What a fantastic tribute to film making that "The King's Speech" is. Against all odds, this relatively intimate, independant, character drama, has gone onto great success in theatres all over Europe and USA. That a film like this has registered with audiences as it has is very surprising indeed. Look at the factors: An historical drama, set on the cusp of World War II. No major movie megastars at its disposal. An independant, character based, period film. A film that takes its main plot points in the simplicity of two middle aged men becoming friends. Not to mention, that in its own way, the film could be seen as slight and predictable. When was the last time you saw a film like that connecting with audiences on the scale that this film has? And yet, "The King's Speech" is an absolute joy and pleasure to behold from start to finish. Because you see, some of the things the film had going against it, are the things that make it seem so fresh and personable. The wonder of simple storytelling is all it ever takes to transport the viewer into something special. That combined with some of the most fantastic acting you may see all year, brings me to the fact, that even under the stiff competition of other strong films being released this awards season, "The King's Speech" more than holds it own, and may in fact may be the most special of them all.
When a film begins there can sometimes be a sense from the off, that this is going to be something special. It is rare, but when it happens, there is a sure sense of satisfaction and pleasure. This can be down to a choice of music in the soundtrack, a camera flourish or even a simple line of dialogue. In "The King's Speech" it is the opening introductory shot of Prince Albert, waiting nervously in the wings to go on air. His impending fear and anxiousness is palpable. With a simple, yet subtle expression, our protagonist has immediately won us over. This is a story we want to see and hear. Prince Albert (Colin Firth), lovingly referred to by family and friends as 'Bertie', has a crushing and debilitating speech impediment. In his requirements to give regular public speeches his stammer is excruciating, with each pause lasting for what seems an eternity. His wife, Elizabeth (Helena Bonham Carter), fearing her husband has given up hope of ever being relieved of his speech obstruction, turns to common speech therapist and failed actor, Lionel Logue (Geoffrey Rush). Through a variety of unorthodox and quite funny techniques, Logue slowly but surely begins to improve Berties stammer, along with slowly becoming friends with the Prince. It is only after Berties older brother, Kind Edward (a sly Guy Pearce) abdicates the throne in late 1936, that the shy Prince realises he will have to step up to the biggest challenge of his life. At the outbreak of war, can the new found King, so unsure of his words and self, successfully rally the nation behind him and provide the encouragement and support it so greatly needs?
The cast is filled by some stunning turns. As Logue, Rush is marvelous; it is no coincidence that all his characters name is missing, is the 'dia'. Through ways that confound, and sometimes anger the future King, the Aussies elecution lessons provide searing insights into Berties past and help him find the confidence inside he will need to succeed. Director Hooper takes liberties with such scenes; it was never known just exactly how Logue treated Bertie, but the humorous and very entertaining means he goes about it will delight and move, in equal measure. Bonham Carter provides vibrant support as Berties wife. Her love is a constant inspiration to him and gives him the strength he needs to go on. As the reluctant King, Firth is spellbinding. Going against the natural flow and rhythm of an actor, he delivers lines with warm vulnerability; he is aware of his impediment, but will not let it rule over him. We can see the constant chagrin it is to him, not only through his stilted sentences, but also through his eyes. Those closest to him know Bertie has it inside him to succeed as a very worthy King, but if only Bertie knew that himself. As a result, it paints the Royal Family in the best light seen for quite a while. For the first time I can remember, they are relatable. Through Berties stammer, it grounds the family in a manner that all can feel a certain bond to. We all want Bertie so succeed. While Michael Gambon and Guy Pearce all lend reliable support, the film belongs to Firth and Rush. It is their growing friendship which forms the backbone of the picture. These scenes are wonderful; at times funny, sad, insightful, subtle yet bombastic, Director Hooper does a wonderful job with the material. He shoots large throne rooms of the sovereignty with a cold eye and lets the central friendship be the warmth. Through simple framing he helps provide significant insight into his characters mindsets.
The film is an incredibly warm one. While being very entertaining and crowd pleasing, it never forgets to do justice to its characters or story. Some films might have cast a more sombre eye over King Edwards abdication, something that turned the Royal Familes reputation upside down, but therein lies the simple beauty of this film. Hooper shows us something we may not have initially known about, or that on first look may not have seemed like compelling viewing. Here he passes with flying colours. With previous efforts such as "The Damned United" he demonstrated flickers of talent, yet here he demonstrates his true filmmaking capability. That many have sought out to see this picture and its recent box office success (Rush himself never thought it would go onto become the success it is), shows that audiences are hungry for simple and very classy storytelling. It may initially seem like Academy hungry fare, with little or no true spark. However, the script is considerably witty and the incredible true story is stunningly executed. With a blinding cast and some of the most funny/touching male bonding scenes you may see all year, "The King's Speech" deserves to be front and center when the envelope is opened on February 27th. A wonderful film.
Verdict: 89%
Aided by a stunning cast, Tom Hooper delivers a rich, rewarding and very entertaining drama. Going against what is expected of the genre, he crafts a crowd pleasing and very affecting tale, one that anyone can get behind and root for. The cast all exhibit high standards and it is unlikely that you will have a more endearing film experience this year. And 2011 has only just begun.
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