The Iron Lady

Once again, Meryl Streep disappears into a role.  Her work here as Margaret Thatcher is truly a sight to behold, and it reminds us of one of the many reasons we watch movies.  Over the years, many of the great performances put on film have not necessarily been in the greatest movies.  However, the greatness of the performance in the film makes the film not only watchable, but also noteworthy.  I remember feeling that way when I watched "Yankee Doodle Dandy", with James Cagney.  While I think that is a finer film than this one, it nevertheless is carried by an outstanding performance by James Cagney.  So it is in the movie.

One of the weaknesses of the film is that it doesn't have a cohesive, driving narrative.  True, the film tells the story of Margaret Thatcher's life (she became the first female Prime Minister in the Western World).  It tells it mostly in flashbacks, but I felt that it seemed to more resemble a greatest hits album than a powerful story.  Fortunately, the hits of Thatcher's life are compelling enough to still tell an exciting story.  The person the film depicts is and was a person of deep conviction.  In these times of constant political questioning, that can be charming to some and enraging to others.  To some, conviction is a weakness as it shows itself to be inflexible and dogmatic.  To others, conviction shows a depth of character.  Interestingly enough, many times we only admire those with conviction if their convictions agree with our own.

But the real story, again, is Meryl Streep.  As I watched this biopic, I was transported back some 8 years to watching the funeral for Ronald Reagan.  The funeral featured a video taped message from Margaret Thatcher, who was not well enough to speak in person at the funeral, even though she did attend.  Her voice is mimicked so well by Streep that I could hear that video taped message in my head.  But the film would be even weaker than it already is if all Streep was doing was some sort of impression for a comedy club.  Instead, she inhabits the role, and the voice she uses is a window into the soul of this complicated woman. 

The woman of depiction here is one with deep pride in her country, and who sees the heart of her country under attack by the welfare state.  Whether one agrees with this or not, there is a certain sympathy to be had in seeing how these sensibilities developed in young Margaret.  Though people on both sides of the political aisle are demonized by the other side, it is always vital to remember that each person has arrived at their own conclusions for specific reasons.  As we dialogue with each other, we must remember how these life lessons were learned by each of us.  I have no idea of the politics of the films' director, but I think it is notable that one cannot tell what they are from watching the film.  Here is a film that is more concerned with showing us a picture of a life rather than telling us how we should view that life.  I wish it had been more compelling, but the material is fascinating.