Rating: 5 out of 5 stars.
"The King's Speech" is a film about a man who was destined to be great. A man who would go on to lead his country through one of its worst trials in history. A man who would inspire the hearts of millions through his words. But he had to face one small problem. He was a stammerer.
Prince Albert (played by Colin Firth) has dealt with a studder for most of his life but is required to speak publicly in front of thousands. He seeks treatment but to no avail. After his father King George V dies, the crown is passed to Albert's brother Edward. Albert is relieved that he does not receive the burden of kingship. But his brother abdicates the throne in order to marry a divorced American woman, passing the kingdom on to Albert. Albert is terrified at this, because of his stammer and his inner-doubts.
Albert's wife Elizabeth (Helena Bonham Carter) seeks the help of Lionel Logue (Geoffery Rush), a speech therapist and former actor who uses several unconventional methods to treat Albert's stammer, such as making him read out loud while listening to music, sing his thoughts, and yell out excessive profanity. But what sets Logue apart from other therapists is that he probes into Albert's mind, trying to figure out the source of the stammer. Eventually the two become great friends and Albert becomes a the great King George VI.
Director Tom Hooper ingeniously uses several cinematography techniques in order to capture the era and also to put you inside Albert's mind. Much of the film is confined shots or close ups, in order to capture Albert's feeling of constriction. The editing is superb. The screenplay is a true masterpiece, especially in the therapy sessions between Albert and Logue.
It goes without saying that the acting is stupendous. Colin Firth beautifully masters Albert's stammer and his inner fear, capturing a man who was destined to be great but never wanted to be. You feel for his character, the audience understands his anxiety. Geoffery Rush is equally wonderful. Together they are an force to be reckoned with. All of the actors are great and believable. Helena Bonham Carter plays a woman who loves her husband and is intent on helping him succeed. She is spectacular. Guy Pearce is wonderful as Prince Edward. Even the few brief scenes of Timothy Spall as Winston Churchill are great.
All in all, this movie is a masterpiece. With excellent cinematography, smart dialogue, and a sublime cast of characters, "The King's Speech" is awe inspiring. Its a shame that it received an R rating, because the profanity is understandable in the context and I believe everybody should be able to enjoy this wonderful film.
