Limacher Low Down: The King’s Speech has been garnishing critical acclaim and harvested the most Oscar Nominations this year, and I understand why. I went into the theater with no prior knowledge of the story outside of what I had seen in the previews. The movie does a great job of telling a short history of King George VI and the importance of his fateful speech for which the film is named. The acting was some of the finest I have seen in quite some time, and the story was conveyed well. Everything combined made “The King’s Speech” more than just a typical movie, it made it something which needed to be seen.
“The King’s Speech” starts off with the largest public address (at the time) being presided over by the Duke of York- Albert Fredrick Arthur George (Collin Firth). The speech is rather forgettable as Albert stammers throughout. Soon after the address is given Albert’s wife, Elizabeth (Helena Bonham Carter), seeks someone best suited to help her husband’s specific need. Lionel Logue (Geoffrey Rush) is the man whose rather unorthodox practices are recommended to Elizabeth. After a brief meeting, Elizabeth agrees to have him meet her husband, the Duke of York, but Lionel insists the meeting be on his terms, not the Duke’s.
Albert and Lionel’s initial meeting, put in modern perspective, was about as cordial as Beck and Pelosi sharing a Chardonnay. Albert storms out not believing in Lionel and is content in the knowledge he will be stammering the rest of his life. Albert soon comes to terms with Lionel’s methods and decides to return in an attempt to correct his problem. Lionel uses his unorthodox methods to better correct the speech problems that have hindered Albert most of his life. Albert tells of family and history with his stammer which really comes across well to the audience.
King George V (Michael Gambon) attempts to help Albert after delivering his Christmas Day speech – much to no avail. Albert’s brother, Edward (Guy Pearce), is the Prince of Wales and heir apparent to the crown. King George and Albert briefly talk of Edward and his relationship and the troubles it may cause. Quickly the King has fallen ill and unfortunately meets his demise, thus King Edward VIII is announced. Albert takes the news rather well, and is happy to know that he will not have to speak for the people as long as his brother wears the Crown.
Albert continues his work with Lionel in his attempt to correct his stammer as a way of being taken seriously. Around this point in the movie I was wondering to myself, “Why the Eff-Yu-Sea-Kay was this movie rated R?” Shortly after this thought entered my head, the question was quickly answered in a scene that would make our loyal readers proud! This leads us to problems that King George V and Albert had alluded to earlier. King Edward VIII can no longer be King – so Albert has to bear this news and also has to deal with the heavy pressure of the People of Germany dealing with a little Austrian pain in the ass, named Adolf.
Albert continues to seek the services of Lionel to best prepare for his future speaking engagements. Albert, now King George VI and his family, in the midst of watching their coronation ceremony on film, have a moment of clarity as this media also opens them to the growing power that Adolf Hitler now has in Germany. Shortly after it is announced that England has attempted to resolve a compromise with Germany to stop the invasion of Poland, the British demands are not met. England declares War on Germany, and it is now up to the King to address his people to prepare them for a dark decade with much anticipated agony. This leads to the speech that will forever be ingrained in the History of Great Britain.
The film moves quickly, and it feels less like a period piece than most would expect. The acting was excellent, and the piece deserves the praise it has been receiving. There are no weak moments – Collin Firth gives a very memorable performance. The King’s Speech blends comedy, drama, and history in a way that deserves to be commended. If you enjoy history, good acting, or just want to see what everyone seems to be raving about; it is worth the two hours of your time and ticket price to see “The King’s Speech”.
