Hyde Park On Hudson (2012) * *

Directed by:  Roger Michell

Starring:  Bill Murray, Laura Linney, Olivia Williams

I can't imagine a man like Franklin Delano Roosevelt would ever be elected President today.    People would see the frail man in a wheelchair and vote for the slicker, healthy looking candidate.    Roosevelt guided the US through a Depression and World War II and died on April 12, 1945 after a cerebral hemmorhage.   Being President, coupled with the lingering effects of polio, took an incalculable toll on him physically and mentally.   

Roosevelt was also known for having affairs.   Hyde Park On Hudson is a look at this side of FDR, although the political one was more interesting.    Married to Eleanor, his infidelity was seen as just one of those things you have to deal with.    Eleanor and FDR seemed to have an understanding in their marriage, possibly because Eleanor was rumored to be a lesbian, although no evidence of that is seen here.     Hyde Park On Hudson is genial, pleasant, but not compelling.   

The story is told by a woman named Daisy, who is a distant cousin of the President and lives near his summer home in upstate New York.   Her real name is Margaret Suckley.   Eleanor was also a distant cousin FYI.   She is summoned to the home by FDR and the two hit it off.    Soon they are taking drives in the countryside and Daisy gives the Prez a hand job.    Even though it is known throughout the house that Daisy is yet another of FDR's lovers, she is kept on the sidelines as the President prepares to host King George VI of England and his wife Elizabeth.    The king and FDR meet in the hopes of becoming allies for the impending war with Germany.    They hit it off well, with King George able to put aside British stuffiness to enjoy Roosevelt and his jokes.    However, the royal couple hesitates at the thought of eating hot dogs at the picnic planned in their honor.     Of course, the King stutters occasionally, but that ground was better covered in The King's Speech. 

Daisy falls for FDR, but other than the handjob and some country drives in his car, there isn't much chemistry between them.    Daisy speaks of the great passion they shared in voiceover narration, but it is not presented onscreen.     She becomes angry when it is revealed that she is not FDR's only mistress, but it seems forced.    Laura Linney is a pretty actress with great skills, but she can only do so much with a role that's underwritten.  

Bill Murray is nearly unrecognizable in his portrayal.    Even as leader of the free world, he has a hard time contending with his domineering mother and wife.     As portrayed by Murray, FDR is likable and sometimes charismatic, but he can't overcome the thin material either.     Hyde Park Hudson tells this story without allowing us to feel it or truly get inside it.    Most of the time, we feel like Daisy must've felt:  So close to the legendary President, yet so far.