Various Sources – 3rd December, 2011

Quite a bit of news on The Iron Lady to get through today. I’ve taken a few excerpts and broken them up into different headings so its easier to digest…

First up , there’s a behind-the-scenes article about The Iron Lady film, and Margaret Thatcher in general, from The Daily Mail. In the article, which you can read in full here, Richard talks briefly about his role as the Environment Secretary Michael Heseltine.

Most of the article centers around how the film all came about, as well as the story background and the legacy left by Thatcher. There are quotes from the writer, the director and most of the principal cast involved. Richard himself states:

“People asked if I would like to meet Heseltine but I thought he would ask how big his part was, how he is being portrayed – and to tell him this is all from Mrs Thatcher’s view – well, nobody wants to be reduced, especially somebody as powerful as he has been. I had a long conversation with Sir Richard Needham, his deputy in the Government, and he described him as witty, shy, and charming – all these things I don’t think Mrs Thatcher in her autobiography attributed to him. I wasn’t allowed a wig – they said you’ve got to have your own hair dyed blonde. I was described as the heroically self-regarding Richard E Grant playing the equally self-preening Michael Heseltine.”

That’s basically all there is from REG, apart from a photograph (seen above), but I thought the article was quite interesting nonetheless (and I don’t even like Thatcher).

Preview Screening Of The Iron Lady In Manchester

While we’re on the subject, there will be an exclusive gala screening of The Iron Lady which will take place on Thursday 15th December at Manchester Town Hall – the setting for the Houses of Parliament, which was a key location central to the film. I’m not sure if there are tickets still available but I guess if you’re interested (and you’re in the area) you could make some enquiries at the venue.

The event is the latest in Volkswagen’s ‘See Film Differently’ series, designed to provide film fans with a behind the scenes style insight into some of the most exciting and iconic British films, old and new.

Soundtrack to “The Iron Lady” Released On December 20th

Sony Masterworks is pleased to announce the release of the soundtrack of The Iron Lady on Tuesday, December 20, 2011. The original soundtrack is the work of award-winning composer Thomas Newman, one of the most respected composers in the movie business, who has scored over fifty feature films. Newman has been nominated for an Academy Award on no less than ten occasions, nine times in the category Best Original Score and once for Best Original Song. He has won a BAFTA, two Grammys and an Emmy, and has also been nominated for a Golden Globe. Born in Los Angeles, Yale-educated Thomas Newman comes from a prominent Hollywood musical dynasty: his father, brother, sister and uncle have all composed for the movies, and the singer-songwriter Randy Newman is his cousin.

His first major work in movies was in 1984 for Reckless. In 1999 Newman composed the score to Sam Mendes’ first feature film, American Beauty, and has written the music for all but one of Mendes’ later films, as well as Erin Brockovich and The Good German for director Steven Soderbergh, and such hits as Finding Nemo and The Horse Whisperer. Newman has also composed for TV, including the theme music for Six Feet Under, which won him Grammys for Best Instrumental Composition and Best Instrumental Arrangement, and has been commissioned to write orchestral concert music, for example for the Cleveland Bicentennial in 1996 and for the Los Angeles Philharmonic.

The Day Meryl Streep Gate-crashed Our Wedding

From the moment the Hollywood legend made an appearance at a couple’s special day, Freya and Graham McAnally knew their wedding would always be an incredibly special day.

The couple were stunned when the Oscar-winning star put in an appearance as they tied the knot – dressed as Margaret Thatcher.
Freya and groom Graham were tying the knot at Manchester Town Hall on the same day as the actress was there filming scenes for the forthcoming biopic about Margaret Thatcher, The Iron Lady.

ABOVE: The actress (left) with Richard E Grant (centre) – who is playing Michael Heseltine in the film – as well as other cast members at Manchester Town Hall, applauding the bride as she made her entrance

Freya, 31, said: “It was all very surreal – Meryl Streep was standing there dressed as Margaret Thatcher. It almost feels like it didn’t happen.
I thought it was amazing, the last thing you expect is an A-List celebrity at your wedding.”

The cast and crew were in the town for two days filming due to its interior looking similar to the inside of the Houses of Parliament.

And finally…

Apparently Meryl Streep struggles to shake off her role in Abba musical Mamma Mia! The actress entertained Richard E. Grant on the movie set by singing the band’s songs in between takes.