Review of Hyde Park on Hudson (2012) by Marcdoyle — 12 Dec 2012

A couple of scenes in Hyde Park on Hudson are spectacular - one of which is the first night that the King of England meets privately and informally with Roosevelt in his study over drinks and smokes. Historically interesting and very emotional, I would have loved to have seen this as the basis for the movie.

Instead, we get another story of a US president who wants a tug-job and more from 4 or 5 of his female aids, advisers, and distant cousins. As soon as that Animal House moment hits: "Is it supposed to be this soft?" my anticipation and excitement for the movie took a nosedive.

And when Daisy (Linney) realizes that she's not FDR's only mistress and the levers of power kick into gear to convince her to stick around despite her anger, the remainder of the movie becomes trivial.

I would have loved to see time devoted to FDR's decision to help the British. Instead, we learn how Daisy's diaries were found, which led to this not-so-exciting story. So yes, Murray and Linney are terrific.

But I would have preferred to have seen them in a more substantial film.