Bill Murray has definitely gotten better at it. Back in 1984 Mr. Murray took his first crack at a non-funny role (a.k.a. “serious acting”) in a forgotten movie called “The Razor’s Edge”. Here was the man from “Ghostbusters” and “Caddyshack” so “Razor” was hard to swallow. The movie was somber and lifeless and Murray was terrible. Nothing that came out of his mouth could be believed as the corners of his mouth were constantly turned up into a smirk and you could tell that behind his eyes lived a sarcastic/smartass thought waiting to fall out.
Now, nearly 30 years later with “Hyde Park on the Hudson,” Murray finally gives the illusive transformative performance as Franklin Delano Roosevelt our 32nd president of the United States. Every role prior has been a variation of the Murray persona, even his work in the “prestige” pictures like “Lost in Translation” and “Broken Flowers”. Those films merely featured Subdued Murray. Here he gets lost in FDR and gives an endearing turn. If only he had more to do in “Hyde Park” as the movie is small in scope and impact.
This is the story of a philandering president. Seems that politicians were as politicians are. In the midst of the Great Depression, the president frequently escapes Washington to spend down time in upstate New York at his mother’s home. There he meets his distant cousin, Margaret Suckley (Laura Linney), a quiet and shy lady who quickly peaks the great man’s interest.
Let’s point out, as to not tarnish or disparage, that Margaret is something like a 5th or 6th cousin. Sure, FDR could have had his pick, but he kept it close in the family. The two share joyrides in the gorgeous countryside and the relationship does seem to have a sweet quality. Pay no mind the president is married as Eleanor (Olivia Williams) is never around.
“Hyde Park on the Hudson” then focuses on historic visit by King George VI (Samuel West) and his lovely wife Queen Elizabeth (Olivia Colman). The stammering king gives the film a déjà vu quality as we just saw Colin Firth portray his majesty so magnificently a couple years ago in “The King’s Speech”. Europe is on the brink of war and Britain is looking for an ally. FDR offers hot dogs at a picnic.
Murray does great here but the story is slight. He may get a nomination but there is another depiction of an important president that will get more attention. To be honest, I prefer Murray’s FDR to Day-Lewis’ Lincoln. Murray is more human, more honest as Lincoln is used as a prop who delivers nothing but “important” monologues with admirers gazing loving upon him. Less dazzle but more life.
But director Roger Michell (“Notting Hill,” “Venus”) stages things as if it was adapted from a stage play. Laura Linney makes Margaret so mousy and small that she is near invisible. Some interesting situations do transpire, the vehicle is just not worthy of Murray’s most detailed performance.