Villains are no longer defined by a moral black and white. Now they walk a line between good and evil and their actions can be seen as justified in the eyes of some, while being vile in the eyes of others. But while this hypothetical conundrum really makes the villains of fiction interesting and compelling, history’s controversial figures are a touchier subject to examine, especially when some see them as villains and others as heroes.
Margaret Thatcher’s tenure as Prime Minister has a complicated history as is common with many political figures. Supporters, even now ten years after her death, will say she is one of the greatest Prime Ministers in the history of Britain. Critics, in the same span of time, say she has done irreparable damage to Britain and its citizens. Much like many other famous figures, the longer time goes on the more this reputation becomes something more. Something of a almost mythic proportions.
We often forget that these historical figures, especially the ones who become more symbol of history than actual figure, are still humans. And while it is easy to find the humanity in history’s heroes and more likable figures, it is much harder to make the people we see as controversial at best, villainous at worst, human in their actions, choices, and motivations. We no longer let them be human, we make them the monsters we see them as first and foremost.
This is why movies like The Iron Lady are so compelling. Because they have a strong sense of humanity imbedded in their characterization and lead performances. Margaret Thatcher, is played as a person first, and a political figure second And, especially through the lens of her own shattered memory, this becomes a truly harrowing tale that we often overlook. Thatcher was a bold figure of British politics, but she was still a human being who had her own struggles and fears.
The Iron Lady is not necessarily a perfect film, it has its flaws, cliches, and shows moments of confusion and uneven pacing. But at the center of it, is Margaret Thatcher. The character who leads this movie has struggles, battles, and so many moments of humanity that even those who look at her critically can find sympathy for.
So let’s breakdown this performance.
My criteria for judging each performance is as follows:
Intentions and Choices – What was Meryl doing as a performer and did it come across in a way that was interesting and compelling?
Physicality and Vocal Choices – Was there a select set of choices for Meryl’s posture, gestures, rhythms, accents, and all other physical aspects, and did they help add to the character or distract from it?
Character Backstory – Were there choices Meryl made that showed us secrets beyond the script or screen? Did those choices add to her work or were they something that took us out of the present story.
Stand Out Moments – What scenes from the movie worked the best, or worst, and how did those reflect on Meryl’s performance?
Overall Movie Quality – How is the movie outside of Meryl’s performance? Is it a brilliant work because of her, in spite of her, or is her performance the only thing that makes the movie redeemable?
So let’s break down Margaret Thatcher in The Iron Lady:
Intentions and Choices – Playing Alzheimer’s is hard, and Streep finds ways to make is seem both real and stylized as the needs of the movie dictate. But even moreso we see her choices and understand her motivations, even to do things when we don’t understand or agree with them. There are better characters, but this one is very good. (8/10)
Physicality and Vocal Choices – Streep plays Thatcher across numerous decades and that takes a lot of talent to sell in different times, places, ways of life, and ages. It’s most realistic when she is roughly the same age and has similar posture, but overall it works well more often than not. And the voice and facial posture cannot be overlooked. (9/10)
Character Backstory – A lot of this movie is a woman living at the end of her life, wrestling with her backstory. And we see all of it, not only in the flashbacks, but in Streep’s work, really makes the character’s history come to life. (9/10)
Stand Out Moments – I loved the moments between Streep and Jim Broadbent. They were sweet, horrifying, complicated, and ultimately let both actors shine. There are better scenes in other movies, but these ones are really great to watch. (7/10)
Overall Movie Quality – It’s a strong biopic but a biopic to be sure. There are flaws, cliches, and ultimately it doesn’t excel in certain ways, but it is a strong character study, and Streep holds the movie together for the most part. (7/10)
Total Score: 40/50
Current Ranking:
The Devil Wears Prada
Kramer vs. Kramer
Doubt
The Deer Hunter
Postcards From the Edge
Sophie’s Choice
The Iron Lady
One True Thing
Julie & Julia
Silkwood
The Bridges of Madison County
Ironweed
Adaptation.
Music of the Heart
The French Lieutenant’s Woman
A Cry in the Dark
Out of Africa
The final four are here to be seen, so let’s come back and finish this series strong. I haven’t seen the next movie but I know it from other places, so it will be really exciting to see what comes next week.
So until then, as I always say, thanks for taking the time to get Ploominated!
Ploominate 