The Iron Lady Blu-ray review

Actors: Meryl Streep, Jim Broadbent

Director: Phyllida Lloyd

Language: English

Subtitles: English, Spanish

Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1

Number of discs: 2

Rated: PG-13 (Parental Guidance Suggested)

Studio: The Weinstein Company

Release Date: April 10, 2012

Run Time: 105 minutes

            Margaret Thatcher is one of the most controversial figures in recent British politics, a UK equivalent to Ronald Reagan by many accounts. She made many decisions which were highly questionable, and yet the biopic about her has been limited to the controversy over her being female and the relationship she had with her husband, Denis (Jim Broadbent). These gender-based themes are only making more out of the fact that she was female than the effect that she had on the country. While it is true that she was the first and only female Prime Minister, Thatcher’s politics speak far more volumes than her sex.

           

            Along with gender issues, The Iron Lady seems more than anything else determined to showcase Meryl Streep’s acting abilities. We all know that Streep can act. This was her third Academy-Award-winning performance, but she has been nominated for many more. We have all seen that Streep can act; now I would like to see her in some movies which show more than just that. The showcasing of her abilities seems to overshadow plot or direction in filmmaking for The Iron Lady.

            Director Phyllida Lloyd’s first feature was Mamma Mia! This wasn’t a particularly high point in Streep’s career, but apparently they built enough of a relationship during that project to recommit for this one. I’m sure it sounded good on paper, but the film lacks any direction whatsoever. With a political figure who inspires strong opinions in everyone who was around to experience her unprecedented three terms, it is surprising to find that Lloyd and screenwriter Abi Morgan seem to have nothing clear to say about Thatcher or her politics.

            The Blu-ray includes a making up featurette, as well as four bonus featurettes about everything from costuming to Thatcher’s husband, Denis. The combo pack includes a Blu-ray disc, a DVD and a digital copy of the film.