The Iron Lady

The Iron Lady

I have mixed feelings about this film but think it is well worth viewing. Meryl Streep is amazing as she plays several different stages in the life of Maggie Thatcher. I happened to see her interviewed on television this week. Meryl Streep was talking about how she had to learn to stoop and walk as an older woman. She does a superb job. The makeup also deserves praise for changing the young Maggie Thatcher into an old woman with dementia.
The film has been criticized for poor presentation of the politics of the day. I remember Maggie Thatcher as the Prime Minister but certainly do not recall all the details of her tenure. I don’t think it is really important. What is important is portrayed in the film. She dealt with many critical issues. The Falkland War was perhaps the beginning of her downfall. There were economic woes and through all the troubles she stood firm and resolute.
It was interesting to watch the sole woman handling a room of conservative advisors and members of Parliament. The audience chuckled throughout.
Her relationship to her husband was fascinating. Maggie Thatcher was a tough lady. She could be abrupt with her husband as well. At the same time the devotion and companionship comes through.
Part of the problem with the film is that it goes back and forth in time. As the dementia develops she imagines her dead husband with her and constantly recalls the past. The jumping back and forth can be distracting and frustrating.
Many of the issues of the day are presented in such a quick fashion that I felt the plot was not well developed.
This is not a documentary so I can’t expect all the details to be accurate. I did feel I was given a glimpse of this tough lady who did accomplish a great deal and was the first woman Prime Minister in England. I saw the development of a girl who worked in her father’s grocery store move forward in her career. I would have liked more information on her rise to power. The film seemed to move far too quickly from one period to another.
If a great performance is sufficient reason to see a film you will enjoy The Iron Lady.