Statistics show that the best ways to win Oscars are to play real-life people or those with some kind of disability. Most biographies deal with persons who are deceased so it was bold of writer Abi Morgan to tackle the controversial figure of Margaret Thatcher while she is still alive. Phylidda Lloyd had successfully directed Mreyl Streep in " Mamma Mia" so it was no surprise they were re-united for this project.
The big question was over which periods of her life they should cover and they bravely chose to set it in the present day. This is of course is the one area of her life we know least about so we are in fantasy land, which oddly, enough is where the film was most succcessful for me. Whatever your thoughts on her politics she is now an old widow out of the public view and who may, or may not be suffering from Alzheimers.This naturally allows Meryl Streep the ability to act as she wishes but she uses her years of experience to ensure she never becomes melodramatic or too schmaltzy.
Where the film fails for me is in its depiction of real historical events. To make any real money the film must be a success in America and you felt they made a list of the top 10 facts Americans would know about her, the Brighton bombings, tick, sinking the Belgrano, tick, leaving 10 Downing Street tick etc. Having lived through these times it all looked patronising and couldn't resist re-writing history, was she really in the car park when the bomb that killed Airey Neave exploded?
The one reason to see this film, however, is the for the title performance. I have been a fan throughout Streep's career and although her casting was seen as a joke at the time, it now seems inspired. We knew she would master the voice (s) but she brilliantly caught the single-mindedness that took her to the top, kept her there and ultimately led to her downfall. I wasn't impressed by the direction but the deliberate contrast of her force of will when contrasted with the wishy-washy Conservative male politicians of the time was cleverly observed.
In politics characters come and go so the only 2 other performances of note come from her home-life. Again, Jim Broadbent was perfectly cast as Denis Thatcher (mainly after he had died) and the always reliable Olivia Colman as Carol added some much-needed class to proceedings.
After nearly thirty years and 11 (losing) Best Actress nominations this film finally gave her that elusive 2nd Best Actress Oscar,fully deserved as she proved it is possible to produce a great performance from a disappointing film.
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