Daniel Day-Lewis gave the true Presidential performance of 2012, as Abraham Lincoln in “Lincoln”. But we can’t forget Bill Murray’s role as FDR in “Hyde Park on Hudson”. Or, maybe we can. The film is set in 1939 in Hyde Park, N.Y., the small upstate town where Roosevelt was born and where his mother still lives. He goes there whenever he can to get away from Washington D.C. and the stress of life as president. FDR’s relationship with his wife Eleanor is a bit rocky. She stays in another home nearby.
“Hyde Park on Hudson” doesn’t entirely focus on Roosevelt. In fact, he’s just one part of this fragmented story. The main character is Daisy, played by Laura Linney. She’s Roosevelt’s fifth cousin who lives nearby. She’s invited to come to Hyde Park and spend time with FDR. Soon they become very close, a relationship that becomes, as you might guess, complicated.
Most of the film takes place over a weekend in which King George and Queen Elizabeth of England visit FDR in Hyde Park. The King needs Roosevelt’s help in what will soon become Word War II. We get scene after scene of the King and Queen talking about Roosevelt, talking about Americans and American culture and talking about…HOT DOGS. Why would a film about one of the most important figures in U.S. history spend so much time focused on two visitors from Great Britain? Well, because “Hyde Park on Hudson” was both produced and directed by Brits. That fact explains a lot, but there’s no explanation for all the other problems.
“Hyde Park on Hudson” is very slow, right from the start. The first scenes involving FDR and Daisy together – the start of this important relationship – consists of him showing her his stamp collection. Yes, it’s as dull as it sounds. And things never get much better. There’s no conflict, no suspense, no excitement. When the big moment of a film involves…HOT DOGS you know you don’t have much of a story.
Murray does a solid job as Roosevelt. He’s adds some occasional humor and handles the dramatic scenes as well, what little drama there is. He is by far the best thing about the film.
The rest of “Hyde Park on Hudson” isn’t pretty. Linney’s narration, which carries throughout the movie, is annoying. She is a great actress but has nothing to work with here as Daisy is one of the blandest characters seen on screen this year. And there are no standout supporting performances either. Again, blame the script not the actors.
Director Roger Michell’s previous film, 2010’s TV news comedy “Morning Glory”, had a story, enjoyable characters, laughs and heart. Here he’s made a film that’s tedious, with no focus, shallow characters and a score consisting of the same few notes popping-up at some point during practically every scene.
“Hyde Park on Hudson” is Rated R for brief adult content and language. It’s appropriate for teens and up but, unlike “Lincoln”, there’s no educational reasons for students to watch this. I remember looking forward to this movie since first seeing the trailer last summer. I was hoping for something powerful and memorable. Instead this was clearly one of the biggest disappointments of the year.
On The Official LCJ Report Card, “Hyde Park on Hudson” gets a D+.
It is “based on a true story”, though there are disagreements about the type of relationship that FDR and Daisy really had. One thing I know for sure – it couldn’t have been as boring as this movie.