Meryl Streep unveils poster for 'Iron Lady'

[November 15, 2011]  LONDON (AP) -- Meryl Streep is becoming a familiar face in London's government district -- the face of Margaret Thatcher.

The Academy Award winning actress plays Britain's first female prime minister in the soon-to-be released "The Iron Lady."

She bears an uncanny resemblance to the Conservative politician on the poster, unveiled Monday with the Big Ben clock tower as a backdrop.

Earlier this year Streep visited Parliament to research the role of Thatcher, who governed Britain from 1979 to 1990 with pro-free market zeal.

Thatcher's family has expressed fears the film will be critical, but director Phyllida Lloyd said the script by Abi Morgan ("Sex Traffic," "Brick Lane") is not ideological.

Lloyd said that "when they see Meryl's performance, they will understand how much care and attention to Lady Thatcher's dignity she's given it."

"I think Margaret Thatcher was a superstar in this country, and I think we all felt we needed a superstar to play her, somebody of huge intelligence, passion and power and warmth," said Lloyd, who directed Streep in the Abba musical "Mamma Mia"

Streep, 62, wouldn't comment when asked what it had been like to play Thatcher, saying audiences would have to "wait until January" to find out.

"The Iron Lady" is scheduled for release in North America from Dec. 30 and in Britain on Jan. 6.

[Associated Press]

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