To Know Her Is To Love Her…”The Iron Lady” Gets It Half-Right
Posted by Jonathan Matthew Gilbert on Sunday, January 15, 2012, 7:57 AM
The Iron Lady is opening in theaters this weekend.
Before you go check out the movie, The Heritage Foundation released this short documentary on the real legacy of Margaret Thatcher.
From the Video: Like President Ronald Reagan, her political soulmate, Margaret Thatcher came to power at a desperate time in her country’s history, when real leadership and bold ideas were most needed. And by applying conservative principles to the challenges she faced, she was able to achieve real and lasting success. Then, as today, she faced an extraordinary set of challenges and a chorus of voices saying her country’s best days were behind it. Thatcher’s successes are a comforting reminder of the power of a bold, conservative vision at work.
The Iron Lady Movie Review by Jonathan Matthew Gilbert
(Jonathan Matthew Gilbert is a gay Republican southern musical theatre writer who now lives in upper Manhattan with two cats. www.twitter.com/theofficialjmg)
Having spent the past several years writing an opera about former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, I was both skeptical and excited when Phyllida Lloyd’s new film “The Iron Lady” was announced, starring Meryl Streep as the conservative icon. Skeptical because of the personal politics of Lloyd and screenwriter Abi Morgan, but excited because regardless of her own politics, Ms. Streep tends to show enormous respect for the characters she plays. The resulting film demonstrates as much, though certainly is not without flaws.
Ms. Streep’s commanding performance anchors “The Iron Lady” (with support from Jim Broadbent as Thatcher’s husband Dennis and Olivia Colman as their daughter Carol), which presents itself as a memory play and therein lies the biggest flaw. Set in the present, Mrs. Thatcher has finally resolved to discard her late husband’s belongings and each item brings up memories of their fifty-plus years together. We are shown in flashbacks how they met during her first campaign, and their courtship is presented (accurately, I believe) as something both loving and pragmatic for Margaret’s career. Dennis stands by as she rises through the ranks of the Conservative Party, battling liberals who despise her politics and conservatives who disdain her background as a grocer’s daughter, eventually becoming the nation’s first (and to date, only) female Prime Minister. Because of the nature of the film, though, events happen out of sequence and many significant moments are rushed or ignored completely. The Queen is not referenced at all, and the Soviets only once despite Thatcher going on to win the Cold War alongside Ronald Reagan (blink and you’ll miss him, too). The Falkland Islands War, when Thatcher truly became the Iron Lady, is handled well but her future battles with the unions, the Europeans, and own party are rushed to bring the film to a swift conclusion. Far too little time is spent on the historical moments and far too much on the present, where the filmmakers rely on unconfirmed rumors and speculation to present (lovingly, it can at least be said) an 86 year old Thatcher who is not always clear on the fact that her husband is dead and that she’s not in charge anymore.
The film’s Margaret Thatcher is a woman of immense conviction, occasional humor, and even compassion—in private moments, we see her truly agonizing over writing to the mothers of dead soldiers. The politics behind her convictions, however, are rarely explored and it is impossible to separate Margaret Thatcher from what she believed. Either out of fear of Hollywood criticism or because her views differed so greatly from theirs, the filmmakers chose to avoid the subject entirely. This, combined with a handful of historical inaccuracies (the British do not “run” for office, they “stand,” Margaret Thatcher was not on the scene when her campaign manager Airey Neave was assassinated by Irish terrorists, etc) left me as irritated with the overall film as I was delighted with Ms. Streep’s total inhabitation of Thatcher. Her performance alone makes the film worth seeing, but I found myself wondering if I would be able to follow the plot had I not spent the past several years studying the subject.
“The Iron Lady” is an admirable attempt to explore a woman worthy of exploration but at best it is merely a portrait. And hopefully, an invitation to explore further. I wish the filmmakers had done so. They clearly feel great admiration for the woman; it’s a shame they didn’t get to know the leader.
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Published May 23, 2012 at 4:57 am - 67 Comments
8 My Foot commented:
I will not pay my good money to see a movie made by Liberals starring Meryl Streep.
gus commented:
Mrs Thatcher was a LEADER. Mrs Thatcher sought to better the U.K.
I am the Son of a British Mother. Britain is FINISHED.
Mrs Thatcher represented the GREATNESS of Britain.
Socialists, Commies,Marxists, idiots and “Multi-culturalists”,have destroyed Britain, so as to garner power for themselves.
LIBERALS DESTROY, they DO NOT CREATE.
Reaganite Republican commented:
Thatcher said in ’79 that “socialism is dead”… sadly, that’s where SHE had it wrong…
and Pinochet and Fujimori were right
Granny commented:
I’m actually surprised this got such a good review. I had heard that people in Britain are outraged over Meryl Streep’s portrayal of Margaret Thatcher, saying that it was a caricature, a laughing stock.
Lady Mondegreen commented:
I have seen the movie. Meryl Streep is amazing (she always is) and the portrayal is by no means a caricature. But this review gets is right that there is really no exploration of the period nor or Thatcher’s politics. I’m not surprised. It’s not a documentary and that’s not what the vast majority of people go to the movies for.
Cutlers bad Thumb commented:
Margaret Thatcher was a Bold, smart, caring and honest leader who met many challenges, and did great things for her country and others……= Iron Lady….
Ms. Streep is an Obama loving, Marxist political hack, with nothing to contribute to this world but bad acting, terrible movies, and stupid political comments…..=Elitist Baby….
Sickofobama commented:
Why would any self-respecting American go to see that Hollyweird trash?
Meryl Streep is a LIBTARD who gives thousands to the Muslim Marxist Dictator.
We need to send a message to that God-less Hollyweird by not giving them our money.
Militant Conservative commented:
#11 January 14, 2012 at 9:04 am
truth teller commented:
DPMS panther arms or a SOCOM scout from
Springfield armory.
MathMom commented:
I will not watch this movie until I can stream it free on NetFlix.
RedBeard commented:
If I could stomach watching Streep, I might want to watch that film. But I can’t, so I won’t.
Sam Stone commented:
Has the left EVER had such a leader or strong woman in their ranks?
wright commented:
Meryl Streep is not fit to be Maggie Thatcher’s chamberpot.. er, I mean chambermaid.
Sasja commented:
Me no see, no way, no how.
pink tie Republican commented:
The purpose of the movie is to link Thatcher and conservatism with dementia, pure and simple.
MAJ Mike commented:
@#10 — traded my Springfield Armory M1A/M-14 for an HK91 back in 1985. Upgraded with an EOTech sight due to my aging eyesight. Great rifle, but no longer imported into the U.S. Most anything in 7.62mm is a good choice.
On topic — we need such leaders now. I’m still looking. They don’t seem to be available. Not hopeful at this point. Keep an eye out for ammunition bargains.
MathMom commented:
There is no reason to make a movie about Margaret Thatcher, unless you do it about her worldwide significance, and her partnership with Reagan, the Pope, and Walesa. Together, they changed the world.
Singlularly, Margaret Thatcher may be the most consequential woman in history. This movie was made about her dementia to denigrate her accomplishments, and especially because she is NOT a feminist in the National Association of Gals (NAGs – thank you Rush) sense. She proved a woman can duke it out with the guys, but she didn’t prove it “the right way”, so she must be discredited.
Interestingly, people like Meryl Streep might have lost their freedom to spew their bilge, had Margaret Thatcher, Ronald Reagan, and the Pope not appeared in history at the same time, when they were needed.
JoyO commented:
I loved the U-Tube Parliament session where Thatcher thanks the Socialist rep for clearly stating the Socialists’ goal is to make both the rich and the poor poorer. I would love to see her saying that the problem with Socialism is that you eventually run out of “Other People’s Money”. She was a strong leader at a time when the World clearly needed more strong leaders.
Patty commented:
The politics behind her convictions, however, are rarely explored and it is impossible to separate Margaret Thatcher from what she believed.
__________________
More of a feel good kind of film. Maybe another character like Reagan thrown in would gum up the works. WAY too much Greatness in Politics for Hollywood to get their liberal arms around.
Possibly showing true leadership and very close to the best would make it seem Conservatism would be a great thing in U.S. today.
“Margaret Thatcher came to power at a desperate time in her country’s history, when real leadership and bold ideas were most needed”.
This comment is truly amazing and it does speak to our present day here in the States.
Strong leadership and never deviation from her principles made her nation stronger and it is a shame that more of the friendship with Ronald Reagan was in the film.
Our president today, totally opposite and that may be why the filmmakers decided not to show more of Margaret Thatcher’s politics and successes because it would Blow Obama’s leadership all to H$#@!
Conservative to the Core commented:
Too bad we don’t have a real Conservative even running much less elected.
Patty commented:
Carol Thatcher’s book was criticized by many of her mothers’ contemporaries for revealing details of the once-powerful leader’s encroaching dementia, a critique that also dogged the film after early screenings for some of Thatcher’s inner circle in Britain in August. “I didn’t come here to see a film about granny going mad,” one anonymous attendee told the British newspaper the Daily Mail, while the Daily Telegraph called the movie “disgraceful.” Capturing a life in its wane, however, was precisely what had interested Streep, and subsequent reviews from film critics have largely praised her portrayal of Thatcher both at the confident peak of her potency and during her vulnerable decline.
“We’ve come under fire for trespassing on an old lady’s fragility,” Streep said. “In England, people say, ‘Oh, it’s shameful when she can’t defend herself.’ Defend herself from what? That someone is less of a human being because they’ve reached the end of their lives when things unravel?… I got very angry when I heard that criticism, that we can’t touch this because that should be behind closed doors. No, honestly, that’s life.”
“The Iron Lady” will be released in Britain on Jan. 6. Now 86 and house-bound after a series of strokes, Thatcher is still a political lightning rod there, more than 20 years after she resigned from office.
http://articles.latimes.com/2011/dec/25/entertainment/la-ca-iron-lady-20111225
StrangernFiction commented:
I can’t wait to see it. /sarc
Patty commented:
And many liberals have made this comment: There could possibly be a God. Streep has too. I just posted this because if not a God then what?
On another note: Meryl Streep bashes Bush at Golden Globes
Award-winning actress Meryl Streep took a swipe at President Bush’s State of the Union Address tonight after being awarded a Golden Globe at the 61st edition of the awards show.
After addressing her friends and colleagues who she said helped her win the Golden Globe for “Actress In A Leading Role – Mini-Series Or Television Movie” for her performance in Angels In America, Streep used her final minutes in front of the camera to attack two specific parts of President Bush’s speech.
While not directly addressing Bush by name, Streep pointed out that there is a big problem in this country if the biggest problems in the country are committed couples in love “who want to spend the rest of their lives together.” She went on to denounce the priority of focusing on getting professional sports players to stop taking steroids.
Oh, read more @ link http://www.watchblog.com/democrats/archives/000714.html
I won’t watch this it is becomes free. I have been disgusted with the bashing of imo a great president. Never ever will watch this film.
Patty commented:
As you may recall if you watched the State of the Union Address, President Bush surprised most people by throwing in a paragraph about how he plans to get the professional sports players to stop using steroids because it sets a bad example. Critics have pointed out that Bush did little else in spelling out his plans for ensuring America a better future.
Instead, he went on to announce his support for strengthening the institution of marriage by making sure it only applies to a relationship between a man and a woman, which critics have pointed out doesn’t lend itself to committed same-sex couples who would like to enjoy the same rights under the law. He even implied that he would lend his support to a Constitutional Amendment, if need be.
Obviously Streep wasn’t a big fan of President Bush’s priorities mentioned in his speech and she made that known on live television tonight.
Streep won her award for Angels in America mini-series, which is based on author Tony Kushner’s manuscript which won the 1993 Pulitzer Prize for Drama. The series, as with the play, “explores “the state of the nation” — the sexual, racial, religious, political and social issues confronting the country during the Reagan years, as the AIDS epidemic spreads.”
http://www.watchblog.com/democrats/archives/000714.html
wanumba commented:
I loved that mini tour of the original Thatcher. I would pay to see a movie of Thatcher herself just like that … two hours of the real deal duking it out on the floor of Parliament, the best of her speeches. No actresses! There’s PLENTY of straight up footage. Listening to her is electrifying. She spoke the truth, so clear and simple against the convoluted, contradictory, confusing and unnatural rhetoric of the Left.
This is so true:
“The Iron Lady” is an admirable attempt to explore a woman worthy of exploration but at best it is merely a portrait.
That’s ALL Streep has done… pass off an IMAGE of the woman, but not her heart and soul and definitely NOT her real convictions and politics. NOT paying good money to see the annoying Streep… and she IS annoying…”crafted” like an overdone 5 star dessert, all looks, no taste, and not enough.
Patty commented:
I won’t watch this it is becomes free. I have been disgusted with the bashing of imo a great president. Never ever will watch this film.
oh, needs correction.
I won’t watch free or not. I have been disgusted with the bashing of Bush and in my opinion a great president.
Lady Mondegreen commented:
Patty, why are you rambling on and on about comments made more that 10 years ago that meant nothing then and mean less now? Who cares what an actor or, for that matter, a football player thinks? Frankly, the less I hear from Meryl Streep or Tim Tebow, the happier I will be, but I do enjoy watching both of them. It’s what they do on the screen or on on the field that matters. Talent is not reward for good judgement or brains or faith or character.
Patty commented:
Lady Mondegreen
read other posts..more recent sites.
And I won’t watch leftist Hollywood with their goodie goodie for them attitudes. Acting like the no something about Politics and getting paid for it. Spreading their propaganda, all in the name of socialism.
What do they care they are wealthy contributors to Obama campaign.
I remember Margaret Thatcher and Reagan. This was a wonderful relationship. I don’t wish to watch it portrayed by some liberal million dollar actor or actress. I have no need or desire for them whether on or off screen. My freedom of speech Lady, My opinions lady, you don’t like what I say don’t read obviously you never read my other comments.
Nice though, you are reading some of them. And for Tebow, this isn’t about Tebow. I do believe there is another thread or two on him.
Patty commented:
no
Correction
Know something about politics.
Ipso Facto commented:
Do not be fooled. They made a feel good amalgam about Margaret Thatcher dealing with dementia in order to preempt anyone from making a movie about Margaret Thatcher, the great conservative, who had a great impact on the western world at a time of great difficulty.
Their hope is that someone thinking about making the latter movie will decline, because after all, they have already made a movies about Margaret Thatcher, haven’t they?
These Hollywood types do nothing that doesn’t fit their political agenda and/or line their pockets with money. They all break out in a rash when people aren’t sympathetic to their extreme liberal views, however their duplicity is so obvious most people can see them coming a mile away.
While they cry crocodile tears about injustice and the plight of the underprivileged, they simultaneously con your kids into believing that when you don’t like someone, you go out, you get a gun, and you kill them. They cry a river of tears about conservation and the environment, yet they destroy enough property in many action films to fill an entire landfill.
Hollywood people always talk about being “real” yet their movies contain characters with perfect looks, skin, teeth, hair and clothes, and they live in perfect neighborhoods with perfect cars, etc. Hollywood people are really the penultimate purveyors of superficiality.
If your kids are dressed up like hookers and want to have corrective surgery for every less than perfect feature on their bodies – thank Hollywood. If your kids are shallow and they constantly talk about violence and hoodlum worship – thank Hollywood. If your kids are into drugs, thank Hollywood for the glorification of getting high and strung out – because that’s just how cool people, like, live, man!
Lady Mondegreen commented:
I would never want to interfere with your freedom of speech. Everybody has a right to self-expression, not matter how incoherent.
Patty commented:
Lady,
You may have some axe to grind but don’t start treading on me.
Patty commented:
Streep, star struck by Obama
“Hollywood actress Meryl Streep has admitted that the only person she has been star-struck by is U.S. President Barack Obama,” an India Times item posted on Sunday reported, quoting the actress: “I went to the White House and was star-struck by our President and First Lady. Although I was also impressed by Bruce Springsteen who was there as well.”
The unbylined item, which James Taranto highlighted in his “Best of the Web Today” for the Wall Street Journal’s opinion page, related how “Streep also believes that Barack is more than capable of making the right political choices for the U.S.” She gushed:
I think it is thrilling to have someone who is thoughtful and can articulate with a certain amount of passion and dispassion, the necessary choices that we have in the world.
Read more: http://newsbusters.org/blogs/brent-baker/2010/01/12/awed-actress-meryl-streep-star-struck-barack-michelle-obama#ixzz1jYNMSr8l
http://newsbusters.org/blogs/brent-baker/2010/01/12/awed-actress-meryl-streep-star-struck-barack-michelle-obama
Patty commented:
Margaret Thatcher’s Family Appalled By New Film: ‘Sounds Like Some Left-wing Fantasy’
Margaret Thatcher’s family is apparently appalled at what they’ve been hearing about a biopic being made of the former British Prime Minister.
“Mandrake hears that the screenplay of The Iron Lady depicts Baroness Thatcher as an elderly dementia-sufferer looking back on her career with sadness,” reported Britain’s Telegraph Saturday.
“She is shown talking to herself and unaware that her husband, Sir Denis Thatcher, has died.”
Accordingly, her family members aren’t pleased (h/t NBer upcountrywater):
“Sir Mark and Carol are appalled at what they have learnt about the film,” says a friend of the family. “They think it sounds like some Left-wing fantasy.”
But here’s the money quote:
[Cameron McCracken, the managing director of the film-maker Pathé] says Lady Thatcher’s health will be featured, but insists that it will be “treated with appropriate sensitivity”. He adds of the film: “Although fictional, it will be fair and accurate.”
Read more: http://newsbusters.org/blogs/noel-sheppard/2010/07/17/margaret-thatchers-family-appalled-new-film-sounds-some-left-wing-fantasy#ixzz1jYOlMEdq
Peggy R commented:
Did we need to know the proclivities of the man who wrote the review of the film? I see it on both sides of the aisle, bean counting. let’s show we have some of X on our side too…
Patty commented:
Hollywood has a struggling movie industry these days. My hope is because of celebrity and Chief cushy relationship with these liberals his contribution are on the rise, for his campaign.
Americans are getting smarter and won’t allow themselves to contribute a penny to the garbage, that always leans right and be part of Obama’s billion dollar campaign.
There are many Republican Actors and Actresses out there to watch and I like that.
Patty commented:
that always (leans right) and be part of Obama’s billion dollar campaign.
Big correction:
Leans left.