It has been a decade since Baroness Margaret Thatcher took her last breath, leaving behind a complex legacy. Just two years before her passing, in 2011, 'The Iron Lady' was released, attempting to transform one of the most polarizing figures in the United Kingdom into a more relatable protagonist.
The film, directed by Phyllida Lloyd, explores the journey from being a real-life villain to a fictional heroine. Lloyd, as another woman in a male-dominated world, employs clever cinematography techniques to depict the former Prime Minister as the first woman to hold that position in the United Kingdom.
For instance, the film features symmetrical scenes where Thatcher is positioned in the middle of a line of white men dressed in black suits and moccasins, while she stands out in a skirt or colourful dresses and high heels. This portrayal highlights her uniqueness in a predominantly male crowd, reminiscent of a 'Black Widow' trope.
The film also skillfully portrays the frustrating and sadly relatable workplace dynamics where the protagonist is not taken seriously, encountering sexism and machismo from her colleagues. This allows the audience to feel empathy and compassion toward her character. In the film, she is depicted as an elder, recently widowed and in mourning, adding an extra layer of sympathy to her persona.
It's worth noting Lloyd's ingenuity in presenting the story. As a native of the UK who lived through the era of Thatcherism from 1979 to 1990, she recognized that it was far from idyllic, contrary to what the movie poster, adorned with greyed London landmarks, might suggest.
Margaret Thatcher is portrayed in the film using predominantly canted camera angles, reflecting the numerous controversies associated with her leadership. On one hand, she hailed from humble beginnings; her parents ran a grocery store, representing a working-class family. On the other hand, her policies led to the decline of Britain's manufacturing industry and the infamous miners' strike. A poignant moment in the film addresses her complaint about the high cost of milk, juxtaposed with her earlier decision to suspend free milk for schoolchildren.
The film serves as a reminder of the importance of memory in preventing the repetition of a traumatic past. It's crucial to acknowledge that Margaret Thatcher holds the distinction of being the first female British Prime Minister in both Europe and the United Kingdom. Lloyd's portrayal attempts to emphasize this aspect of her legacy. While she inspired future generations of women and paved the way for many in politics, she also stirred up animosity within the male community as they grappled with the implications of a woman in such a powerful position
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