It is awards season. So of course, a tailor-made British drama is mixed into the bunch. This year that film is “The King’s Speech.” Will it get recognition this year? Yes, and deservedly so. Even though it seems slow and boring, the story kept my interest and the actors wowed me.
“The King’s Speech” is about King George VI’s (Colin Firth) struggle with speaking and accepting the role he must undertake. The movie starts before he became king, when he was just known as the Duke of York or Albert. He had a terrible stammer. He couldn’t let his words out. After going through many speech therapists, his wife (Helena Bonham Carter) seeks the help from an unorthodox specialist, Lionel Logue (Geoffrey Rush). Despite disagreements and misunderstandings, Albert and Lionel form a friendship and trust that is the heart of the film.
Who’s going to win Best Actor this year? Colin Firth is! His portrayal of Albert is impeccable. He masters playing a character with a stammer so brilliantly. As well, Firth captures the vulnerability and anger of his character. The rest of the cast acts exceptionally. Notably, Geoffrey Rush plays Lionel with humor and sincerity. Lionel really does care for Albert and wants him to do better. Same goes for Helena Bonham Carter. (She doesn’t just play villains well! lol) Both, I expect, will receive supporting acting nominations.
I loved how Tom Hooper directed this time period in England. I loved the shots of the fog swallowing up the people as the walked down the street. The art direction was also really good. The setup of Lionel’s office suited his character perfectly.
This movie isn’t snobbish as some British movies can be. It may give off that impression, but after you see it, it’s really down to earth. You watch a man face his fears and learn to speak. It may seem dull, but the actors livened it up with emotion and the director created the right tone. In the end, you’ll wish for a friendship like Bertie and Lionel; or if you already one like that, you’ll learn to never take it for granted.
“The King’s Speech” is now playing in theaters.
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