Director(s): Tom Hooper

Screenwriter(s): David Siedler

Cast: Colin Firth, Geoffrey Rush, Helena Bonham Carter, Guy Pearce, Jennifer Ehle, Derek Jacobi, Timothy Spall, Michael Gambdon

Plot: A story of King George VI struggle to overcome his speech impediment and, therefore, confide in his ability to lead a nation facing wartime.

Mini Review: ‘The King’s Speech’ is yet another film that inspires us to achieve what we deem impossible. King George VI was a man with a speech impediment with whom, in this film, we immediately sympathize despite his social status and pride–two things that he feels that he must hide behind. Screenwriter David Siedler and Colin Firth as King George VI call to attention the wall that he–King George VI–builds up against his speech therapist, Lionel (Geoffrey Rush) immaculately. While the story is predictable, ‘The King’s Speech’ ends on a very fine and fulfilling note and Firth and Rush are an absolute joy to watch onscreen. Jim’s Rating: 8.5/10

***PARDON OUR FRENCH (..err…English) BUT YOU MIGHT AS WELL WATCH THE BLOODY MOVIE BEFORE YOU PROCEED. TO NOT FOLLOW THESE DIRECTIONS WOULD BE POSITIVELY RIDICULOUS!***

Random Trivia: At one point in the film, King Edward VIII makes fun of Prince Albert’s stammer by saying: “Younger brother trying to push older brother off the throne. P-p-p-p-p-positively medieval!” Minus the stammer, this was an actual line written by the real King Edward to his brother when he was away from Great Britain for a time, having given a few responsibilities to Prince Albert in his absence.

The (Real) King’s Speech

Oscar Winning Factor(s): Screenplay, Acting,

Screenplay:

Bertie (Colin Firth) meets Lionel (Geoffrey Rush) for the first time. Lionel bets Bertie that he can speak flawlessly. Based on past experiences, Bertie is doubtful.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VNldbOKp_S8

Winston Churchill confirms what Bertie has feared (and what Lionel predicted he could become).

http://www.theguardian.com/film/video/2010/dec/17/kings-speech-colin-firth

Acting:

Bertie reminisces about his difficulties as a child with his father and his brother. Lionel suggests singing out the parts that he had a hard time speaking about and we, not only start to see the two men bond, but Colin’s performance brings us heartache and a genuine empathy from the audience (beyond his vocal disability).

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HeQ3KrIEC7s

Lionel introduces a new exercise that helps tone down his stammering. Ironically, the way in which he speaks is anything but toned down.

Bertie is upset with Lionel for “pretending to be a doctor”. Finding an opportunity in Bertie’s anger, Lionel provokes Bertie emphasizing his right to be king.

Music:

Lionel and Bertie Vocal Exercise Montage – “Concerto for Clarinet in A Major: Allegro”, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

The King’s Final Speech – “Symphony No. 7 in A Major: Allegretto”, Ludwig van Beethoven

Nominations and Wins:

• Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role (W) – Colin Firth
• Achievement in Directing (W) – Tom Hooper
• Original Screenplay (W) – David Seidler
• Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role (N) – Geoffrey Rush
• Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role (N) – Helena Bonham Carter
• Achievement in Cinematography (N) – Danny Cohen
• Achievement in Film Editing (N) – Tariq Anwar
• Achievement in Costume Design (N) – Jenny Beavan
• Achievement in Music Written for Motion Pictures, Original Score (N) – Alexandre Desplat
• Achievement in Sound Mixing (N) -Paul Hamblin, Martin Jensen, John Midgley
• Achievement in Art Direction (N) – Eve Stewart (Production Designer), Judy Farr (Set Decorator)

Source(s): IMDb, The Oscars