CINEMATIC Review

THE KING'S SPEECH   ***

Tom Hooper

2010

IDEA:   King George VI, after the death of his father and the abdication of the throne from his brother, must become the next king of England. Only problem is, he suffers from a crippling stutter unacceptable for someone whose job requires them to speak publicly.

BLURB:   An interesting piece of historical minutiae that is well mounted around a trio of enchanting performances, The King’s Speech is a surprisingly light drama pitched on a modest human scale. This narrow spotlight lends the picture a more intimate than expansive feel, focusing on familial relationships and friendships that helped assuage King George VI’s debilitating stammer. If the film feels lacking in some way, it’s because an absence of directorial identity often renders the proceedings rather conventional, where they should otherwise be vital and new. Colin Firth is certainly a huge benefactor, however, as he should be. With an authentically frustrating speech impediment trapping his flow of words, he sublimely becomes a regular, impaired man thrust into a position of royalty, where he must settle the contentious battle between his mind and mouth in order to speak for his country. The fact he was not only able to do so, but do so to lead his nation through World War II, is an incredible piece of nonfiction. If only the film itself were a little more distinctive.