The King's Speech

Many of us like to think of British royals as Julie Andrews and Helen Mirren, or Patrick Stewart and Kenneth Brannagh. But we haven’t seen them quite like this.

The King’s Speech is a refreshing take on Pygmalion, which itself is likened to a Cinderella story, and yet The King's Speech is borne out of history; Shaw only wishes his script was as much fun as this one. The Duke of York is debilitated by his stammer, and having seen numerous doctors with royal referrals, has resigned himself to an identity of “B-b-b-b-bertie” the stuttering son of King George V. In fact, screenwriter David Seidler has smartly paid homage to Shaw’s infamous play by including a scene in which one doctor insists upon having the Duke try to speak while keeping marbles in his mouth. When the The Duke’s adoring wife Elizabeth is less willing to give up, they instead seek the unconventional help of Australian speech therapist Lionel Logue.

It practically goes without saying that Colin Firth and Geoffrey Rush are brilliant. Their names are synonymous with great performances (if one forgives Firth for Mamma Mia! After all, who turns down a chance to work with Meryl Streep?). That said, my fear was that by purchasing my ticket I had committed myself to a second edition of The Queen – poorly paced and overlong but with undeniably strong performances that (would hopefully) sustain my interest. Thankfully, The King’s Speech is so much better than that. Director Tom Hooper has done a beautiful job filming a deeply personal and moving film, choosing to allow the dynamic performances to come to the fore. Even the predictable lines or moments are entirely earned, the same way you or I may follow a statement with “it had to be said.”

What stood out to me was the excellent cinematography. It has been a long time since I felt a film was so enhanced by the placement and effectiveness of the framing of shots. The artistry of a single frame could be felt in a way that reminded me of A Single Man. Often simple, but thoughtful. Similarly, Helena Bonham Carter gave a performance unlike anything I’ve seen from her and she is a pleasure to watch. As a loving wife and mother, Carter brings grace, love, and a woman’s touch to the otherwise reserved royal family.

Notes:

-        As with so many wonderful films, the story behind its realization is every bit as fascinating as the story that made it to screen. Playbill.com recently featured a “Stage to Screens” article by Harry Haun that details the process. (http://www.playbill.com/features/article/147151-STAGE-TO-SCREENS-The-Kings-Speech-the-Acclaimed-Film-Started-as-a-Play-and-May-Return-as-One)

-        Colin Firth is most famous for having played Mr. Darcy in the BBC’s adaptation of Pride and Prejudice; his leading lady from that miniseries is also in The King’s Speech as Lionel Logue’s wife.