Hyde Park on Hudson

“Hyde Park on Hudson” stars Bill Murray, Laura Linney and Samuel West in this story of our 32^nd President, Franklin Delano Roosevelt, events that took place in Hyde Park in 1939 and the pending visit of Britain’s King George. Well played by Mr. Murray as FDR, Samuel West as the King and Ms. Linney as distant (maybe not so distant) cousin Daisy, the film plays upon the relationships that FDR had with those around him during that time including, not only the women who adored and vied for his affection, but his mother and “wife” Eleanor. Unlike the motion picture “Lincoln” which also depicted a small chronological period in a great man’s life, this film is limited not only in its chronological scope but in its issues as well. This giant figure of a man with the burdens of the entire free world is trivialized by the Richard Nelson screenplay and you somehow feel that there is too much information being given about a man those in my generation placed on the pedestal of public acclaim and respect. While character flaws may be relevant, there should be a balance with the important and significant accomplishments of the same individual being noted as well. I guess none of us like to see our heroes brought down to size and that may be one of the reasons for my reaction to the movie. Directed by Roger Michell, this is more like a short story with almost no depth being  stretched into 95 minutes of feature film exhibition. I give the film 2 and ½ stars noting that in addition to fine acting performances, the film also offers an insight into its main character and furnishes interesting historical information, Whether such insight and data is relevant or necessary is for each of us to decide. However as a docudrama about such an awesome and important historical figure, both FDR and the viewing audience deserve better..