Hyde Park on Hudson (2012): **

President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s (Bill Murray) estate in Hyde Park, New York is preparing for the arrival of King George VI (Samuel West) and Queen Elizabeth (Olivia Colman). The royals are on a mission to build British-American relations on the brink of WWII. Observing some of the events unfolding from the side-line is Roosevelt’s mistress and confidant Daisy (Laura Linney). 

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The Grand Budapest Hotel (2014): ****

The Grand Budapest Hotel recalls the glory days in the 1930s of the titular faded hotel in the fictional country of Zubrowka. Whilst the likely prospect of war looms over the country, the Grand Budapest occupants are more concerned with living in opulent luxury; all their pleasures cared for by top concierge Monsieur Gustave (Ralph Fiennes). Under his tutorage is young Zero (Tony Revolori), the newly appointed lobby-boy having escaped from his war-torn homeland. When one of Gustave’s patrons dies unexpectedly and leaves him a priceless painting, Gustave is accused of murder and theft, and requires the help of his trusted lobby-boy.      

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Tootsie (1982): ****

Tootsie (1982) follows Michael Dorsey (Dustin Hoffman), an actor with a reputation of being difficult to work with and consequently struggling to find work. When his friend Sandy (Teri Garr) auditions for a role in a hospital soap opera but doesn’t get the part, Michael decides to audition for the role, cross-dressing as Dorothy Michaels. Dorothy is a major success for the programme, but Michael begins to develop feelings for his co-star Julie Nichols (Jessica Lange) and becomes the target for several men’s affections. At face value, it sounds like a broad cross-dressing comedy, full of slap-stick and misinterpreted intentions, which it is. However, it treats its premise with sincerity and makes some serious feminist observations, particularly relating to the entertainment industry.  

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