The Iron Lady - 2 smiles

Meryl Streep always gives an extraordinary performance, whether it’s her Julia in Julie and Julia or singing and dancing in Mama Mia. But even she can’t single-handedly give depth to a movie that’s content to skim the surface of Margaret Thatcher’s life in “The Iron Lady.” Director Phyllida Lloyd, using a script written by Abi Morgan (who also penned Shame) doesn’t focus on a specific time period in Thatcher’s life, which would have allowed her to focus the narrative and give us a clearer picture of someone most American’s know of, but don’t know much about. Lloyd guides us briefly through Thatcher’s life, from her early years as a grocer’s daughter (played by Alexandra Roach) to her tenure as Britain’s first female prime minister (Streep). England in the 80s would have made for a rich setting, especially as seen through the eyes of a woman who helped shape it. But Lloyd and Morgan don’t seem to care much about economics, social unrest or Thatcher’s relationships with other world leaders. Instead, they waste time chronicling her late-life dementia, recreating countless conversations with her children and the ghost of her late husband, Denis (Jim Broadbent). Major events flash by in archival footage, with the Falklands taking, maybe 30 seconds. Although the filmmakers refuse to judge Thatcher’s conservative politics, they also seem unable to give any meaning to them or put even them in a context with what’s happening in the world today.

While “The Iron Lady” fails as a biography, it succeeds as a showcase for Streep’s talents. She captures Thatcher’s voice and mannerisms and then pushes further, creating a three-dimensional character rather than simply offering an impression. She provides new shadings with each era, adding depth to Lloyd’s shallow tour through Thatcher’s life. So, if you’re hoping to gain a greater understanding about what made this woman tick, you’re going to be disappointed. If you’re looking for a bravura performance from Meryl Streep, you’ll enjoy “The Iron Lady.” 1/5/12