In her heyday as leader of the Conservative Party and Britain’s first female Prime Minister, Baroness Margaret Thatcher commanded awe as much as she inspired loathing. The biopic looking at her political and personal life has proved no less controversial.

David Cameron said ‘The Iron Lady’ should have been made “another day”, a reflection of the feeling among many that such an intimate look at Thatcher’s personal life, particularly the onset of dementia, is a tasteless and disrespectful way to make a film about a woman who is still alive.

Some might welcome the way in which the film raises awareness of the condition, which affects affects millions in Britain However, for anyone who has had a personal experience of dementia in the family will likely will feel deeply uncomfortable with the film’s constant returns to Thatcher’s less lucid moments.

Indeed, they are used as a plot device to such an extent that one is left questioning whether the portrayal of Thatcher is at all accurate or has been compromised beyond the acceptable boundaries of artistic licence.

One must also ask how Thatcher would feel about the portrayal of her family, particularly husband Denis, who comes across in the film as a fool and a nuisance, rather than the pillar of strength she regarded him to be.

With so much controversy surrounding Thatcher and the film, ‘The Iron Lady’ will certainly get people talking, and there are themes and aspects of her character drawn out in the film that will inspire further reflection.

She was uncompromising on her principles even when they were unpopular. She was driven by a deep love for her country. And she was fiercely determined to make a change in politics and in the world, in spite of the personal cost and the strong opposition she faced in a man’s world.

Meryl Streep is breathtaking in her portrayal of Thatcher, expertly bringing to life the formidable character that earned her the nickname ‘The Iron Lady’, whilst capturing the warm humanity behind the politician who was also a mother and wife.

Nonetheless, great acting is not enough to make a great film and even those who disagree passionately with her politics - or perhaps especially those who disagree with her politics? - might wish that more time had been spent looking at her rise to leader of the country, and the policies that divided the nation.

Instead, some of the most defining moments of her time in government seem to have been rushed through for the sake of making sure they get a mention in the film.

A greater exploration of her legacy - good and bad - might have done the real, living Thatcher greater justice.

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