The King's Speech

The King's Speech

Directed by Tom Hopper; written by David Seidler. With: Colin Firth, Helena Bonham Carter, Geoffrey Rush, Guy Pearce, Claire Bloom, Derek Jacoby, Michael Gambon and Timothy Spall

 And the Oscar Goes to…

 Can a fact-based English period piece film be one of the cinematic pleasures of 2010? Just ask the exuberant viewers leaving the theaters showing ‘The King’s Speech.’ Far from being a stuffy historical drama, this film tells the very human, very engaging story of Prince Albert or ‘Bertie,’ (Colin Firth) who became King George VI and Lionel Logue, (Geoffrey Rush), his eccentric speech therapist.

Bertie is ashamed and humiliated because of a stammering problem. He gets little respect because of this disability and his inability to appear publicly. His wife, Elizabeth (Helena Bonham Carter), drags him from one speech therapist to another. One therapist tells Bertie that smoking would cure his problem; another has him stuff his mouth with marbles. Elizabeth insists he try one last specialist and takes him to Lionel Logue’s shabby office.

Logue is a failed Aussie Shakespearean actor, now a speech therapist, who believes that speech problems are often the result of psychological traumas as well as physical defects. Bertie wants none of this and is ready to give up.

It is the 1930s and Bertie’s father, King George V (Michael Gambon), is nearing the end of his life. The successor to his throne is Prince Edward, (Guy Pearce), Bertie’s older brother, who is not kingly material. He wants nothing to do with the royal responsibilities. Instead he is a Nazi- friendly dilettante besotted with the twice-divorced American Wallis Simpson. He abdicates the throne to marry her.

Now Bertie is to become king, and addressing the public is part of his job description. England is on the brink of World War II. He must rally the nation but he is terrified. The sessions with Lionel begin.

Watching the relationship of the stuttering Prince and the Aussie wannabe Shakespearean actor as they go at each is other is pure joy.  Each man is a misfit in his own way. We learn that as a child Bertie wore painful leg braces, was teased mercilessly by his brother and was abused by a sadistic nanny. Lionel wanted to be an actor but was continually rejected by directors. Both men are in need of a friend.

The acting in this test of wills between the two men is impeccable. Colin Firth makes us sense Bertie’s self loathing; we squirm as we watch him sputter and try to finish his sentences. Geoffrey Rush puts a twinkle in Lionel’s eye but his face also reflects the genuine concern he feels about Bertie’s speaking terrors. The chemistry between these two characters changes from initial hostility to an ever-deepening friendship.

Helena Bonham Carter does some of her best work as the supportive, and loving, but tough Elizabeth. Guy Pearce is right on target as the slick spoiled King Edward VIII who has no desire to carry out any royal responsibilities, focusing instead on Wallis Simpson, parties and champagne. All supporting roles are excellently portrayed with one little exception. Timothy Spall’s Winston Churchill, while amusing, borders on caricature.

Director Tom Hooper was actually influenced by the real life King George. As a child he also had a speech impediment and the King’s struggle with his own problem was inspiration for Hooper to get help. His film deals with a part of English history unknown to most people. King George overcame his speaking difficulties to become a powerful leader who showed grace under pressure. Lionel was always by his side during his broadcasts.

“The King’s Speech” is a very carefully made, inspirational and satisfying period piece

of unusual human depth.  And Rush and Firth’s acting is as good as it gets.. I predict that

there will be Oscar nominations aplenty.