THE PLOT
Prince Albert, second in line to King George V’s throne, is beset by a severe stammer, an infliction incongruent with his position and responsibilities. Albert and his wife Elizabeth (the Queen Mother to be) have spent years seeking help to eradicate the problem so that he might fully engage in his duties as Prince Royal. Together they have both found some solace in the fact that Albert’s elder brother David will one day assume the Crown, leaving Albert out of the lime light.
Australian Lionel Logue becomes the latest in a long line of speech therapists to attempt a ‘cure’ but his unconventional methods and familiar ways are cause for tension and aggravation. Logue’s methodologies and unsolicited counselling show some promise that are duly put to the test when Albert is thrust upon the throne following the scandalous abdication of his brother, now King Edward VIII. And all this at a time of great unrest under Hitler’s looming shadow.
The newly crowned King George VI must deliver a history defining speech to rally and encourage his subjects across his vast Empire.
THE REVIEW
In relative terms this is a simple storyline, removed of much of the political intrigue and tensions of 1939, but these are ever present and add a backdrop to the story that provides gravity and engenders the weight of responsibility Albert fears so much. His fear is not due to weakness but to his understanding that his position holds a great responsibility to rule his people well that they might consider him with pride.
Colin Firth portrays Albert brilliantly; there is no other word for it. Simply brilliant. Subtle and commanding, terse and good humoured, caring but frequently aloof are all the qualities Firth brings convincingly to the role. Every scene with Geoffrey Rush’s Logue is fantastic as he plays the straight talking therapist. To watch the relationship form between these two is a cinematic joy. The irreverence Logue holds for position, title and graces are wonderful to watch and expertly played out by Rush. Every scene featuring these two is a delight, often underplaying the gravitas of the world around them or subtly touching on them.
The sets are perfectly recreated and aid to establish the background of the characters privileged opulence or common standing; settings for which each man looks uncomfortable and out of place in the other’s environment. The camera work frames every scene beautifully and provides a momentum to what could otherwise have been a dull period piece.
The dialogue is well scripted and engaging, delivered by Rush in particular with a wryness that always leaves a smile or evokes a guffaw.
Helena Bonham Carter provides understated support as Elizabeth, adding additional depth to the already strong cast including Guy Pearce as a visually convincing David/Edward VIII and Michael Gambon’s George V. These all play support to a magnificent Firth. The nuances and gestures of an aristocrat at pains to overcome a speech impediment are delivered convincingly and with seeming ease. Be under no illusion, Firth is this year’s award season’s leading man and worth the price of admission alone to see a master class of characterisation.
This is not a film about history, royalty or class difference, although all these are present. At its core, this is simply, and wonderfully, a film about friendship and overcoming adversity, delivered with good humour and lightness of touch. The relationship between Logue and ‘Bertie’ develops in uneasy fits and starts with an informality that is easily engaging.
Informative, interesting, intriguing and insightful as this film is, the feeling this film develops in the audience is a happily entertained one.
THE VERDICT
The King’s Speech is an Oscar certainty that will leave you thinking and smiling hours and even days later. A great script is backed up with fantastic acting and beautiful cinematography. A must see. (and yes, I’m effervescing!)
TC
Director: Tom Hooper
Writer: David Seidler (screenplay)
Stars: Colin Firth, Geoffrey Rush, Helena Bonham Carter, Guy Pearce and Michael Gambon
Running Time: 118 Mins
NOW SEE THE TRAILER...
UK Release Date: 7th January 2011
Prince Albert, second in line to King George V’s throne, is beset by a severe stammer, an infliction incongruent with his position and responsibilities. Albert and his wife Elizabeth (the Queen Mother to be) have spent years seeking help to eradicate the problem so that he might fully engage in his duties as Prince Royal. Together they have both found some solace in the fact that Albert’s elder brother David will one day assume the Crown, leaving Albert out of the lime light.
Australian Lionel Logue becomes the latest in a long line of speech therapists to attempt a ‘cure’ but his unconventional methods and familiar ways are cause for tension and aggravation. Logue’s methodologies and unsolicited counselling show some promise that are duly put to the test when Albert is thrust upon the throne following the scandalous abdication of his brother, now King Edward VIII. And all this at a time of great unrest under Hitler’s looming shadow.
The newly crowned King George VI must deliver a history defining speech to rally and encourage his subjects across his vast Empire.
THE REVIEW
In relative terms this is a simple storyline, removed of much of the political intrigue and tensions of 1939, but these are ever present and add a backdrop to the story that provides gravity and engenders the weight of responsibility Albert fears so much. His fear is not due to weakness but to his understanding that his position holds a great responsibility to rule his people well that they might consider him with pride.
Colin Firth portrays Albert brilliantly; there is no other word for it. Simply brilliant. Subtle and commanding, terse and good humoured, caring but frequently aloof are all the qualities Firth brings convincingly to the role. Every scene with Geoffrey Rush’s Logue is fantastic as he plays the straight talking therapist. To watch the relationship form between these two is a cinematic joy. The irreverence Logue holds for position, title and graces are wonderful to watch and expertly played out by Rush. Every scene featuring these two is a delight, often underplaying the gravitas of the world around them or subtly touching on them.
The sets are perfectly recreated and aid to establish the background of the characters privileged opulence or common standing; settings for which each man looks uncomfortable and out of place in the other’s environment. The camera work frames every scene beautifully and provides a momentum to what could otherwise have been a dull period piece.
The dialogue is well scripted and engaging, delivered by Rush in particular with a wryness that always leaves a smile or evokes a guffaw.
Helena Bonham Carter provides understated support as Elizabeth, adding additional depth to the already strong cast including Guy Pearce as a visually convincing David/Edward VIII and Michael Gambon’s George V. These all play support to a magnificent Firth. The nuances and gestures of an aristocrat at pains to overcome a speech impediment are delivered convincingly and with seeming ease. Be under no illusion, Firth is this year’s award season’s leading man and worth the price of admission alone to see a master class of characterisation.
This is not a film about history, royalty or class difference, although all these are present. At its core, this is simply, and wonderfully, a film about friendship and overcoming adversity, delivered with good humour and lightness of touch. The relationship between Logue and ‘Bertie’ develops in uneasy fits and starts with an informality that is easily engaging.
Informative, interesting, intriguing and insightful as this film is, the feeling this film develops in the audience is a happily entertained one.
THE VERDICT
The King’s Speech is an Oscar certainty that will leave you thinking and smiling hours and even days later. A great script is backed up with fantastic acting and beautiful cinematography. A must see. (and yes, I’m effervescing!)
TC
Director: Tom Hooper
Writer: David Seidler (screenplay)
Stars: Colin Firth, Geoffrey Rush, Helena Bonham Carter, Guy Pearce and Michael Gambon
Running Time: 118 Mins
NOW SEE THE TRAILER...
UK Release Date: 7th January 2011
AWARDS
Golden Globe Winner - Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture – Drama: Colin Firth
Golden Globe Nominee - Best Motion Picture - Drama
Golden Globe Nominee - Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role in a Motion Picture: Geoffrey Rush
Golden Globe Nominee - Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role in a Motion Picture: Helena Bonham Carter
Golden Globe Nominee - Best Director - Motion Picture: Tom Hooper
Golden Globe Nominee - Best Screenplay - Motion Picture: David Seidler
Golden Globe Nominee - Best Original Score - Motion Picture: Alexandre Desplat
BAFTA Winner - Best Film: The King’s Speech
BAFTA Winner - Outstanding British Film: The King’s Speech
BAFTA Winner - Original Screenplay: The King’s Speech: David Seidler
BAFTA Winner - Leading Actor: Colin Firth for The King’s Speech
BAFTA Winner - Supporting Actor: Geoffrey Rush for The King’s Speech
BAFTA Winner - Supporting Actress: Helena Bonham Carter for The King’s Speech
BAFTA Winner - Original Music: The King’s Speech: Alexandre Desplat
BAFTA Nominee - Director: Tom Hooper for The King’s Speech
BAFTA Nominee - Cinematography: The King’s Speech: Danny Cohen
BAFTA Nominee - Editing: The King’s Speech: Tariq Anwar
BAFTA Nominee - Production Design: The King’s Speech: Eve Stewart, Judy Farr
BAFTA Nominee - Costume Design: The King’s Speech: Jenny Beavan
BAFTA Nominee - Sound: The King’s Speech: John Midgley, Lee Walpole, Paul Hamblin, Martin Jensen
BAFTA Nominee - Make Up and Hair: The King’s Speech: Frances Hannon
Academy Award Winner - Best Picture: Iain Canning, Emile Sherman and Gareth Unwin, Producers
Academy Award Winner - Directing: Tom Hooper
Academy Award Winner - Actor in a Leading Role: Colin Firth
Academy Award Winner - Writing (Original Screenplay): Screenplay by David Seidler
Academy Award Nominee - Actor in a Supporting Role: Geoffrey Rush
Academy Award Nominee - Actress in a Supporting Role: Helena Bonham Carter
Academy Award Nominee - Art Direction: Production Design: Eve Stewart; Set Decoration: Judy Farr
Academy Award Nominee - Cinematography: Danny Cohen
Academy Award Nominee - Costume Design: Jenny Beavan
Academy Award Nominee - Film Editing: Tariq Anwar
Academy Award Nominee - Music (Original Score): Alexandre Desplat
Academy Award Nominee - Sound Mixing: Paul Hamblin, Martin Jensen and John Midgley
This was a wonderful film. Colin Firth, Geoffrey Rush, and Helena Bonham Carter all put in great performances. It demonstrates just how important one individual's contribution can be to the future of the whole world. King George was a tremendous figure that helped to keep the English people's confidence and hopes up throughout WWII, in large part by his speeches broadcast around the world via the BBC. His confident actions certainly helped to bolster the spirits of all the Allies during the war. Just as his work was so critical to the war effort, his vocal coach's work in enabling him to overcome his stammering could be said to be equally as critical, for without his help, King George wouldn't have been able to make his stirring speeches. ~ Tom Le Min, Delaware, USA
ReplyDeleteWell put Tom. A small but very important period in history, told beautifully. Glad you liked the film.
ReplyDelete