“Terribly good”, so said one of the audiences behind us at the end of the show. This movie, “The King’s Speech”, has attracted quite a crowd of Westerners. It must have been moving for some to see King George VI of UK playing on the big screen. He is the father and predecessor of Queen Elizabeth II. And if the queen is “touched by a moving portrayal of her father”, the filmmakers must have done something right.
Colin Firth plays the duke – soon to be king – who has a stammering problem. Quite a thorny problem as a king who is expected to delivery public speeches. Colin’s acting is convincing. Those long pauses are painful to watch on screen. The script is written by David Seidler who also has (or had) the same problem. Geoffrey Rush plays the speech therapist. Certainly to me, the most delightful character to watch. Going head to head with Christian Bale (“The Fighter“) for the best supporting actor category, it would be interesting to see what the outcome is. Because both actors are superb in what they do. Helena Bonham Carter plays the king’s wife. Although her airtime is minimal as the story is focused on the friendship of the king and his therapist, her being so supportive to her husband is moving. Once again, Elizabeth is on screen, played by a charming little girl. The Queen of UK must be quite flattered by the number of actresses in recent time eager to play her role.
The entire film gives a good early 1900 feel. What I like most, besides the acting, is the soundtrack. The classical pieces – of the piano and violin – accompanied the plot well. If I read the end credits right, the soundtrack is performed by the London Symphony Orchestra.
How many Oscar awards will “The King’s Speech” bag this year? We don’t have to wait too long to see. The Oscar event is just round the corner.