Growing up in Israel, Guy Nattiv knew one narrative about Golda Meir, the country’s prime minister from 1969-1974. “She was the pariah of Israel,” says Nattiv. “Everyone treated her like she’s a mo…
Meir, the country’s prime minister from 1969-1974. “She was the pariah of Israel,” says Nattiv. “Everyone treated her like she’s a monster.” Unlike other historical figures, there were no parks or schools named after Israel’s first female prime minister. The vitriol stemmed largely from her administration’s handling of the Yom Kippur War in 1973, a devastating conflict between Israel and a coalition of Arab states that resulted in thousands of deaths.
“Golda,” now playing in theaters in the U.S., is part of the director’s hope to correct the narrative surrounding the misunderstood figure, while also acknowledging her faults. Starring Oscar winneras Meir and Liev Schreiber as Henry Kissinger, the movie is scripted by Nicholas Martin and depicts what went on in those secret rooms and Meir’s own home during those pivotal days. We see the leader fighting a very public battle but also a private one, as Meir is secretly in treatment for lymphoma.
Prior to Nattiv signing on, Mirren was already attached to portray Meir, a casting choice that had originally been suggested by Meir’s grandson, Gideon. “He said that when he sees Helen, he sees his grandmother,” says Nattiv. “And I guess the production heard that and offered it to her before I came on board. She said yes, but she wanted to meet the director.” Mirren came to Nattiv’s home for an initial meeting, and the two spoke for four hours.
“But in this case, I feel the right person is playing the right role,” he continues. He goes on to point out other recent films where he felt the right actors were utilized, including Cillian Murphy in “Oppenheimer” and cast members of “The Fabelmans.” “For instance, when I saw ‘Oppenheimer,’ I didn’t care that he’s not Jewish. I thought he did a great job. And when I saw Spielberg’s movie, I didn’t care that the actors weren’t all Jewish. I felt so emotional about them, I really believed them.
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