Best Picture
Best Director
Best Actor
Best Supporting Actor
Best Supporting Actress
Best Original Screenplay
Best Art Direction
Best Cinematography
Best Costume Design
Best Film Editing
Best Original Score
Best Sound Mixing
If you like period pieces, if you like movies about someone overcoming an impediment, if you like historical pieces, if you like Colin Firth, if you like everything English, then this is the film for you. If not, well I’m not sure what to tell you. I think this is a movie for everyone, but some may not like it. There is not any action, floating, facebooking or fighting. It’s a talky or should I say stuttering film that is at times quite absorbing. It is a very good and positive drama.
The film is about King George VI, the brother of Edward the VIII who abdicated the throne in favor of marrying divorced American, Wallace Simpson. Bertie has to become king after the scandal of his brother’s relationship and abdication. Bertie has a severe stutter that is debilitating. When he has to make a speech, it’s painful to watch. It’s hard to listen to Firth as King George tripping over his tongue. I wanted to help him find his words. It is painstakingly overcome with the help of a very unorthodox speech therapist named Lionel Logue, played brilliantly by Geoffrey Rush. Rush is one of those actors that is often nominated for his roles. This is one of those roles and portrayals that earn an Oscar nomination. He is very engaging as Lionel.
Colin Firth is impressive as Bertie. He is one of the finest actors of our time. He earned this nomination and will most likely win as Best Actor. He plays comedy and drama equally well. He is one of those actors that seem to be one with the characters he portrays. He makes you care about the king. The relationship that forms between the king and Lionel is the movie. The bond of friendship that develops between them is the heart of the film.
The characterizations are terrific. Helena Bonham Carter is good in her role and is also nominated for an Oscar in the best supporting actress category. The film is chock full of good actors; Derek Jacobi as the Archbishop, Guy Pearce as Edward , Michael Gambon as George V and Timothy Spall as Winston Churchill. It a veritable acting feast.
“The King’s Speech” is a feel good film. In watching the King work through and overcome his impediment, you can’t help but be happy for him. It is a positive film and not something dark and depressing. It is beautifully written and filmed. The costumes are wonderful and the backgrounds and palace are lush. Every nomination is well deserved. This might just be the film to beat. I still have to see all of “Black Swan”, so I can’t say who should win some of the awards, because both of these movies are the kind of movies that I love and pick as the best films.
The jury is still out, but I think “The King’s Speech” will take home the most awards. Colin Firth should and will win best actor. Best Picture; not so sure just yet….
Rating – 4.5 stars
