Hyde Park on Hudson
In 1939, Highly regarded president Franklin Delano Roosevelt (Bill Murray) and first lady Eleanor (Olivia Williams) hosted the King and Queen of England (Samuel West and Olivia Colman) for a brief stay at the Roosevelt home at Hyde Park on Hudson in upstate New York. It was a pivotal time, World War II was moving closer to England and U.S. assistance would certainly be necessary. But, while the royals were seeking support, FDR had several personal battles of his own– in particular his multiple mistresses, one of which was a fifth or so cousin named Daisy (Laura Linney). Detailing a little known side of FDR and a definitive moment in history, Hyde Park on Hudson is their story.
Examining love, politics, the charisma of a leader, and the drama of life director Roger Mitchell works to expose the humanity of one of the nation’s most regarded presidents through the eyes of the women who loved him. And, while the film doesn’t really stand out from others in the genre artistically, the feminine angle does provide for a fresh and noteworthy look. From an acting standpoint it’s refreshing to see Murray in a role where he has to apply himself a little more than the norm, the rest of the ensemble shine nicely in response. So while this probably won’t shake things up at the box office, from an academic and historic standpoint don’t write this one off either. Matinee perhaps? Hyde Park on Hudson is rated R.