Golden Globes’ Nominated Film Review: "The King’s Speech"

As Award Season approaches, I am in the process of pinpointing my favorite drama of the past year; and the possibilities are many. Was it Inception; thanks in large part to Christopher Nolan’s creative camera work and spellbinding special effects that left audiences razzled and dazzled? Was it "The Town"; most likely due to Ben Affleck’s cinematic comeback through intense car chases and sequences of fiery gunshots? Or was it Director David Fincher and "The Social Network’s" core cast of talented young actors that guided captivated crowds throughout the chilling creation of Facebook? But maybe, my preferred drama of 2010 would just simply be a historic sequence of events leading up to Britain’s involvement in World War II focusing heavily on character development and an uplifting message about overcoming trepidation through the power of friendship and determination. With much thankfulness to Director Tom Hooper and grand performances by acting greats Colin Firth and Geoffrey Rush, I can triumphantly decree that:

"The King’s Speech" Delivers Everything I Want for The Best Drama of 2010

Initially set in the mid 1920’s, we are introduced to King George V’s son and then-Duke of York Albert, played masterfully by Firth, who is set to speak at Wembley Stadium in England. Unfortunately, Albert immensely articulates with a grim stammer and he can barely get a word broadcasted over the loudspeaker. His speech impediment has caused so much lack-of-self-confidence that the Duke’s loving and devoted wife Elizabeth, played with such beauty and elegance by Helena Bonham Carter, goes out to find a counselor to aid for her husband. She eventually discovers therapist Lionel Logue, portrayed with great keenness and strength of mind by Rush, and inquires for his assistance. While at first uncertain to take the Duke on as a client, Logue sets up a session with Albert; who is hesitant to be working with a commoner as well as refusing to agree with his therapist’s own set of rules. As the first session ultimately ends in anger, Logue presents a recording of the distressed Duke reciting Shakespeare as part of an exercise for free. When listening to the soundtrack of their session, Albert hears himself speak without a single stammer; which was recorded over a classical score by Mozart; leading him to return to Logue and the meetings eventually commence. What follows is a strong story of human perseverance as Logue guides the-eventual-King-of-England through many exercises designed to pinpoint the origin of his stammer; ultimately leading the pair to form a close and momentous friendship. In short, the movie, while technically a historic drama, is really an expression of humanity.






Image taken from http://www.filmjunk.com/images/weblog/2011/01/2010_the_kings_speech_001.jpg

Most of "The King’s Speech’s" high points come from the ensemble’s stunning portrayals of their key roles; especially Colin Firth’s masterful performance as the soon-to-be King of England. During the course of the film, the actor plays a historic figure that is engrossed in plight. While it is initially suspected that Albert’s stammer might be a regular speech impediment, it is discovered that his troubles are larger than originally thought. The audience finds out that the Duke’s father King George V, played by Michael Gambon, is becoming seriously ill and older brother David, played by Guy Pearce, is next in line to be King; but while he does make it to power, he spends more time with an American divorce and ignores his royal responsibilities. This causes Albert great anxiety as he is quite terrified of possibly assuming the throne. As a result of his serious nervousness, his speech impediment grows worse and it ends up being quite clear that all his worries are completely psychosomatic. And Firth gives the performance of a lifetime as his character falters his speech in fits of anger, sadness, and immense fear. And watching Firth’s Albert bond with his loving wife Elizabeth and precocious daughters Margaret and Elizabeth brings a tear to your eye and tugs at your heart. In short, Firth’s portrayal is so pure that you think that you are really watching the life of the then-Duke unfold in front of your eyes.

While Firth’s performance as Albert is quite impressive, Geoffrey Rush turns in an excellent presentation as the Duke’s unwavering speech psychoanalyst Lionel Logue. Watching Rush’s Logue interact with Firth’s Albert is a grand extravagance as the pair demonstrate such perfect chemistry in every sequence together. When conducting a session, Rush’s Logue subjects the uptight Duke to series of unorthodox exercises intended to trace the origin of his impediment; this includes rolling around on the floor in an attempt to loosen up, cursing, and stating his own personal problems inside musical fashion in an attempt to discover the psychological source of his vocal predicament. And despite Albert’s attempts to rebuff his therapist’s motives, Logue is ultimately able to help him eventually comprehends what caused the Duke to develop his verbal problem. And throughout the movie, it is great to see the pair’s association move from a therapist-patient relationship to an influential closeness.




Image taken from http://www.thevine.com.au/resources/imgdetail/the-kings-speech-movie-revi_141210034655.jpg

Besides its historic context and its thespians’ brilliant portrayals, "The King’s Speech" also benefits from screenwriter David Seidler’s delivery of important notions within his script. One important theme that is brought up during the film is the idea that fear holds people back from achieving greatness. This thought is important to consider as Firth’s Albert is terrified of eventually assuming the throne. As his father’s health deteriorates and his brother continues to pay no attention to his responsibilities as king, the Duke knows that he is going to have to rule the country. And as a result of his increasing terror and extreme lack of confidence, Albert’s stutter becomes more noticeable and grave. But, Rush’s Logue is able to realize this and reassures the troubled soon-to-be King that he is capable of being a grand ruler. Another great meaning that Seidler and the film expresses is the importance of family and friendship in overcoming personal shortcomings. In addition to being his speech therapist, Rush’s Logue takes time to discuss the troubled Duke’s personal problems; particularly about his brother and his fear of ruling England. Also, Albert’s wife and daughters are always by his side and preserve his spirits. In short, while its purpose is to enhance audiences through history, "The King’s Speech" true function is to express compassion for your fellow man and eachother.

All in all, "The King’s Speech" is not only my favorite drama of the year; it is officially one of my all-time favorite movies. It is so wonderful to see a historic recount that is not only truthful but also inspirational. And throughout the film, different emotions are evoked through the performers and the script. These include sadness, anger, love, and even humor; as evident through some humorous exchanges that Firth’s Albert and Rush’s Logue share during their sessions and other scenes in which they are together. In short, the whole movie simply engrosses the audience in every way possible as there is never a tedious moment. Therefore, I recommend "The King’s Speech" to not only history buffs or film enthusiasts; but also anyone who has a thirst for knowledge, enlightenment, and life.

Email me at thatsnatertainment@gmx.com