The Iron Lady (2011)

Margaret Thatcher once said, “Being Prime Minister is a lonely job… You cannot lead from the crowd.” How you manage to achieve what you believe is right for your country puts you in a lonely place, but by god, it builds character. The Iron Lady, in Australian cinemas now, is ample proof.

Directed by Phyllida Lloyd, credited for her work in British theatre and for directing Mamma Mia (2008), The Iron Lady is a biopic of former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher. The Russians dubbed her the iron lady for her tough stance against the Soviet Union during the Cold War, and it stuck – with good reason.

Meryl Streep as Margaret Thatcher is beyond words. Whether it’s the constant tapping of a finger, the slight movement of the corners of the mouth, the killer gaze that commands acquiescence or the tears held back with sheer willpower, Streep masters it all. It’s a magnificent performance and the Golden Globe she won recently is so richly deserved.

The supporting cast is strong, especially the young Thatcher, played by Alexandra Roach. The latter does ample justice to Thatcher’s eagerness, pride in her small business roots and conviction in her abilities.

As the film began, I did wonder how it was going to capture the life and work of Thatcher, for it seemed a massive task. The approach, it became clear, was to move between the past and present, echoing the feel of a documentary as well as vivid flashbacks. This is done well, although there is a feeling that it could be a tad too fast-paced in its attempt to cover everything.

The film touches on all the key political events that marked her life, and posits the private realities that either clashed or rolled with these changes. Marriage, children, friends and detractors all appear and disappear, seen through the reflections of the ageing Thatcher, adjusting to a life away from the limelight and the centre of power.

Meryl Streep in her brilliant perfomance
(Photo credit: Alex Bailey, Source: theironladymovie.co.uk)

Thatcher is at best a polarising figure and had very strong views on every subject. Always keen to “do something” and holding her father as the absolute example, she comes across as a confronting and domineering woman who will have her way.

At the same time, you begin to see why the masses love her – she did get elected to office three consecutive times. Her refusal to join a potential European Union seem amusing now, considering the dire straits of the Euro and the debt-ridden burden that the EU has come to be. Her decisiveness at crucial points, her belief in private enterprise, and her ability to transcend gender and class barriers resonate with searing impact.

The film subtly brings out Thatcher’s loosening grip on the Conservative party and the nation overall. It’s uncomfortable to watch and that’s the point. It’s uncomfortable for everyone and we know she knows it. And leaving is hard, but one must square the shoulders and take the hit.

Seeing the ageing Thatcher deal with dementia is heart wrenching. This is made all the more difficult because of her constant memories, her grief over her late husband and her inability to be anything other than intensely private.

Streep with her richly-deserved Golden Globe
(Source: image.net)

Thatcher is still a witty, headstrong woman and the barbs behind her cultured tones still leave a mark. She can wow an audience with strong philosophical statements, and bamboozle her doctor who only wants to know how she is feeling! But there’s no denying that things are slipping away from her grasp. Those around her, especially her daughter, do their best, but it’s hard for everyone to watch the inevitable decline.

That the film would be controversial was not in doubt. As it is, questions are being raised about the historical accuracy of the film.  Figures from Thatcher’s life are coming forward with varying degrees of dissatisfaction about how her personal life is portrayed. There is also the fact that Lady Thatcher is still alive, which has led to an outcry over issues of privacy and dignity.

It’s a captivating story made more alluring by a superb performance from one of the greatest actresses to ever grace the silver screen (got my fingers crossed for that Oscar for her). There’s celebration and anger in the political past, tenderness in love, admiration for her ‘iron’ will and sympathy for the decline. How or whether we choose to see all this will be the clincher.