The Iron Lady (2011)

Meryl Streep, "actress extraordinaire", is currently in Britain filming The Iron Lady where she will be portraying British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher during the lead up to the Falklands War in 1982. Directed by Phyllida Lloyd (Mamma Mia) although this is an entirely different type of film from the Abba-inspired musical.

(Streep shown as Margaret Thatcher)

Update: Word has it that Thatcher's children are not happy with the plot which portrays the former Prime Minister in stages of dementia, looking back on aspects of her career with sadness.

Cameron McCracken, managing director Pathé Films, confirms: "It is true that the film is set in the recent past and that Baroness Thatcher does look back on both the triumphs and the lows of her extraordinary career. It is a film about power and the price that is paid for power. In that sense, it is the story of every person who has ever had to balance their private life with their public career."[Telegraph]

Familiar faces in cast include:
Jim Broadbent who plays her husband Denis
Anthony Head - Richard Howe
Richard E. Grant - Michael Heseltine

Alexandra Roach and Harry Lloyd
(younger Margaret and Denis Thatcher)

Broadbent and Streep (as Denis and Margaret Thatcher)


Have you seen her video interview for BAFTA? Charming & funny lady!
Watch: Meryl Streep - A Life in Pictures

Photo (of Meryl as Thatcher): Alex Bailey/Pathe Productions Ltd