In 7 words or less: K-k-k-king c-c-c-an't speak. And. Needs t-t-to.
What's it all About? George VI (Colin Firth) is thrown onto the throne after an early death from his father and his fruity brothers renouncement of the throne (he was carrying on with his squeeze so couldn't do it). Bertie, as he is know by family, is probably the best example of someone who should not undertake a public speaking position. And yet, he finds himself on the throne and immediately at war with Germany. He must address the nation and become 'the voice' of confidence to guide them all through scary times. Only one problem; he just can't get those words out. What with invention of radio n'all that, it\s more than a personal embarrassment but a serious problemo. The queen mum aka Bertie's wife (Helena Bonham Carter) persuades him to see a loopy aussie speech therapist who drills into his emotional psyche and gets right to the bottom of that stammer. A lovely friendship unravels and the film climaxes when they both cram themselves into a recording box and Lionel (Geoffrey Rush) 'conducts' the king who delivers an all singing, all dancing stammer free 'we're going to war with germany, but we're all going to be ok if we stick together' speech and reconnects with the good old general public. Phew.
Best bits? The casting is faultless in this one. Firth captures the frustration of the King perfectly demonstrating sensitivity, anger and determination all within a breath. I really enjoyed the scenes in Lionel's 'treatment room' - there's something about the massive open space and the way they shot him against the faded walls that looked beautiful as well pointing out his vulnerability. I also loved the little awkward 'british royal' moments played to perfect by HBC - 'it's mam like jam not mam like palm'....oo er.
The final scene where he does the speech is just brilliant. It's tough not to hold your breath and the relief afterwards feels like you're sighing with the whole nation (which they probably did actually, but more so because they had to go war. Again).
Did it make you think thoughts? Throughout the whole thing I could hear myself thinking 'oo that's a nice shot' - everything looked like a photograph. The walking through the (what I assume was) Regent's Park bit with the mist was just delicious, I could have gobbled that bit right up.
Did it make you think thoughts? Throughout the whole thing I could hear myself thinking 'oo that's a nice shot' - everything looked like a photograph. The walking through the (what I assume was) Regent's Park bit with the mist was just delicious, I could have gobbled that bit right up.
I also thought a lot about the queen mum, you see her as this doddery old woman but HBC played her as a sassy mam who knew how to rock a frock or two. I thought - ah I bet she had a nice time when she was younger.
Would you watch it again? Oh yes, it's a twice yearly watch I'd say. A great portal back in time with an inevitable ability to pluck at a few heartstrings. Well deserved oscars all round for this one.
Rating (out of 100%): A stammeringly good watch. 95% my highest slump ever!
Would you watch it again? Oh yes, it's a twice yearly watch I'd say. A great portal back in time with an inevitable ability to pluck at a few heartstrings. Well deserved oscars all round for this one.
Rating (out of 100%): A stammeringly good watch. 95% my highest slump ever!
