The Final Verdict with Kyle and Marysa: “The King’s Speech”

We've given you the Oscar nomination rundown, now it's time to review at least one movie from that list.  The chosen one: "The King's Speech," the little British film that could, directed by Tom Hooper, starring Colin Firth as the titular King, Geoffrey Rush as his speech therapist, Lionel Logue, and Helena Bonham Carter as the King's Wife, Elizabeth.  

 

Marysa: Having just seen this movie this week, I still have the remaining awe from a fresh first viewing, and believe me, it's a powerful feeling leaving the theatre.  "The King's Speech" is a movie that calls back to the classics, both in movies and in the other arts.  Scored many times by classical music, with Beethoven playing a key role during the titled speech, and with a color palette that is rich and reminiscent of paintings from the Romantic era, the movie is a luxury to watch and settle into, comfortable yet full of rich depth.

 

Kyle: I said this in our Oscar picks and I'll say it again. Period pieces make me happy. This one, especially. The colors are appropriately rich and at the same time dulled slightly by the grime of the post-war era. The film's locations are attractive and at the same time somewhat drab—after all, England, in winter, isn't glimmering and shiny. Hooper's eye captures everything so well. 

 

Marysa: Colin Firth, of course, fully inhabits his role as the soon-to-be King of England, George VI (also know as Bertie to family and friends).  It's mesmerizing to watch as he stutters along, impotent rage and embarrassment fighting beneath his regal demeanor.  The few scenes we get with him and his wife and children show a soft, sensitive man, who doesn't want to be called to the throne, but does so to stand for his country.  His strength and courage just need to be nurtured and encouraged, and when he's able to shine, as he does when he delivers his first wartime speech to the nation, he does so with such strength of character that it actually brought me close to tears.  

 

Kyle: I was particularly impressed with Firth's ability to give us a character who is at once loving (of both his country and his family) and at the same time apprehensive to take on the roles of father and king. He was just fantastic. 

 

I'm also always impressed with Helena Bonham Carter, and this film is no exception. Bonham Carter typically gives audiences characters that are a little twisted and dark (think Bellatrix Lestrange, Harry Potter fans). However, her turn as the future Queen Mother shows us a side to her that is soft and grounded. Elizabeth balances Bertie's rage and frustration with calm coolness and incredible support. 

 

Most surprising was Rush's portrayal of Logue. Rush creates a character who actively challenges and infuriates the King, and in the end succeeds in creating a much more confident, if not totally comfortable orator. 

 

I've already made "The King's Speech" my pick for Best Picture, so there isn't much more to say on that subject here. This film is beautiful: the performances, the cinematography, the score—all elements work together to create an incredible piece of art. God save the King indeed.