Helen Mirren ditched her usual glamorous attire as she slipped into character as Israel's first female Prime Minister Golda Meir for her role in the new biopic.
The Oscar-winning actress, 76, could be seen chain-smoking cigarettes as she shot scenes with co-star Camille Cottin in London on Wednesday afternoon.
Helen looked unrecognisable with straggly grey hair, prosthetic make-up and a fatsuit as she took on the role of the respected wartime politician.
Chain-smoking: Helen Mirren ditched her usual glamorous attire as she slipped into character as Israel's first female Prime Minister Golda Meir for her role in the new biopic
Helen was wearing a pale grey blouse and padded navy jacket as she stepped outside alongside Call My Agent's Camille.
The iconic film star was given fake cigarettes to film the scene.
She recently said one of her life rules was no smoking or chewing tobacco.
Scenes: The Oscar-winning actress, 76, could be seen puffing on a cigarette
Co-star: She shot scenes with co-star Camille Cottin in London on Wednesday afternoon
Filming: Helen was wearing a pale grey blouse and padded navy jacket as she stepped outside alongside Call My Agent's Camille
Non smoker: The iconic film star was given fake cigarettes to film the scene
Not for me! She recently said one of her life rules was no smoking or chewing tobacco
Scenes: The Queen actress removed the coat while leaning against the wall with her co-star as they both smoked 'cigarettes' in front of the film camera
Helpful: Camille could be seen star could be seen offering a supportive arm to Golda as they spoke during an emotive scene
The Queen actress removed the coat while leaning against the wall with her co-star as they both smoked 'cigarettes' in front of the film camera.
Camille could be seen star could be seen offering a supportive arm to Golda as they spoke during an emotive scene.
She plays Lou Kaddar, Meir's longtime personal assistant, who stood beside her throughout the war.
The screen, 43, wore her dark locks tied back off her face and sported a polka dot blouse and a smart black jacket.
Unrecognisable: Helen was barely recognisable when dressed as Golda
In character: The screen, 43, wore her dark locks tied back off her face and sported a polka dot blouse and a smart black jacket
Action! A member of the crew was at hand to call the scene
On set: Helen could easily be mistaken while in character
Hashing it out: The characters looked deep in thought during their chat
The actors were surrounded by members of the crew were covered up in face masks as they directed the scene.
Meir is set to be a thriller chronicling the controversial decisions that the politician made during the height of the Yom Kippur War in 1973, which saw her country suffer huge losses in a battle with multiple Arab States.
In the image, Helen can be seen sporting a dark blue blouse and a mint green skirt with a cup of coffee and a cigarette in her hand.
The acclaimed actress showcased wiry grey hair and a pensive expression, at a time when her country was thrown into great turmoil.
Meir is to be penned by by Nicholas Martin, who previously penned the whimsical film Florence Foster Jenkins, and will be directed by Nattiv, who previously helmed the Oscar-winning short film Skin.
Pensive: There appeared to be a solumn mood in the air
It's okay: Camille held Helen's hand
Distressed? Helen's character Golda appeared upset
Reassurance: The two women put on a dramatic display
The film will also star Camille (Call My Agent), Rami Heuberger (Schlinder's List), Lior Ashkenzi (Foxtrot), Ellie Piercy (Black Mirror), Ed Stoppard (Judy) and Rotem Keinan.
Cotin will play the part of Golda's longtime personal assistant and Israeli star Ashkenzi will play her chief of staff.
Described as a 'ticking-clock thriller,' Meir is set to chronicle the huge responsibilities Meir faced and the opposition from her all-male cabinet at the height of the Yom Kippur War.
Of the role Helen said: 'Golda Meir was a formidable, intransigent and powerful leader. It is a great challenge to portray her at the most difficult moment of her extraordinary life. I only hope I do her justice!'
Dramatic: Meir is set to be a thriller chronicling the controversial decisions that the politician (pictured in 1970) made during the height of the Yom Kippur War in 1973
Shocking: Meir came under huge criticism when she failed to prepare Israel for the threat of war, and resigned the following year (pictured with then- US President Nixon in 1969)
