The King's Speech

"The King's Speech" is what you would call a classy film. It's a period piece, spanning from 1925 to 1939, set in the world of upper-class England. Its plot revolves around the British monarchy, all posh-spoken and formal in their royal doings. The music is all classical and orchestral, of strings and woodwinds. And it stars Colin Firth, aka the dashing Mr. Darcy of "Pride and Prejudice" fame, in the lead role. Ooh la la.

The English actor fills the aristocratic boots of Prince Albert, Duke of York, known as Bertie by his family. He's a timid fellow, despite having a bit of a temper on him, one that bursts out on occasion from frustration. He suffers from a stammer, as shown in the opening scene, in which he awkwardly struggles his way through a speech at Wembley Stadium, barely able to get even the first few words out.

He's been seeking aid for his irritating condition, one which he has had ever since his first memory. However, after being asked to shove seven marbles into his mouth fails to solve the problem, he gives up, but his wife Elizabeth (Helena Bonham Carter, "Alice in Wonderland") refuses to bow down just yet.

While searching, she meets Lionel Logue (Geoffrey Rush, "The Life and Death of Peter Sellers"), an eccentric speech therapist from Australia. His practices are said to be "controversial," which does not bode well with Duchess Lizzy. Resistant at first, Albert gives in to his wife's persistence, greeting the Aussie therapist, but not on a first-name basis. Albert requests to be called "Your Royal Highness." Lionel refuses.

The first session does not go smoothly with the monarch, stubborn that he cannot speak without stammering. The more kind and patient of the two, Lionel is determined to cure dear Bertie of his impediment, despite Albert's insistence that his voice is well and truly screwed. The lessons continue as the weight of national responsibility is slowly concentrated on Albert's unprepared shoulders, worsening when his father (Michael Gambon, "Gosford Park") dies and his brother (Guy Pearce, "Memento") abdicates the thrown.

"The King's Speech" is t-t-terrific stuff. I was previously unfamiliar with the life of the man who would become George VI, his 15-year reign as King of England not part of my historical knowledge. His story, as shown in director Tom Hooper ("The Damned United")'s period drama, is an inspiring one, not only for his speech difficulties, but also for the stress he endured under the pressure of his overwhelming obligations in power.

Hooper's direction gives a sense of the immense load thrust upon a man unready to hold it. Albert marches through St. James' Palace to stand in front of the entire Accession Council, the vastness of the room shown as the council looms ominously in front of the successor to the thrown as he stumbles through another talk, clad in regal clothing.

The dread that the man feels as he prepares to verbalise, ready to embarrass himself yet again, rings true. We feel for him as he opens his mouth, choking on every second word, blurting out the same syllables again and again.

Firth goes not for sympathy, not for the "poor me" act, but for strength found at its most vulnerable. Albert's a man who is required to speak for his country, yet he cannot use his voice properly. He doesn't want to become King, he doesn't feel he is qualified for the duties of such an occupation, yet he must.

His austere demeanour makes for a perfect juxtaposition with Lionel's almost happy-go-lucky personality, the pair carrying a remarkable on-screen presence that is the film's strongest suit. The sense of peculiarity that comes so naturally to Rush is in full force here as the speech therapist interacts with the troubled Albert, breaking down the barriers the monarch has built to protect himself. They're an amusing duo to watch and chuckle at.

Bonham Carter glistens as the Duchess of York and eventual Queen Mother, a woman whose only wish is for her husband to overcome his ailment. She is Albert's encouragement and guiding light, an extravagant showcase of the fashion of the era, and a likable supporting role for the "Sweeney Todd" actress.

"The King's Speech" is a precious work of art, and a sure staple in the British film industry. David Seidler (“Tucker: The Man and His Dream”)’s script is adorned with wit and humour, standing tall amongst the more tender and emotional moments contained within. Firth is a sublime leading actor, playing a relatable man of power, while Rush and Bonham Carter provide stunning support. The film is a splendid piece of cinema and not just the pompous Oscar/BAFTA-baiter it may seem, the end result a crowd-pleaser not only for the intellectuals out there. Tom Hooper's period drama is fit for a king, stammerer or not.

10/10