The best part of Hyde Park on Hudson is Bill Murray’s surprising performance. This is not the Ghostbusters Bill Murray or the Groundhog Day Bill Murray. Bill Murray delivers a controlled performance of President Franklin Delano Roosevelt who is on the eve of meeting the King and Queen of England with World War II looming. Laura Linney portrays Roosevelt’s cousin, Margaret Suckley, who enters into a love affair with the President. The movie is based on Margaret Suckley’s private journals and diaries discovered after Suckley’s death that detail the relationship. I liked the ensemble cast and the erotic dynamic in the plot. GRADE: B+
I think the two most surprising acting performances of 2012 were Jack Black in “Bernie” and Bill Murray in this movie–both of them playing totally against type and expectations. Too bad the Academy didn’t think so.
I agree on Jack Black. Haven’t seen this one yet.
My question is, how many “cousins” did Roosevelt have affairs with?
Bill Murray’s surprising performance of FDR delighted the audience, Deb. Several people clapped at the end of movie, a rare event here.
The movie hints that FDR had several “cousins” he was close to, Jeff. But this particular cousin saved FDR’s letters and kept a detailed journal of their affair.
I agree with Deb and Jeff regarding Jack Black in Bernie.
The reviews for this one haven’t been good but that’s never stopped me before. Thanks for the review, George.
Although I disliked BERNIE, Jack Black was great in it. I missed this one. Love Bill Murray so will probably catch it at some point.
Beth, HYDE PARK ON HUDSON is a low-key movie. No explosions, no alien monsters. Just people grappling with personal and political issues on the eve of World War II. Bill Murray and Laura Linny deliver excellent performances.
Patti, I consider Jack Black an underrated actor. He’s not afraid to take risks.
Jack Black was great. So was the rest of that cast, including the townspeople. Haven’t seen Murray’s performance yet.
[insert lame joke about Jack Black in glass with ice]… I wanted to see this film but not enough to pay pricey movie house prices. Maybe a Netflix pick.
Bill Murray’s performance was a revelation to me, Bill. I was used to his goofy performances.
BERNIE opened and closed here in a week, Rick.
Haven’t seen the movie, but I visitied Hyde Park in 1968.
You should see what FDR and his cousin did in Hyde Park, Bob. It would make you blush.
Me? I don’t think so.