Arts & Entertainment
Portrait of a ‘Lady’
Streep reliably good in new Thatcher biopic
In her latest cinematic turn, “The Iron Lady,” screen legend and two-time Academy Award winner Meryl Streep moves seamlessly into Number 10 Downing Street as iconic British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher. From the opening scenes, she’s unrecognizable as a shaky, old Thatcher going out for milk — totally overlooked and unnoticed by former constituents.
Meryl Streep as Margaret Thatcher in ‘The Iron Lady.’ (Photo courtesy the Weinstein Company)
The scene serves as foreshadowing for the flashback-fueled biopic about one of history’s more formidable females and how her haunted mind recalls the monumental events of her past and her struggle to stay firmly rooted in the present. The film opens today (Friday) in Washington; Landmark — both E Street and Bethesda Row — has it.
A lengthy knowledge of British politics isn’t required to thoroughly enjoy the film, which stirs empathy and respect for the tough and determined Prime Minister, but it can’t hurt. In her declining years, Thatcher relives her marriage to her husband (delightfully portrayed by Jim Broadbent), ascent to major political success and numerous battles against her male counterparts in Parliament. The format of using flashbacks to create a fluid, if not completely chronological, biopic is a tricky one. However, it works here because as Thatcher’s physical and mental decline are apparent, it’s logical that dementia, or at least a deep longing for her illustrious past, would play a role in her aging.
Unlike 2011’s uneven biopic “J. Edgar,” which was also told in a flashback format, “The Iron Lady” gives the feeling of a well-rounded and human portrait of a controversial leader. Even if one disagrees with Thatcher’s policies, the film inspires respect for the determined woman, who rose from a working middle-class background to be the first female Prime Minister of Briton.” J. Edgar,” followed a more traditional flashback format of a retiring official dictating an autobiography filled with embellishments. Late in the film the audience learns of the half-truths and is left with more questions and skepticism rather than any form of insight.
But forget the format. Forget the director. It is Streep who is the film’s anchor, mast and sail. While some critics have bemoaned the storyline and structure, all agree Streep is mesmerizing. There are few actors who could legitimately be compared to Meryl Streep and her performance in “The Iron Lady” is a perfect representation of why. She vanishes into Thatcher’s mannerisms, speech and aura. She never appears to acting or in costume and make up. The transformation of she undergoes is truly unbelievable. Her recent portrayal of Julia Child displayed once again her trademark ability to master speech patterns and accents, which she also nails in this film.
While Thatcher’s persona and impact were larger than life, Streep exercises perfect restraint in bringing the Prime Minister’s greatest moments to the screen. She keeps her teeth far enough away from the scenery as not to turn Maggie into “Mommie Dearest” when tensions rise. Thatcher is known for her outspoken personality and Streep does an impeccable job of conveying that without sacrificing authenticity.
When the final credits roll, the audience is left not with an ideological or chronological picture of a politician, but the snapshots of the life of someone who believed wholeheartedly in what she said and did. “The Iron Lady” leaves one with a curiosity to know more about Margaret Thatcher but not because the film is incomplete but because its subject is masterfully portrayed and presented. Political subject matter almost always proves divisive, but not “The Iron Lady.” A jumble of understanding, empathy and respect is what is created in the wake of the Prime Minister — even if her political views are not in concert with those of audience members.
As the days before the 84th annual Academy Award nominations are announced dwindle, Street is assuredly guaranteed her 18th nomination. Whether she or Viola Davis, who starred in 2011’s massively successful film “The Help,” will take home the top prize remains to be seen. But after seeing both films, one is inclined to believe that Meryl’s mantle might become a bit more crowded by another golden incarnation of Thatcher in February.
Friday, April 17
Center Aging Monthly Luncheon With Yoga will be at 12 p.m. at the DC Center for the LGBT Community. Email Mac at [email protected] if you require ASL interpreter assistance, have any dietary restrictions, or questions about this event.
Go Gay DC will host “LGBTQ+ Social in the City” at 7 p.m. at Hotel Zena. This is a chance to relax, make new friends, and enjoy happy hour specials at this classic retro venue. Attendance is free and more details are available on Eventbrite.
Trans and Genderqueer Game Night will be at 7:00p.m. at the DC Center for the LGBT Community. This is a relaxing, laid-back evening of games and fun. All are welcome and there’ll be card and board games on hand. Feel free to bring your own games to share. For more details, visit the DC Center’s website.
Saturday, April 18
Go Gay DC will host “LGBTQ+ Community Brunch” at 11 a.m. at Freddie’s Beach Bar & Restaurant. This fun weekly event brings the DMV area LGBTQ+ community, including allies, together for delicious food and conversation. Attendance is free and more details are available on Eventbrite.
The DC Center for the LGBT Community will host “Sunday Supper on Saturday” at 2 p.m. It’s more than just an event; it’s an opportunity to step away from the busyness of life and invest in something meaningful, and enjoy delicious food, genuine laughter, and conversations that spark connection and inspiration. For more details, visit the Center’s website.
Sunday, April 19
Go Gay DC will host “LGBTQ+ Community Lunch” at 11 a.m. at Federico Ristorante Italiano. This fun weekly event brings the DMV area LGBTQ+ community, including allies, together for delicious food and conversation. Attendance is free and more details are available on Eventbrite.
Monday, April 20
“Center Aging: Monday Coffee Klatch” will be at 10 a.m. on Zoom. This is a social hour for older LGBTQ+ adults. Guests are encouraged to bring a beverage of choice. For more information, contact Adam ([email protected]).
Tuesday, April 21
Center Bi+ Roundtable will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This is an opportunity for people to gather in order to discuss issues related to bisexuality or as Bi individuals in a private setting.Visit Facebook or Meetup for more information.
Senior Self Defense Class with Avi Rome will be at 12:30 p.m. This inclusive and beginner-friendly class, led by Instructor Avi Rome, offers a light warm-up, stretching, and instruction in basic techniques, patterns, and striking padded targets. Each session is designed to be adaptable for all ability and mobility levels, creating a welcoming space for everyone to build strength, confidence, and community through martial arts. For more details, visit the DC Center’s website.
Wednesday, April 22
Job Club will be at 6 p.m. on Zoom upon request. This is a weekly job support program to help job entrants and seekers, including the long-term unemployed, improve self-confidence, motivation, resilience and productivity for effective job searches and networking — allowing participants to move away from being merely “applicants” toward being “candidates.” For more information, email [email protected] or visit thedccenter.org/careers.
Asexual and Aromantic Group will meet at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This is a space where people who are questioning this aspect of their identity or those who identify as asexual and/or aromantic can come together, share stories and experiences, and discuss various topics. For more details, email [email protected].
Thursday, April 23
The DC Center’s Fresh Produce Program will be held all day at the DC Center for the LGBT Community. People will be informed on Wednesday at 5:00 pm if they are picked to receive a produce box. No proof of residency or income is required. For more information, email [email protected] or call 202-682-2245.
Virtual Yoga Class will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This free weekly class is a combination of yoga, breath work and meditation that allows LGBTQ+ community members to continue their healing journey with somatic and mindfulness practices. For more details, visit the DC Center’s website.
Out & About
Team DC’s annual gala set for this weekend
LGBTQ sports organization to hold annual ‘Night of Champions’
Team DC will host “Night of Champions Gala” on Saturday, April 18 at 6 p.m. at the Georgetown Marriott.
This will be an evening of celebration and inspiration as Team DC honors remarkable individuals and supports the next generation of LGBTQ student-athletes.
There will be opportunities to support Team DC through auctions. The Silent Auction items will offer an array of unique goods and experiences. Additionally, Team DC will feature an exclusive selection of live auction items for those looking to make a significant impact.
This year, Team DC will recognize six outstanding awardees who have made significant contributions to the LGBTQ community and sports:
- Trailblazer Award – Adam Peck, District Wrestling
- Most Valuable Person Award – Sean Bartel (posthumously)
- Champion Award – Dan Martin
- Clark Ray Horizon Award – Manuel Montelongo, aka Mari Con Carne
- Bernard Jude Delia Award – Dr. Sara Varghai
- Platinum All Star Award – Centaur Motorcycle Club
To purchase tickets, visit Team DC’s website.
Television
‘The Pitt’ stars discuss what season two gets right about queer representation
Noah Wyle and Taylor Dearden spoke with Blade in LA
As season two of “The Pitt” comes to a close this Thursday, stars Noah Wyle and Taylor Dearden are looking back on what this season got right about queer representation.
“There is some intentionality behind it, but it’s not necessarily for the representation to be anything other than human or ubiquitous to anyone that would come into an emergency room,” Noah Wyle, who plays Dr. Robby, told the Los Angeles Blade at PaleyFest event in Los Angeles on April 12. “I know that we’ve done some storylines with some gay couples, and we did a storyline in season 1 where a woman comes in who’s cut her arm, who’s trans. But in both of those storylines, that wasn’t the point.”
Wyle continues, “In doing it that way, and not making a point of orientation being part of the problem that brings you to the emergency room, we have been told in feedback that that has been extremely revolutionary, almost, and extremely appreciated. But that’s true whether we do storylines with any kind of minority or a person with a disability. We try to have a cosmology of cast and representation on the show that’s indicative of what you find in Pittsburgh.”
Dearden, who plays Dr. Mel King, echoed Wyle’s sentiment: “I think constantly battling tropes is always important. It’s not a show about romance; it’s a show about real life and a shift in the ER. The more we represent everyday people going through everyday life, they just happen to be queer, they just happen to be trans, and making it not the plot, is putting everyone on equal playing [field]. You don’t have to have a big coming out scene.”
Queer representation on “The Pitt” is also notable through the actual actors themselves, including openly queer actor Supriya Ganesh, who plays Dr. Samira Mohan (who didn’t attend PaleyFest after the news that she is not returning for season three), and Amielynn Abellera, who plays Perlah Alawi.
“Doctors don’t put value judgments on who they treat,” Wyle concludes. “That’s not a luxury extended to them, and so that’s not part of our storytelling.”
The season two finale will air Thursday, April 16, on HBO Max, while season three has already been confirmed and is currently being written.
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