The King’s Speech (2010)
Cast: Colin Firth, Geoffrey Rush, Helena Bonham Carter, Guy Pearce, Timothy Spall, Derek Jacobi, Jennifer Ehle, Michael Gambon
Director: Tom Hooper
In this historical drama, Colin Firth plays the role of King George VI who has had a stuttering problem since his childhood and reluctantly accedes to the throne after his father’s death and later, abdication of his brother. To help cope with his stammer, his wife (played by Helena Bonham Carter) persuades him to see an Australian therapist, Lionel Logue (played by Geoffrey Rush) and in time both men form a strong bond of friendship. Lionel later helps the king to make his first wartime speech.
A truly amazing part of this film is the setting. The lighting, design, location, all manages to show the King’s feelings of constriction and tightness. Low lighting is used to show a contemporary feel and very often the camera focuses on the actors’ faces to show their expressions. Even the music has been selected in such a way that it helps bring out the sadness felt by the king.
The genre of this movie is drama but I loved the fact that it has numerous instances of humour. I had never thought that a king would have to do physical exercises which were not considered appropriate for a person of his position. Even if it was difficult for the king, you still manage to smile or laugh when he tries to say tongue twisters or sway his hands about in circles. I also liked the fact that even though the movie is serious, there are the themes of friendship, family, and courage that make the film suitable for teenagers to watch also.
Colin Firth’s acting in this film is truly exceptional. I think he has really been able to get into his character and made the stammering so real. Geoffrey Rush has also acted beautifully and I’m in love with his character. He has managed to show Lionel as a friend more than a therapist and I think that is what gave confidence to the King to brave his fears. I think the...