Released in Theaters: 12/10/2010
The King’s Speech, directed by Tom Hooper (The Damned United), is a period piece drama that truly defines old fashioned filmmaking. It’s slowly paced through the most part, while focusing on character development and the relationship of its main characters. This film has been gaining a host of award nominations and I was almost certain it was going to be a major let down, as it seemed to be too Oscar baity for it’s own good. It takes awhile to get into the story but when it finally comes to the final act, the payoff is well worth the wait. The King’s Speech is superbly acted, most importantly by Colin Firth and Geoffrey Rush, and has a fine original script to go with it. This little film has what most modern day cinema is missing, heart.
The King’s Speech tells the story of Prince Albert aka ‘Bertie’ (Colin Firth) who became King George VI of Britain and his impromptu ascension to the throne after his brother King Edward VIII (Guy Pearce) resigns after only a few days to marry a woman form the States. Plagued by a dreaded stammer and considered unfit to be king, Bertie’s wife Queen Elizabeth (Helena Bonham Carter) engages the help of an unorthodox speech therapist named Lionel Logue (Geoffrey Rush). Through a set of unexpected techniques, and as a result of an unlikely friendship, Bertie is able to find his voice and boldly lead the country through war.
The ensemble cast is good but it’s really only two actors who stand out. Helena Bonham Carter was decent in her portrayal of Queen Elizabeth but nothing special, if I had to leave one of the actresses out of the supporting race it would probably be her. Guy Pearce didn’t have much screen time, either did Michael Gambon, but they both had some key scenes in building the character of Bertie who would be the main focus throughout. The first standout of this film is Geoffrey Rush as the Australian born, odd, speech therapist who doubles as a passionate, yet struggling, theater actor. His odd techniques and bravery to stand up to the King and not shy away from his practices were some of the better dramatic keys to the story. Rush is delightful in the role and in any other year, that didn’t have Christian Bale as good as he was in The Fighter, he would be the front runner for best supporting actor Oscar. If Bale does get snubbed it will be for Rush, and even though this will be a travesty, I know Bale will get another chance to win somewhere down the line in his career. The almost guaranteed future Oscar winner in this picture though is Colin Firth. Firth was absolutely stunning as the stammering King, nailing the motions of the mouth, with the tendons in his neck standing out. His stammer was never forced and completely realistic. Firth was also extremely emotional, at times losing his temper and screaming at his therapist or breaking down and crying in front of the Queen. He was perfect in the role and definitely the best male lead performance I’ve seen in 2010.
The story was at its strongest when Firth and Rush were on screen together. There are several scenes away from the speech therapy with Firth performing his duties as King, and this is where the film is the weakest. I would be waiting in anticipation for Rush to come back into the focus of the story because every scene with them together was masterful. Their chemistry was off the charts and I don’t think there was a better onscreen duo all year. This is why this period piece is so touching, after all is said and done; this is a simple story of friendship. No matter what the shot looks like, how realistic the costumes are, or how good the art direction is, it all comes down to the relationship of its two main actors. The development of their relationship is what is so special about this film and credit must be given to the writer David Seidler and director Tom Hooper.
The final 10 minutes of The King’s Speech are some of the best and most touching filmmaking of 2010. I didn’t expect to be moved by this story as much as I was. It really goes to show you how much character development can really help a film. The slow pace and mostly dialogue driven story really comes together in the final minutes to deliver a fantastic ending to a very well made film. It might not be for everyone, but if you get a chance, go see The King’s Speech not because you will love it, but because…
…I BLOODY WELL TOLD YOU TO!
Stamp it. It’s MADE!
IMDB: 8.6/10
Rotten Tomatoes: 95%
Moviewiseguys: 8.5/10
