In The King's Speech, we get to see the ever-scrumdiddlyumptious Colin Firth play the courageous but troubled King George VI as he steps up to the throne to take his brother's place. George VI, or 'Bertie' to his family, is an intelligent and just man, plagued with a speech impediment. With the advent of the radio broadcast and a quickly developing war with Germany, Bertie must learn to overcome his stammer in order to address the nation and give his people a leader they can stand behind. Along with Firth, stars Geoffrey Rush as Lionel Logue, the king's clever albeit unconventional (aren't they all?) speech therapist who gives the king the tools and the confidence he needs to find his voice. Helena Bonham Carter is brilliant as Bertie's caring wife, Queen Elizabeth. Jennifer Ehle (who played Lizzy Bennet to Firth's Mr. Darcy in the BBC's 1995 version of Pride and Prejudice) appears as Logue's wife.
There's a reason it's been nominated for seven Golden Globes this year, including Best Picture and Best Actor. Colin Firth is brilliant in every way. His fear and anxiety are almost tangible every time he steps up to a microphone and you nearly have to hold your breath until he manages to spit out the first few words. It's incredible to watch an actor famous for his eloquence and control, playing a role in which his character's speech is the one thing he has no control over. I think the best testament to Firth is that we can see him first and foremost as a human being-- a devoted husband, a loving father, a loyal brother and son-- then as a great king. It's a beautiful story that has a lot of heart and humor to it.
There's a reason it's been nominated for seven Golden Globes this year, including Best Picture and Best Actor. Colin Firth is brilliant in every way. His fear and anxiety are almost tangible every time he steps up to a microphone and you nearly have to hold your breath until he manages to spit out the first few words. It's incredible to watch an actor famous for his eloquence and control, playing a role in which his character's speech is the one thing he has no control over. I think the best testament to Firth is that we can see him first and foremost as a human being-- a devoted husband, a loving father, a loyal brother and son-- then as a great king. It's a beautiful story that has a lot of heart and humor to it.
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| Colin Firth and Helena Bonham Carter. |