The King's Speech

“The King’s Speech” is a film that speaks of courage and friendship and is complete with a script and a cast that all share their voice royally.

Fear of public speaking is a phobia that plagues many people. However, most can choose a profession that does not require it. Unfortunately, for George “Bertie” Duke of York (Colin Firth) who is in-line for the throne quitting is not an option. Bertie’s public speaking problems go further than just fear, he has a s-s-s-stammer, that he believes is incurable.

His wife Elizabeth (Helena Bonham Carter) has other ideas. She seeks help from Lionel Logue (Geoffrey Rush) a speech therapist and Bertie agrees to give it one more try.

As Lionel treats Bertie, King George V (Michael Gambon) dies giving the throne to David, Bertie older brother. David decides to marry a twice divorced woman, making him ineligible for the throne. So a reluctant Bertie takes the throne, while in Germany Hitler marches on bringing the threat of war.

The plot is captivating and holds audience’s attention. The audience wants to know what will happen next and ultimately if the King can ever speak without his stammer. The plot is carried well by a strong script and great performances by the cast.

The script (David Seidler) provides humorous dialogue between Lionel and Bertie. Lionel likes to use unconventional methods in helping Bertie, including a swearing spree when he discovers that when Bertie curses he doesn’t stammer.

Not only does the script gives audiences something to laugh at, but it also takes viewers deeper into the life a King, more specifically the life of Bertie. It shows the struggles he had as a child, the ridicule he faced for not being able to speak. Also, the insecurity he feels at becoming King, the fear that he won’t be able to lead his nation in the time of war.

The script is matched by the unparallel acting. Firth dissolves into the role of Bertie and plays the character with absolute authenticity. Every stammer, every angry outburst at not being able to speak properly feels real to audiences. Firth is also not afraid to display the King’s vulnerability, in one scene tears fall as he cries to his wife that he cannot be King, the scene moves the audience to sympathy for the character because of its genuineness.

Rush also delivers a flawless performance of Lionel. Lionel always believed in the King from the very beginning. His playful attitude and theatrics makes the character fun and funny. A friendship also develops between Lionel and Bertie, and Lionel is always there to encourage Bertie and help him find his courage to tackle his speech. Rush shows all the traits of Lionel with consistency and realness.

Another key performance is given by Bonham Carter. Her character also encourages the King. She is a faithful and loving wife, as well as strong, witty and takes matters into her own hands when her husband fails to do so. When Bertie breaks down after becoming King, she comforts him and reminds him that she loves him and that he “stutters beautifully”. Bonham Carter demonstrates her characters personality while still carrying herself like a Queen.

The cinematography (Danny Cohen) in “The King’s Speech” helps to show the characters emotions with close-ups during the emotional parts of the film and showing different angles. Costumes (Jenny Beavan) fit the time period giving audiences the feeling that they went back in time. The score (Alexandre Desplat) is beautifully written with a classical flair that fits the royal British feel.

“The King’s Speech” is a very British film, which makes it even more believable; but as Americans we don’t really know the story that well. However, it proves to be a moving story for anyone since we all have fears just like Bertie. It also helps that the script and acting is complete perfection. “The King’s Speech” is worth your time and money, and not to mention, worth twelve Oscar nominations.