The King's Speech (2010)

 

Starring: Colin Firth, Helena Bonham Carter, Geoffrey Rush, Timothy Spall, Michael Gambon

One doesn’t often give thought to the problems encountered by Royalty as they are usually outside one’s ambit except of course when the paparazzi blow things out of proportion. It is, therefore, interesting when one finds that they are people just like you and I – ONLY we do not have to make public appearances or speeches for that matter.

Can you just imagine how hard it must have been for Bertie, second in line for the throne, when he was thrust into the limelight after his brother’s abdication in favour of marriage to Mrs Simpson. “The King’s Speech” follows Bertie’s trials, tribulations and ultimate success as he seeks to conquer his speech impediment.

As mentioned above Colin Firth (Bertie) and Geoffrey Rush (Lionel Logue) highlight the situation in an entirely believable manner – drawing you into their lives, making you itch to help Bertie and feeling his anguish. This is a dramatised account which is factually correct down to the last letter of the actual speech made by HRH King George VI to inspire his people and prepare them for World War II. It is only apt to mention Helen Bonham Carter’s performance as his wife, providing a steadfast pillar through thick and thin as one could only imagine the future Queen Mother’s strength of purpose.

Such are their performances that the film garnered seven BAFTA Awards at Sunday (13 Feb 2011) night’s British Academy of Film and Television Arts Awards. These included: Best Picture, Best Actor – Colin Firth, Best Supporting Actor – Geoffrey Rush, Best Supporting Actress – Helena Bonham Carter, Outstanding British Film, Original Music – Alexandre Desplat, and Best Original Screenplay – writer David Seidler.