The King’s Speech

The King’s Speech is directed by Tom Hooper and stars Colin Firth, Geoffrey Rush, Helena Bonham Carter, Derek Jacobi, Guy Pearce, Michael Gambon, and Timothy Spall. The film follows the Duke of York, the future King George VI, seeking the help of Australian therapist Lionel Louge as he struggles with a stammer, his father’s death, the abdication crisis and the impending Second World War.

Now, many who know me personally know I have struggled with a stutter for as long as I can remember and have often been critical of films that use stutters as they mostly depict those with the condition as being simple and easy to brush off.

This movie in my mind, changed that. Beyond seeing the story of a Royal (the paragons of perfection to many) struggle with something so so many do was such a relief and researching after and seeing just how many famous people struggle too was a truly positive thing for me. The care and attention that you see Colin Firth put into this role is extraordinary. The tics and mannerisms during a moment of struggle is accurate and seemed so sincere.

Now that I have that out of the way, let’s get into what else makes this my favorite movie. The cinematography is on point, never do you feel like the movie is unnaturally lit, it all feels genuine and real. The foggy scenes are foggy, the poorly lit rooms are poorly lit. The Dutch tilts, while many dislike them, work so well to convey the uncomfortable nature of having a stuttering incident. The music pulls you in and the dialouge again feels so very genuine and real.

Colin Firth was incomparable as Albert, Duke of York and future King. Geoffrey Rush not only shined through the chemistry with Firth but his ability to convey both comedy and hardship of his role as Lionel Logue feels really special. Helena Bonham Carter is also great as Elizabeth, wife of Albert and the future Queen Mother, coming off of performances like Bellatrix Lestrange and Mrs. Lovett, she stuns as a posh and sophisticated Royal woman. The supporting cast are equally well cast and on point: Pearce, Gambon and Jacobi shine out of the crowd.

The story, as I’ve said before is so personal and gives such a unique perspective on a figure and time period drenched in fame and mythos with all the stakes and somehow no WWII action but you feel it all regardless.

I will always love the King’s Speech through my personal connection and from a film review standpoint. If you have never seen the movie I cannot recommend it enough!