That is to say films about the royal family or the monarchy in any way. It's just topic that I have very little interest in. I am pleased to say that The Kings Speech was able to lure me in and keep me interested through out.
The Kings Speech is about King George VI. Or at least the man that would be king. Bertie as he was called by his family, had a sputter. Not quite a stutter, but a serious speech impediment. He was to take the throne as just the beginning of the rise of Hitler and his Nazi Party. England needed a king that could bond and inspire. Bertie and his wife decided to seek the assistance of a quirky speech therapist that would eventually become an aid and friend to the king.
I am not sure what it is that keeps me at an arms length when it comes to films about royalty. Maybe it's that I can't relate to the privilege or the divine right. These movies are generally lush, lavish costume dramas. The Kings Speech does not rely on its setting to interest its viewers, although I did find the stripped down sets and locations a refreshing change of pace. It is the performances that really shine in the movie for me.
I have heard a lot of buzz about Colin Firth and his portrayal of Bertie and for good reason. He is fantastic. I don't know much about his condition, but the sputter seems well crafted. Helena Bonham Carter is wonderfully understated as his wife. Geoffrey Rush shined more than anyone to me as the Australian therapist. A role that isn't getting the accolades that I think it deserves. Yes, he plays it for laughs. But I don't think that should be a negative. He helps keep the tone and pace of the film just right. That is something that I don't think was written into the script.
The film is directed by Tom Hooper. A name that I was not familiar with. he has mostly done British television. His other major film credit is the director of 2009's The Dammed United. A film that I haven't seen, but heard good things. I am looking forward to what he does next.
The Kings Speech is getting a lot of focus around awards season. It does have all the qualifications. The Academy loves costume dramas, over-the-top performances, stories about people overcoming physical disabilities, and so forth. I was aware of this as I was watching the film, but I felt that it overcame that stereotype and was a fully realized and executed film.
In closing, this movie only strengthened my resolve against The Church. Towards the end of the movie The Catholic Church begins to play a more important role in the film. I don't think the intent was to frustrate or enrage the viewer, but it certainly did just that for me. Overall I give The Kings Speech a 4/5 stars. Check out the Trailer Park to see for yourself.
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