Hyde Park on Hudson
Starring: Laura Linney, Bill Murray,
Directed by:
Reviewed by Danielle Muir
[rating: 3.5/5]
If I were to describe this film in two words it would be this: perfectly nice. With a quaint setting in the manicured 1939 American countryside, a lovely set of humorous characters and the light-hearted premise of two completely opposite nations colliding – Hyde Park on Hudson shows the devilish, cheeky side of famed president Franklin D. Roosevelt and the relationships he had with the women around him, in particularly his cousin Daisy whose plucked from obscurity into his life.
The most intriguing thing about Hyde Park on Hudson is the perception of FDR himself – you’ll either be left with a sour or pondering taste as to his character. But more to that later. We’re introduced to Daisy first and foremost – a timid country woman whose life is turned upside down with a phone call from FDR’s mother. Soon she’s swept up by his charms – sharing afternoon drives, confiding in each other the stresses of the world, and it’s not long before things become intimate (in an extremely awkward laughter inducing sexual favour scene). The prestigious arrival of the King and Queen of England sets the estate aflutter, with both the American’s eager to please and the English desperate to gain their allegiance for the upcoming war. As the weekend roles on Daisy, FDR, the American’s and the English attempt to establish where their relationship lies – experiencing the bonds of friendship and heartbreak.
As stated, Daisy’s the protagonist but is rather dull in comparison to the colourful character’s she’s surrounded by – Bill Murray is in this movie for god’s sake. Always entertaining and charming, Murray’s performance is subtle but effective and you see (for a while) why Daisy’s fallen flat at his feet. He’s sincere; you feel empathy for him as he faces the challenges of running a nation, and genuinely seems to care for Daisy – doting and tending to her emotional whims. His interactions once the King and Queen arrive are hilarious, two relatively young rulers thrown into their roles. I think I would have preferred a film without Daisy at all – rather focusing on the relationship between the royals and the president. He acts as mentor to the young King Bertie (previously depicted in The King’s Speech by Colin Firth), trading quips and wisecracks about the uptight Queen as she fumes about eating a hotdog. This all seems very nice, and it is – there’s great wit and class about every element of Hyde Park on Hudson. However, and intentionally I’m assuming, there’s a sordid twist which makes you question everything about the character the world revolves around – FDR himself. Not wanting to spoil anything, the main issue is Daisy – her reaction is rushed and unexplained. With the event that does occur it’s a little hard to swallow that her response is so subdued. You exit the theatre feeling perplexed about all you thought you knew about the characters, and for me it was a sour taste. But at least offers some food for thought.
It wraps up as neatly as it began, and I’ve certainly spent 90mins in less enjoyable ways – however I wouldn’t recommend going to a late night screening, nor expecting your perceptions of the characters not to change for the negative and ultimately unsatisfying.
TOM Magazine has 10 double passes to giveaway to Hyde Park on Hudson – to enter email with ‘Hyde Park on Hudson’ in the subject line and your contact details in the message. Only one entry per person.
