The King's Speech

Deservedly sweeping the prestigious BAFTAS (British Film and Television Awards), winning seven awards and rumoured to do just as well at the upcoming Oscars, The King's Speech is a beautiful, funny and genuine depiction of a man’s determination to overcome a lifelong personal obstacle.

When Prince Albert, the Duke of York (played by Colin Firth) is asked to give a speech on behalf of his father, the King of England, we encounter a painfully nervous man floundering in the depths of his worst fear. Forced to speak publicly with the knowledge that he has a crippling stammer, the Duke quickly falls prey to his impediment in front of an increasingly awkward crowd.

Our introduction to Firth’s character is an intimate and sympathetic one that immediately abolishes any illusions of grandeur or supremacy that might typically be associated with the British Royal family. This man is a Prince, born into a world of snobbery and privilege and fully aware of his status, yet he is humanised, bound and belittled by his chronic speech impediment.

The King's Speech follows the soon-to-be King as he struggles to overcome his stammer, becoming increasingly angry and frustrated with a defect that could cost him the respect of his people at a time when he needs it the most, during the outbreak of World War II.

As he finds himself reluctantly donning the crown, the King struggles in a bind; he would much rather shy away from public view but he is only too aware of his familial destiny.  Through the gentle coaxing of his loving wife Elizabeth, (played with incredible poise and richness by the usually eccentric Helena Bonham Carter), he seeks help from Lionel Logue (the marvellous Geoffrey Rush), an Australian speech therapist.

The relationship between the King and Logue is at the heart of the movie, embodying the hope and optimism of the age.  The two men emerge from radically different backgrounds, share little in common, yet form a friendship that lasts a lifetime, due largely to Logue’s steely determination to ensure the King not only overcomes his impediment through the use of unorthodox exercises but also confronts his fears through the combination of gentle psychoanalysis and forthright questioning. Logue is a playful character, providing a balance to the King’s sombre stiffness and excelling at bringing out a more light-hearted and relaxed side to the reluctant Royal.

The King's Speech delves into the world of the British Monarchy at a crucial time in history and effortlessly draws out living, breathing people with anxieties, weaknesses and fears just like everybody else. It presents an altogether human portrayal and paints a magnificent portrait of an enigmatic family and the deep love they have for one another, despite outside pressures to maintain respectability and composure during a tempestuous era.

The performances of seasoned and comfortable actors makes this movie an absolute pleasure to watch from beginning to end and provides a welcome glimpse into the lives of a fascinating family.   

UPDATE:

Academy Awards Won 28 February 2011:

Best Picture - The King's Speech – Producers Emile Sherman, Iain Canning and Gareth Unwin
Best Actor in a Leading Role - Colin Firth
Best Director - Tom Hooper
Writing (Original Screenplay) - David Seidler

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