16.01.2012 - The Iron Lady.

The first time I became aware of this award-contender was whilst sitting in town. A bus drove past with a picture of Ms. Streep's face on it, proudly sitting next to the title 'The Iron Lady'. Upon this picture was a piece of black tape, tactically placed on her top lip. I think it is important to clear up as early as possible the fact that my political knowledge leaves much to be desired, and therefore initially my desire to see this film lacked. However, upon hearing only universal praise for this Oscar contender I was dragged to the nearest cinema.

The film depicts the turmoil of Mrs. Margaret Thatcher, the longest serving British Prime Minister, and her political and personal struggle. Superbly scripted by Abi Morgan (also writer of Shame, another potential Oscar nominee) the film displays Thatcher's ongoing turmoil and battle with dementia, whilst illuminating both the highlights and lowlights of her career as a politician.

Starring one of the silver-screen's greats, Meryl Streep (Kramer vs Kramer, Sophie's Choice), amongst other huge names such as Jim Broadbent (Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Parts 1&2 , Iris) and, in my opinion, a highly underrated actor - Anthony Head (Free Agents, Buffy the Vampire Slayer), The Iron Lady presented a very strong cast, but as seen before a strong cast doesn't always come out with the best results *cough* Alexander *cough*. It has to be said, Meryl Streep is sublime in this film, her portrayal of an obviously confident, head strong woman throughout times of strife, extreme personal difficulty and also success shows how truly worthy she is of an inevitable Oscar nomination and last night's Golden Globe win. In the best role I have seen him, Jim Broadbent brilliantly shows the fact that "behind every great man stands a great woman" also works also in reverse, portraying Mr. Dennis Thatcher. Streep and Broadbent's chemistry on screen left the audience truly engrossed by their support for one another, and consequentially displayed the seemingly happy marriage of Thatcher's.

Another performance which I was impressed by was that of Alexandra Roach (The Suspicions of Mr Whicher - ... yeah, me neither) who played the younger Thatcher. A wholly unknown actress, at least in my understanding, gave a splendid performance as the aspiring teenage Thatcher and was a credit to Streep who was able to play off this base that had been set for her.

Regardless of all political standing, I (somewhat self-deprecatingly) was able to enjoy this film for all that it had to offer. It seemed to me that my lack of knowledge actually worked in my favour - I was able to enjoy this film for what it presented, as opposed to holding some previous hatred or love for Thatcher, and therefore allowing this to block my view. If one is able to dispel any prior feelings toward Thatcher or the conservative party, then this film offers one of the best modern day political performances by both Streep and Broadbent which should both be marvelled at.

Rating: 4.1/5.0