Is The Iron Lady Movie Misrepresenting Margaret Thatcher?

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SUMMARY

The forum discussion critiques the portrayal of Margaret Thatcher in the film "The Iron Lady," particularly focusing on Meryl Streep's performance. Norman Tebbit, a former member of Thatcher's Cabinet, asserts that Streep's depiction is exaggerated and misrepresents Thatcher's character. Tim Bell echoes this sentiment, dismissing the film as sensationalized. The discussion highlights the challenges of accurately representing historical figures in biographical films, emphasizing the potential for distortion in character portrayal.

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  • Knowledge of media representation and its impact on public perception
  • Awareness of key figures in Thatcher's Cabinet, such as Norman Tebbit and Tim Bell
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DoggerDan
"However, [Thatcher] was never, in my experience, the half-hysterical, over-emotional, over-acting woman portrayed by Meryl Streep." - Norman Tebbit, who served in Thatcher's Cabinet.​

http://movies.yahoo.com/blogs/the-p...gues-haven-t-seen-meryl-streep-170809564.html

Yes, only the trailer is out. Having seen the http://movies.yahoo.com/movie/1810196208/trailer" on Yahoo! Movies, and comparing that against the loads of printed and video-taped news and programs I read and watched throughout the 1980s, I'm inclined to agree with Mr. Tebbit, along with Tim Bell, who stated, "I can't be bothered to sensationalise this rubbish."

Streep's whimsical smirk after her "the pearls are non-negotiable" line is already out of character.

Frankly, this brings to mind Saturday Night Live's many portrayals of her as a dingbat, which she most certainly was/is not.
 
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Well, that's the trouble with biographical movies, ennit?

I have the opposite reaction to the trailers for J.Edgar. It looks like they might be portraying him as more sympathetic than he ever actually was. Won't be able to tell till I actually see the movie, though.