Over the course of a given year, only a handful of elite films are released. Hollywood has diluted most of the major genres and most works are shallow copies of something that succeeded previously. The King’s Speech is a shining example of the contrary: a film that balances drama and comedy, features a stellar cast that honours their craft with skilled performances, and a plot that is relevant and informative.
The topic – the speech impediment of King George VI and how it is threatening his ability to lead the United Kingdom following the abdication of his brother Edward VIII – may seem to be a narrow premise at first but director Tom Hooper takes a subject that could easily be uninteresting and brings it to life. The film discusses family relationships, friendship, the conflict between the establishment and the middle class, the role of a leader and self-actualization very intelligently.
As the reign of King George V wanes, the medium of wireless communication is on the rise. This idea horrifies Prince Albert who must make more and more speaking engagements. As a result of extreme anxiety, many of these speeches are disasters which continue to destroy the Duke of York’s confidence. He tries numerous methods and a bevy of different doctors with little success. It is only when he meets Lionel Logue, an Australian speech therapist who practices unorthodox methods that he begins to make progress.
At this time, Great Britain is plunged into crisis as Albert’s older brother King Edward VIII seems more concerned with courting the American divorcée Wallis Simpson than leading his country. Edward is forced to abdicate by British Prime Minister Stanley Baldwin, who then resigns himself shortly afterwards because his policies had grossly underestimated the threat posed by Hitler. The newly crowned King George VI must make a vital radio speech in order to win the support of his people for a war with Germany.
Logue and Prince Albert share a difficult friendship. Initially, Albert does not wish to see someone who practices such out of the box ideas but Logue’s charisma and success changes his mind. Logue is the first therapist who endeavours to treat the root cause of Albert’s anxiety. After weathering some turbulence, their friendship pulls through, showing how members of two different classes can share many common traits.
The King’s Speech is only Tom Hooper’s third film but he displays a great deal of ability. Fixed close angle shots bring the audience close to the characters and show how they are reacting to every moment. Like his previous work, The Damned United, the historical details are also thoughtfully reproduced.
Colin Firth delivers another skillful performance. As Prince Albert becomes King George VI, the audience sees how he is also more confidence. The unexpected king must balance his own ideas about what is right and wrong with his place within the royal family, an internal debate which makes him very uncertain. Despite his regal stature, King George is a person first and must deal with personal problems like anybody else. Albert’s initial denial of that fact only prolongs his suffering. A superb supporting cast, comprised of Geoffrey Rush and others taking a break from filming the Harry Potter series, completes the film perfectly. ****