Review of The Iron Lady (2011) by Shai L — 03 Apr 2013

An embarrassing, jumbled biographical drama on the first woman Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Margaret Thatcher (Meryl Streep). Written by Abi Morgan and directed by Phyllida Lloyd, the story is framed in the present day as Thatcher suffers from dementia and hallucinates conversations with her late husband (Jim Broadbent), then flashbacks to her political career.

The filmmakers frequently return to these lugubrious passages showing her mental decline, which become repetitive and maudlin. Thatcher's rise to power and the major political events of the day are hastily detailed.

We are given little insight into her leadership skills other than her uncompromising principles. There is no stance taken on Thatcher's conservative politics, and with no real point of view, it becomes baffling to watch.

We're left not really knowing Thatcher, so the movie has very little raison d'etre. Streep's performance rarely rises above being more than an impeccable impersonation with a flawless accent (enhanced with Oscar-winning makeup) that, nonetheless, garnered her an Oscar for Best Actress.

Jim Broadbent can't do much with his thankless role. Alexandra Roach is quietly vivid as the young Margaret Thatcher. With Anthony Head, Richard E Grant, Iain Glen, Olivia Colman.