CelebrityEntertainmentFilm ReviewsGeneral NewsGolda MeirHelen MirrenIsraelIsrael government Movie Review: Filmmakers behind biopic ‘Golda,’ starring Helen Mirren, get lost in a swirl of smoke by Chloe Baker August 26, 2023 written by Chloe Baker August 26, 2023 0 comments Bookmark 44 Film Review: Biopic ‘Golda,’ Starring Helen Mirren, Loses Direction Amidst Symbolic Smoke In the cinematic portrayal of Golda Meir, the first and sole female head of government in modern Israel and a wartime prime minister, Helen Mirren undertakes the challenge of earning recognition through her acting prowess in “Golda.” The accomplished British actress transforms herself with the aid of prosthetics and an aura of solemnity to embody Meir in “Golda.” The film captures Meir’s dual struggle with the 1973 Arab-Israeli war and her battle against cancer, creating a narrative that intertwines these formidable challenges. The aftermath of the war led to a diplomatic framework for peace, yet Israel paid a heavy toll, prompting criticism of Meir’s leadership for inadequate preparedness and delayed response to impending threats. Subsequently, she tendered her resignation in the following year. Director Guy Nattiv and writer Nicholas Martin’s approach in “Golda” primarily focuses on Meir’s later life, with minimal exploration of her formative years. The story introduces Meir during a critical juncture, as Israel grapples with a Yom Kippur attack from multiple directions. The film, essentially, offers a snapshot of these demanding weeks. Throughout the narrative, the filmmakers employ a recurring, albeit occasionally irksome, motif: smoke. Meir’s well-documented habit of smoking becomes a central visual element, with the act of lighting up becoming a fixture in numerous scenes. The resonance of lighters and the sight of paper turning to ash seem to conclude each sequence. There’s even an attempt to juxtapose her cigarette smoke with the sounds of artillery fire from the battlefield, a tenuous connection at best. The rationale behind the filmmakers’ emphasis on smoking remains ambiguous. It could be interpreted as an attempt to convey Meir’s tenacity, single-mindedness, or means of stress relief. Even as she endures lymphoma treatment on a hospital bed, she continues to smoke. However, this motif evolves into a narrative crutch, analogous to real nicotine addiction. Mirren, following in the footsteps of prior actresses such as Anne Bancroft, Judy Davis, and Tovah Feldshuh who have portrayed Meir, adeptly navigates the role. She seamlessly transitions between war strategy meetings and delivers memorable lines like “All political careers end in failure” and “I will not be taken alive.” (It’s worth noting that, akin to Bradley Cooper playing Leonard Bernstein, Mirren, a non-Jew, faces relatively little scrutiny for employing prosthetics.) Regrettably, the script provides Mirren limited opportunity to delve into Meir’s inner world. While she meticulously documents soldier and equipment losses in a small notebook and experiences panic attacks, the film struggles to encapsulate the profound personal significance of the war. Amidst the prosthetics, the clattering of typewriters, and the tendrils of smoke, the essence of Meir’s experience remains elusive. The filmmakers employ another somewhat clumsy tactic to evoke empathy for Meir, involving a stenographer whose son is fighting in the Suez Canal. As the men nonchalantly discuss troop movements and casualties, Meir’s glances towards the stenographer carry a somber weight. Liev Schreiber delivers a noteworthy performance as the wry Henry Kissinger, injecting a refreshing dynamism into the film during his interactions with Meir. Camille Cottin also shines as Meir’s patient aide, tending to her needs with care. Within “Golda,” there are inklings of intriguing insights. It hints at Meir’s potential betrayal by some of the very men she relied upon during the war, juxtaposed with her protective stance towards them. The film also alludes to the persistence of misinformation in Middle Eastern conflicts and the catch-22 scenarios faced by female leaders. Regrettably, these promising threads are left underexplored. A sole moment punctuates Mirren’s predominantly somber portrayal, emerging at the film’s conclusion. During the credits, authentic footage showcases Golda Meir sharing laughter with Egyptian leader Anwar Sadat. In this instance, the multifaceted woman Mirren aspired to capture comes into focus, though it’s a vision that eluded the film’s grasp. “Golda,” distributed by Bleecker Street, makes its theatrical debut on Friday, holding a PG-13 rating due to thematic material and pervasive smoking. The film spans 100 minutes, earning two stars out of four. Please note: The PG-13 rating is in accordance with the MPA definition, indicating that parents are advised to exercise caution as the material may be unsuitable for children under 13. For more information, visit: https://bleeckerstreetmedia.com/golda Connect with Mark Kennedy on Twitter: http://twitter.com/KennedyTwits Table of Contents Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about BiopicWhat is “Golda” about?Who portrays Golda Meir in the film?What is the main focus of the film?What recurring motif is used in the film?How does the film portray Golda Meir’s leadership during the war?What are some standout performances in the film?Does the film delve into Golda Meir’s personal life?Does “Golda” explore any broader themes?What is the rating and running time of the film?Where can I find more information about the film?More about Biopic Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Biopic What is “Golda” about? “Golda” is a biopic film centered around the life of Golda Meir, modern Israel’s first female head of government, highlighting her role during the 1973 Arab-Israeli war and her battle with cancer. Who portrays Golda Meir in the film? Golda Meir is portrayed by the accomplished British actress Helen Mirren. What is the main focus of the film? The film primarily focuses on the challenges faced by Golda Meir during the 1973 Arab-Israeli war and her simultaneous battle with cancer. What recurring motif is used in the film? The filmmakers recurrently use the motif of smoke, symbolizing Golda Meir’s habit of smoking, to add depth to the narrative. How does the film portray Golda Meir’s leadership during the war? The film portrays Golda Meir’s leadership during the war, exploring the aftermath of Israel’s counterattack and the diplomatic implications that followed. What are some standout performances in the film? Liev Schreiber delivers a notable performance as Henry Kissinger, while Camille Cottin shines as Golda Meir’s patient aide. Does the film delve into Golda Meir’s personal life? The film mainly captures Golda Meir’s later years, focusing on her wartime decisions and cancer treatment, with limited exploration of her formative years. Does “Golda” explore any broader themes? Yes, the film hints at themes such as the complexities of leadership, the challenges faced by female leaders, and the persistence of misinformation in conflicts. What is the rating and running time of the film? “Golda” holds a PG-13 rating due to thematic material and pervasive smoking. The film has a running time of 100 minutes. Where can I find more information about the film? For more details about the film, you can visit the official website: https://bleeckerstreetmedia.com/golda More about Biopic Official Film Website: Golda – Bleecker Street Helen Mirren’s Profile: Helen Mirren Golda Meir’s Biography: Golda Meir – Biography Liev Schreiber’s Filmography: Liev Schreiber – Filmography Camille Cottin’s Profile: Camille Cottin You Might Be Interested In The Supreme Court to Rule on the Constitutionality of State Laws Restricting Social Media Platforms Writers Guild Leaders End Hollywood Strike by Ratifying New Contract with Studios Renowned Olympic Gymnast Mary Lou Retton Battles Pneumonia, Receives Substantial Donations Rare Raymond Chandler poem is a tribute to his late wife, with a surprising twist Renowned Actor Michael Gambon, Famous for His Role as Dumbledore in Six ‘Harry Potter’ Films, Passes Away at 82 Russian General Reportedly Detained Following Wagner Mutiny, According to AP Sources biopicCancerCelebrityfilm critiqueFilm ReviewsGeneral NewsGolda MeirHelen MirrenIsraelIsrael governmentmovie reviewsymbolic smokewar Share 0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail Chloe Baker Follow Author Chloe Baker is a travel journalist who covers the latest news and trends in the world of travel. She enjoys exploring new destinations and sharing her experiences with her readers, from exotic locales to hidden gems off the beaten path. previous post Movie Review: ‘Bottoms’ is a gonzo gay high-school comedy that comes out on top next post Movie Review: ‘Strays’ is furry, foul, filthy, feculent — and occasionally funny You may also like Bookmark A woman who burned Wyoming’s only full-service abortion... December 28, 2023 Bookmark Argument over Christmas gifts turns deadly as 14-year-old... December 28, 2023 Bookmark Danny Masterson sent to state prison to serve... December 28, 2023 Bookmark Hong Kong man jailed for 6 years after... December 28, 2023 Bookmark AP concludes at least hundreds died in floods... December 28, 2023 Bookmark Live updates | Israeli forces raid a West... December 28, 2023 Leave a Comment Cancel Reply Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Δ