Review of The Iron Lady (2011) by Matthew D — 20 Jan 2013

First let me start with saying that I was born in 1983 and that the Thatcher years ran until I was aged 7 (in 1990). So I know very little of her from first hand experience. I knew the name, I was aware of some of the things that happened, from the news etc, but would consider John Major to be the first PM that I was aware of in any kind of depth (largely due to being old enough to stay up that extra hour later to watch Spitting Image). Therefore, in a similar light to Frost/ Nixon, JFK or Downfall for that matter I am in many cases taking the directors "word for it", am not in any position to challenge the story I'm following and am reviewing a movie on the basis of how much I enjoyed it.

One of the main criticisms of The Iron Lady is the issues and topics that are missing/ not present in the film. The same way The Lord of the Rings was criticised by fans for missing much of the book out of the movies. I feel that if you have strong views / feelings/ preconceptions prior to watching a film, it can influence your view of the movie. I do feel that you should be considering the movie and no external topics - what the movie covers apposed to what it doesn't.

You may argue that being a movie of this sort, a Biopic, that truth is a major element. I do agree with that but again, not knowing the full picture, I had the privilage or misgivings to watch the story fully accepting what I was watching.

I am not the biggest fan or Meryl Streep. However, I thought that her performance as Thatcher was remarkable, utterly convincing and one of her finest moments. I also felt that Alexandra Roach gave an equally good portrayl of her in her younger years. Especially as it was her breakthrough movie, having only appeared on varoius TV series' previously. I look forward to seeing her again in Anna Karenina (I enjoyed the 1935 version with Garbo) and other future releases.

As for the men; Harry Lloyd (Young Denis Thatcher), John Sessions (Edward Heath), Anthony Head (Geoffrey Howe), Richard E. Grant (Michael Heseltine) and the wonderful Jim Broadbent (Denis Thatcher) all deliver tip top displays in their varying roles.

I enjoyed The Iron Lady. I found it educational, entertaining, patriotic in places, fun and genuinely moving. Moving due to the relationship Margaret had with Denis, even after his death and how the longest-serving Prime Minister of the United Kingdom (of the 20th century) lives today.

Though largely enjoyable I did find that some scenes may not have been necessary. From very early in the film it is clear that Mrs. Thatcher is still having a relationship with Mr. Thatcher, though he passed away many years previous. There seems to be many scenes establishing this though it's clear from the offset. I feel that it is equally unnecessary how long we spend with Margaret trying to curb or control the situation. I feel that the film would benefit from covering more of her political career with the time used on this or perhaps not covering anything else and thus the overall film improved by being 20 minutes shorter.

Many people would argue that this is a political movie. I would say that it's a portrayal of life and the effects of the aging process on our former Prime Minister. It covers Mrs. Thatcher's metamorphosis from political colossus to domestic recluse.

At times I thought that many topics were covered from a one-sided often blinkered approach. But in hindsight we aren't watching a documentary or a news reel with The Iron Lady, but one lady's private recollection of events and memories.

All things considered I feel that The Iron Lady is a great movie. Some flaws are present but in my opinion these are overshadowed by the performances, entertainment value, attention to detail, credibility and engrossment. I wonder if the Director (Phyllida Lloyd) would have agreed with Mrs. Thatcher when she said "If you want something said, ask a man; if you want something done, ask a woman". Or perhaps she'd have preferred "Being powerful is like being a lady. If you have to tell people you are, you aren't". Either way I like her movie and would recommend this film, for £5 at your local supermarket you can't go wrong and who knows, you might learn something.