Review of Hyde Park on Hudson (2012) by Kelly P — 30 Jan 2013

Hyde Park on Hudson is a 2012 British biographical comedy-drama film directed by Roger Michell. The film stars Bill Murray and Laura Linney as Franklin D. Roosevelt and his distant cousin, Margaret Suckley, respectively. It was based on Margaret Suckleyâ??s private journals and diaries discovered after Suckley's death, about her love affair with and intimate details about President Franklin D. Roosevelt.

This film is definitely one for fans of a period dramas and Downton Abbey aficionados! It is sumptuously shot by Roger Michell, veteran of films such as Notting Hill, Changing Lanes & Venus. The 1930s period setting is a visual treat to behold, with beautiful sets and gorgeous costumes to match. The story focuses on the visit by King George VI where he asks Roosevelt for America's assistance in the looming war in Europe, told from the perspective of Roosevelt's distant cousin. This play out perfectly alongside the burgeoning love affair between FDR & Suckley.

Bill Murray's performance as FDR earned him a Golden Globe nomination as Best Actor and rightly so. He is delightful in the role, bringing out a child-like sense of wonderment and charm. His performance is never over-the-top and quite understated. This plays perfectly alongside Laura Linney as his devoted distant cousin, who acts as narrator of the story. Samual West & Olivia Coleman round out the principle cast as King George VI and Queen Elizabeth, the third cinematic portayal in as many years for these characters (Colin Firth & Helena Bonham-Carter in The King's Speech in 2010 and Lawrence Fox & Natalie Dormer in W.E. in 2011).

The film has a good balance of drama & comedy, never lowering itself by making fun of either Roosevelt or the King's impairments. The lightly comedic touches help the film avoid becoming too maudling with what is otherwise quite a gloomy setting (just after the Great Depression and prior to WWII).