The King's Speech ~~~1/2

Entering the cinema without any expectations, other than to catch the excellent Colin Firth, Helena Bonham Carter and Geoffrey Rush turn in some solid acting, I am most happy to report that I believe I viewed what has to be the most wonderful and engaging TV movie of the decade. This feeling should in no way be taken as a denigration of the film itself but merely a nod towards its gentle and somewhat unassuming nature.

Set during the period of time following old king George V’s reign, via Nazi sympathising, American (Mrs Simpson) divorcee-marrying, abdicating Edward VIII, to unassuming, shy, stammering and therefore ridiculed, Bertie a.k.a. George VI. Bertie had been, in so many ways, overlooked and misjudged by both his family and the public, as so often is the case with those not destined for the throne, but what is revealed to us the audience, is that in their underestimation of him, he was to become a most beloved monarch at a time when millions of his subjects were living through some of the most turbulent of modern times.

Backed by the historically bullish Elizabeth (the ex-Queen Mother), Bertie is seen to be regularly bullied by his father, teased by his brother and pitied by the general public. His stammer prevents him from making the usual placating speeches to the general masses – roll out the royals when times get tough! We see, through his eyes, his embarrassment and awkwardness but also his stubbornness to try all the sometimes crazy ‘cures’ for his ‘affliction’.

Luckily, for both Bertie and the viewer, Elizabeth discovers a rather unconventional ‘doctor’ in the form of Rush, as Logue, an Antipodean speech therapist and ex-thespian prone to unusual treatment methods and intimate questioning.

The best scenes in the film really revolve around the relationship these two very different men slowly develop. Although there are a few unsurprising bumps along the way, and one can only imagine how a mere citizen was even able to develop such a close working relationship, let alone friendship, with such a private figure, in the 1930’s, we witness how honesty and perseverance can win the day.

As his brother’s private intentions threaten the public face of the monarchy, Bertie soon realises that he must step up to the mark to become the new king. Step forward Logue with his quirky, but ultimately successful, methods.

The film climaxes in seeing Bertie’s coronation and his famous and, many would argue, rousing radio speech to the nation during the onset of the Second World War. I say ‘seeing’ his speech because I don’t think I was able to take in his actual words due to the over-emphasis of Bertie’s physical frustrations and sheer battle to get his words out without stuttering. Both Firth and Rush’s facial actions, physical movements and the camera direction overshadow the actual words of the speech. The music was so rousing that I forgot to hear his famous words. Which was a shame. I’ll have to catch up with that famous speech elsewhere. Apparently it had a massive impact on the people at that time – unfortunately not for me. Although, I did feel that many in the audience were able to appreciate it a little more.

Talking about the audience, the average age was possibly hovering at about the 70 mark, which is no negative comment at all other than to ponder whether it was good old Colin bringing them out or the idea of a King on screen? Since I am rather younger than the majority of movie-goers in the cinema that day, I can only imagine that, having had no personal experience of those turbulent and frightening times during the war, I missed out somewhat on the impact Bertie’s speech and development towards magnificent monarch, had at the time. I can only imagine what life must have been like for those alive during the war, let alone having to comprehend the unprecedented abdication of a monarch.

There are some lovely scenes throughout the film which are full of humour, especially where Rush and Firth are seen to be bouncing and swearing about in the ‘treatment’ room. The relationship we see between Bertie and his wife, away from the prying eyes of the public, is really quite sweet. One can only imagine the stresses and strains such high profile people have to deal with. It’s bad enough sometimes, being a regular citizen!

I did feel that I learnt a little bit about the frustrations of living with a stammer, especially difficult for someone constantly in the spotlight with an expectation to deliver authoritative speeches to the nation and beyond. I also got a good sense of how the ‘other half’ lived – champagne parties and cavernous palaces…

Guy Pearce puts in a good turn as the rather demanding and spoilt Edward whilst the little girl from the TV series ‘Outnumbered’ shines away, as usual, in her role as the future, and now current, Queen Elizabeth II. Helena BC is brilliant, as usual. I love her very much. Quite weirdly, Jennifer Ehle turns up as Rush’s wife – possibly best remembered by many as Elizabeth Bennet (alongside Colin Firth) in the excellent TV version of ‘Pride and Prejudice’ back in 1995. Nice to see you again on the big screen, Jennifer!

The soundtrack was really exceptional with some utterly beautiful classical music included. I actually left the cinema wanting to listen to the film score immediately again.

Ultimately, this is a good quality, but slightly ‘light’, feel-good film. It is great to have a British film delivering this feeling rather than an over-schmaltzy American flick and sure the costumes, cinematography and sets are great but ultimately, I felt a little underwhelmed afterwards. Still not sure why.

We now know that there have been Oscar nods all round. Will Colin and Helena win best actor and actress? Will the film get best picture? Probably. But there are so many other films which could pip it to the post… I definitely recommend giving this film a go. I love Colin, no matter what he’s up to and hope that this film does well at the Oscars next month. Happy viewing!

Viewed: 12th Jan 2011