Meryl Streep’s role in Margaret Thatcher bio causing debate

[HMG] – The prospect of Meryl Streep bringing her Oscar-winning skills to bear in playing a political figure would leave most fans intrigued. But the family of the figure in question — former British Prime Minister, Margaret Thatcher — seem to hate the idea.

Baroness Thatcher — now 84 — ruled Britain as its Prime Minister from 1979 to 1990, without a break. But in August 2008 she was diagnosed with dementia. The film will portray her with this condition, looking back at her life with sadness. And that’s really upsetting her children;

“Sir Mark and Carol are appalled at what they have learned about the film,” says a friend. “They think it sounds like some Left-wing fantasy. They feel very strongly about it, but will not speak publicly for fear of giving it more publicity.”

The screenplay includes scenes in which the Baroness — known to the Brits as ‘The Iron Lady’ – is seen talking to herself, and also seemingly convinced that her husband, Sir Denis Thatcher [who died in 2003] is still alive.

“It’s true the film is set in the recent past,” Cameron McCracken, boss of ‘Pathé,’ who are making the film tells the Telegraph. “But it’s a film about power, and the price that is paid for power. In that sense, it is the story of everyone who has had to balance a private life with their public career.”

Cameron admits the dementia is featured, but he’s keen to assure fans this will be done with some taste;

“It will treated with appropriate sensitivity,” he counsels, adding’ “Although fictional, the film will be fair and accurate.”

Titled ‘The Iron Lady’ the film is not even cast yet, and there’s no firm date for release. But with Meryl involved you can bet we’ll be kept fully informed when that changes…