Phyllida Lloyd Assures Thatcher's Family Over Streep Role

The director of Meryl Streep's upcoming movie about Margaret Thatcher hasassured the former British leader's children the actress paid great "care and attention" to the role, amid reports they are unhappy with the film.

The Hollywood actress tackles the part of the U.K.'s first female prime minister in The Iron Lady, but rumours emerged earlier this year (11) suggesting Thatcher's grown-up children Carol and Mark were "appalled" by the plot.

During a promotional event for the film in London on Monday (14Nov11), director Phyllida Lloyd reached out to the family to assure them about Streep's portrayal of Thatcher.

She says, "I'm sure they view any attempt to put their mother on screenwith trepidation, as I'm sure we all would. "But I think that when they see Meryl's performance they will understand how much care and attention to Lady Thatcher's dignity she's given it.

"I think Margaret Thatcher was a superstar in this country and I think we all felt we needed a superstar to play her, somebody of huge intelligence, passion and power and warmth".

Lloyd adds that Streep took to the role with "astonishing ease and brilliance".