Sunday, April 24, 2011

The King's Speech


Director : Tom Hooper
Writer : David Seidler (screenplay)
Stars : Colin Firth, Geoffrey Rush, Helena Bonham Carter

Storyline :

Tells the story of the man who became King George VI, the father of Queen Elizabeth II. After his brother abdicates, George ('Bertie') reluctantly assumes the throne. Plagued by a dreaded stammer and considered unfit to be king, Bertie engages the help of an unorthodox speech therapist named Lionel Logue. Through a set of unexpected techniques, and as a result of an unlikely friendship, Bertie is able to find his voice and boldly lead the country through war. Written by Anonymous

Firth's nuanced brilliance is a thing of bruised beauty. Oscar-nominated last year for A Single Man, he gives a towering performance that deserves a shower of awards. And Rush is his match, fiercely funny in the hilarious and heartfelt interactions between king and commoner. Lionel is a failed actor given to grand gestures, and Rush chows down on this feast of a role, jolting the movie to life. Firth plays the counterpoint, the blue blood bred to hold it all together. It's uproarious to watch Lionel prod Bertie to lose his cool, forcing him to sing out a symphony of shit-fuck-bugger-me swearring (all stammer-free). (TH ROLLING STONE MAGZ)

In my opinion, this movie is one of the great. You'll get the history. A job nicely acted all around, with numerous touching moments and a historical backdrop that can't help but be dramatic. Firth is adorable. Loved him since The Bridget Jones's Diary. The clumsy and charming Mr.Darcy. Geoffrey Rush as good as always. Both leads play all this in a spirit of good fun. Firth creates a character so palpably cloaked in self-defeating worry that his only clearly identifiable other emotion is rage. Meanwhile, Rush - who has spent too much time lately showing up in projects far beneath him - has a great time clowning while also serving as the future king's confidant and possible only friend. And for Helena,well...not bad.

This movie is recommended. Two thumbs up :-bd

No comments:

Post a Comment