, so various items and things around her home lead her to
remember her past.
We get glimpses of young Margaret as she works in her
father's store while the other girls walk past. We she her listening and being
influenced by her father's speeches to the locals touting the value of a solid
business front not willing to cower to the Nazis as they attempt to bomb the
country and force the people into hiding. These are the ideas that formed the
basis for her beliefs but they are given short time here.
Flash forward as Margaret deals with her daughter or perhaps
the other way round. We see her getting ready for a dinner with friends where
her opinions are asked but she seems buried in the past and her guests seem
more embarrassed than pleased to hear her views. Her daughter acts the same.
Back in time we see how Margaret meets Dennis but not how
they fell in love. Margaret decides to take on the establishment and become a
female member of Parliament. Her struggles in the face of chauvinism can be
seen here with a touch of the problems she faced but more in focus as to the
differences in clothing choices, a bright blue dress among a sea of black
suits. Then back to her slow slide into
dementia.
The important historic moments in Thatcher's life are
touched on but very lightly. Incidents like the Falkland War and the miner's
strike feel like they are mentioned without any depth to them. Other items like
the Iran hostage situation are ignored completely. With the amount of story
involved in Thatcher's life I was left wondering why the film makers here
decided that her illness seemed the most interesting part of her life instead
of those more interesting historical moments. Then again when thinking about
Hollywood's depiction of Conservative figures I recalled the attempt to make
Ronald Reagan look senile and mentally ill as well. The friendship between
Reagan and Thatcher is barely touched on in this film.
Streep won the Oscar for best actress for her performance
here. I am at a loss as to understand why with the exception of the fact that
she is Hollywood royalty and is nominated for anything she does these days. I
saw little acting here and more impersonation. If that's all it takes to win an
Oscar then Rich Little should have had an entire shelf lined with the trophies.
I will admit that I've never been a Streep fan up front but this movie did
little to change my mind.
It would be nice if folks in Hollywood would take a
historical topic and present the facts untarnished by their own viewpoints when
making the film. I have little doubt that there were bad things about Thatcher
but there were good as well. A movie that would choose to present both sides
and let the viewer decide would have been interesting. This movie did little
but make you wonder how she stayed PM for 11 years. Then again the movie also
made you wonder about her sanity the longer you watched.
To capture an entire life in 105 minutes is difficult at
best. To present it accurately and fairly even more so. Some may watch this
film and think they've learned about Margaret Thatcher. It only made me want to
look deeper into her life as this felt more like fluff than biographical film.
The only good thing this movie presented was the love and adoration Thatcher
felt for her husband. Even a story revolving solely around that would have made
a better film.
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