Meryl Streep's Margaret Thatcher Transformation Revealed

By Zach Dionne Posted Feb 8th 2011 12:05PM

Meryl Streep is set to play Margaret Thatcher in the biopic 'The Iron Lady,' now filming in London. A convincing photo released today shows just how real the transformation will be for Streep, 61.

"The prospect of exploring the swathe cut through history by this remarkable woman is a daunting and exciting challenge," Streep said in a statement (via The Hollywood Reporter). "I am trying to approach the role with as much zeal, fervor and attention to detail as the real Lady Thatcher possesses -- I can only hope my stamina will begin to approach her own."

Thatcher, England's first female prime minister, is now 85; she served in office from 1979 to 1990. Our gut reaction -- seriously, look at that photo! -- says this portrayal of the British icon will rank alongside Helen Mirren's take on Queen Elizabeth II in 2006's 'The Queen.'

Entertainment Weekly is equally wowed, writing: "Pearl necklaces and button earrings will make anyone look like a politician -- see: every impression of Hillary Clinton, ever -- but it takes a special kind of talent to hold one's face in a stress position for an entire movie. Meryl Streep! She can do everything."

'The Iron Lady' centers around the build-up to the 1982 Falklands War, between the U.K. and Argentina. The film will mark the second theatrical release for female director Phyllida Lloyd, who worked with Streep on 'Mamma Mia!'

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Tags: Margaret Thatcher, Meryl Streep, The Iron Lady

Comments

(8)

Tuesday 08 February

By mts

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You go Meryl! Is their anything this woman can't do? The most gifted actress of many decades. It's time for another Oscar!She's way overdue. (IMHO) ;)

By JP

My thoughts exactly.

By goggleplex

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Just an unbelievably gifted actress !....the best !

By Goddess Debra

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awesome choice for this role of such a grat woman!

By John

Yes, "Goddess", she is grat. DUH!

By Mise

Love Meryl Streep but I hate Maggie. Awful, mean woman.