Review of Hyde Park on Hudson (2012) by Gregory G — 09 Apr 2013

It is difficult to imagine a motion picture depicting a less interesting or significant event in the life of FDR than what happens in this enervated, nostalgic drama. Based on the diaries of the President's sixth cousin, referred to in the film as Daisy (Laura Linney), who was present during the visit by King George I (Samuel West) and Queen Elizabeth (Olivia Colman) to the country estate in New York, before the outbreak of Word War II.

Written by Richard Nelson and directed by Roger Michell, this plays like a shallow primetime soap opera more concerned with detailing various dalliances and elevating the importance of eating a hot dog to the outcome of world affairs.

Scant insight is given into what made FDR such a charismatic and transformative leader. More time is spent on the President fussing over his stamp collection. Murray has the appearance and voice for FDR down but little of the forcefulness.

Not for a second do we feel we're watching FDR - it's always Murray playing FDR. An inane voice over narration delivered by Linney is even worse. Fortunately, it runs a short ninety minutes. Horrible music score is by Jeremy Sams.

Bland cinematography is by Lol Crawley. With Elizabeth Marvel as Marguerite Le Hand, Olivia Williams as Eleanor Roosevelt, Elizabeth Wilson as Sara Delano.