Review of The Iron Lady (2011) by Adrian Z — 06 Oct 2012

Aside from Meryl Streep's incredible performance, this film is very mediocre. Both the writing and direction are disjointed. Specifically, the jumps between the flashbacks and present day were confusing and the film just ended without really any kind of resolution or overall message. This film tried to be too many things - biopic, character study, art house - and got lost in its own identity.

I think this film was made by people who do not necessarily agree with Lady Thatcher's politics, and therefore had no vested interest in the subject. They showed her strength in spades to be sure. Streep was pitch perfect in that department. Standing in a cabinet room, Lady Thatcher displayed more cajones than all of the men combined. But that's where the filmmakers chose to stop in their admiration - focusing more on the "how" than the "why.".

If any underlying theme or message can be drawn from this film (and that is somewhat difficult), it's that doing the right thing is often not very popular, but it must be done. Very often, those that do good sacrifice themselves in order ti accomplish a goal that is more important than their careers or their very lives. Those are honored as the most noblest of heroes later in life. Margaret Thatcher is one of those heroes. A truly strong woman, who stood up for what was right and held her head high.