Meryl Streep, Director Phyllida Lloyd, Screenwriter Abi Morgan, and Harry Lloyd Talk THE IRON LADY

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. I understand you spent about four or five hours a day for the makeup of Margaret Thatcher? MERYL STREEP: No, no (laughs). We got it under two. I wondered if you ever worried, though, with a character who is in so much makeup like that, if it will obscure your performance or conversely, be the performance? STREEP: Interestingly in the process of ...