Set in the time frame of the 2005 London train bombings, The Iron Lady tells a story about Margaret Thatcher from the view point of the Prime Minister in her elderly life, as she grapples with a fading memory of her family life and political career. The interplay between Margaret Thatcher and her husband Dennis (played by Jim Broadbent), gives the film a levity that balances the intensity of some of the political scenes. British actors Alexandra Roach and Harry Lloyd portray the younger versions of Margaret and Dennis, acting out a delightful courtship of a marriage that evolved out of shared values and a seriousness of purpose.

At the film’s press conference in New York, director Phyllida Lloyd, writer Abi Morgan, young Dennis actor Harry Lloyd, and the star herself Meryl Streep gave an interview to a room full of journalists. The group discussed how both the script and the rehearsal process reflected theatrical roots, the experience of depicting a person who is still living, and lots more. Streep is particularly candid, and offers a thoughtful response to those who have criticized the film. Hit the jump for the entire press conference.

The Weinstein Company has released a new trailer for Phyllida Lloyd‘s Margaret Thatcher biopic The Iron Lady.  Judging by the trailer, the movie is about the former British Prime Minister’s iron will to be a powerful woman in a man’s world.  In between, she kind of did some politics, but seriously: HEAR HER ROAR. The trailer briefly mentions her involvement in the Falklands War, but only to highlight that she’s been to battle too.  Not ones involving blood and bullets and death, but political and social ones which are just as bad if not worse.  Meryl Streep‘s performance will likely dominate all other aspects of the film, but hopefully the story is more than just how one woman broke through the glass ceiling (even though Thatcher remains the only female British Prime Minister in history).

Hit the jump to check out the trailer.  The film also stars Jim Broadbent and Richard E. Grant.  The Iron Lady opens December 16th.

The actress with the most Oscar nominations in the world might add another one to her list in the near future.  THR says that Meryl Streep is in talks to play former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher in the biopic Thatcher, directed by Phyllida Lloyd (Mamma Mia).

Jim Broadbent is reportedly in talks to play Thatcher’s husband in the film, which is “set in 1982 and tracks Thatcher as she tries to save her career in the 17 days preceding the 1982 Falklands War.  The 2 1/2-month war was a turning point for the prime minister, who, after the victory, saw her approval ratings double and went on to win a second term.”

Doesn’t that just sound like Oscar bait?  Thatcher is written by Brian Fillis and produced by Damien Jones.  And that’s just about all the information out there on this developing project.