Did you know that the number one fear in the world is not death, or pain, or heights? No. The number one fear in the world is speaking in front of an audience. In other words: public speaking.
"The Kings Speech", the portrayal of a man literally forced to overcome his inner demons in order to unite a nation to rally together for the outbreak of war, is meticulously layered with emotion and feeling. It is so easy for an audience to feel a disconnection to monarchic and royal characters because, well, they are so disconnected. This film explores the people's need to be shown leadership, and despite the obvious discrepancies, they do look somewhere for that leadership, whilst taking an intimate look inside the lives of the monarchy.
Fortunately for Albert (Colin Firth), or "Bertie" as he is known by his family, he never had to worry about being looked at for leadership. Being the second child of King George V he was out of the spotlight of his older brother David (Guy Pearce), who would become King. David was the confident one, sure in his ways - the more "natural" future monarch. Albert lacks the confidence and desire to be in the spotlight. Not only this, but he suffers from a terrible stammer, which makes it difficult for him to communicate his thoughts properly and clearly. He is often ridiculed by his family and seemingly mocked by the media. The opening scene perfectly captures his plight: he is at the closing of an event at Wembley Stadium, and as part of his royal duties, is required to give the closing speech. He steps up to the mic; daunted, dismayed, almost to the point of tears as he tries to speak. He struggles, hearing the echoes of his disjointed words ringing back and piercing his ears, whilst his supporting wife Elizabeth (Helen Bonham Carter) struggles with emotion watching him struggle. Firth plays his role this with great emotion and sincerity, and there are other wonderful scenes where we feel so much for him, as he is pushed to do something that is just so difficult for him to do (like when his father ridicules him for not being able to speak or his children beg him to tell them a bed-time story).
Albert has tried everything, including one humiliating technique to the next, and has given up hope with any kind of therapist. Until his wife introduces him to Lionel Logue (Geoffrey Rush), a rather unorthodox speech therapist. After some initial resistence, Logue inspires Albert to persist with it, trying to give him some self-belief that he can actually do it. Logue keeps this "patient" a secret from his family and doesn't want any exposure from it, but as the movie progresses, we slowly see Albert adapting to Logue's methods. There are times when he puts on a confident front, only to be vulnerable and weak at mind on the inside.
We all the know the history of what happened here: Albert's father, King George V, passes away and his brother David succeeds the throne as King Edward VII. However, the seeds of displeasure are planted through Edward's infatuation with a divorcee socialite, Miss Simpson. Pressure is on Edward to chose the throne or Miss Simpson. Inevitably, he choses the throne, and abdicates the throne. He is the first monarch to fully abdicate the throne, leaving his younger brother Albert to take over as King. Albert reluctantly becomes King, but as time goes he grows more comfortably into the role, except he now has to deliver his first war-time speech in 1939.
The film's design is very accurate in capturing the essence and dreariness of 1930's England. The use of dreary colours and low lighting is constant throughout the whole film. The costumes are also impressive. But where this film succeeds is in a very subtly layered script, precise direction and honest performances from Firth, Bonham Carter and Rush. They are shown to be human and real, something which is often forgotten bout how royalty is portrayed. Carter delivers a touching performance as Albert's wife as she witnesses her husbands struggles and lack of belief, doing everything in her power to give him the confidence to succeed. Geoffrey Rush plays a slightly odd character, but its in his unpredictable, unorthodox behaviour that he is able to reach the King on that level.
But it is Firth, supported by these two actors, that delivers a truthful, honest and tear-jerking performance as King George VI. We may ask ourselves: "why should we care for a King? Yeah sure, he really has it rough!" But that is exactly why Firth's performance is so amazing in that he brings us to the core and shows the vulnerable, human side of the monarchy, where we as the "common" audience feel a strong connection to his character. He never overplays his performance, and does an amazing job. Expect him to walk away with the Best Actor Oscar this year.
"The Kings Speech" is one of the best made, scripted and probably the best acted movie of the year. There are many memorable scenes in this picture, particularly the beginning and end, but this is truly a film that will live long in the memory.
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