‘The King’s Speech’ deserves a standing ovation

“The King’s Speech”

Starring: Colin Firth, Geoffrey Rush, Helena Bonham… “The King’s Speech”

Starring: Colin Firth, Geoffrey Rush, Helena Bonham Carter

Director:Tom Hooper

Grade: A-

As an audience member remarked, “You wouldn’t think a movie about a speech impediment would be interesting.” But “The King’s Speech,” the new film from director Tom Hooper about King George VI’s struggle with a stammer, is surprisingly entertaining, combining elegant writing with exceptional performances and an intimate portrayal of the British royal family.

The film, based loosely on a true story, begins in 1925, when Albert, the Duke of York (Colin Firth) and second son of King George V, addresses the crowd gathered for the Empire Exhibition at Wembley Stadium. As soon as he opens his mouth, his awkward, halting stammer painfully familiarizes the audience with his handicap. Moving forward in time to the mid-1930s, we follow Albert and his wife Elizabeth, the Duchess of York (Helena Bonham Carter), as they seek treatment for Albert’s disability. Eventually they arrive at the waiting room of Lionel Logue (Geoffrey Rush), a speech therapist with unconventional methods that offend the stiff prince at first, but eventually prove effective.

Soon, Albert’s speech progress takes a backseat to the unfolding drama within the royal family. Albert’s older brother David assumes the throne after the death of their father, but it soon becomes apparent from his ongoing relationship with American divorcee Wallis Simpson that he is not willing to live up to the standards of British hierarchy. Albert is then called upon to take the throne, just at the time when his country needs an outspoken symbol against the growing threat of Nazi Germany. As the movie progresses, we follow Albert’s transformation from prince to king, all the while seeing him as an eminently relatable man.

As the narrative revolves around a speech impediment, one or two dull moments are to be expected. The film compensates, however, by basing Prince Albert’s unlikely ascension to the throne on his ability to articulate words. The combined efforts of scriptwriter David Seidler and director Hooper result in a clever and enthralling rising action, weaving the personal and public trials of Albert seamlessly together. Unlike other movies about aristocracy, “The King’s Speech” doesn’t hesitate to paint an unflattering picture of the royal family, but manages to do so in a way that allows audiences to relate to the characters.

What really drives the film, though, is the talent of the actors portraying the royal family. Helena Bonham Carter reaffirms her acting chops as the Duchess of York, and Geoffrey Rush as Lionel Logue adds a much-needed dose of hilarity. But it’s Colin Firth as Prince Albert and the eventual King George VI who steals the show, conveying the king’s agony over his stammer with a sweet sadness. An early Oscar favorite for this year’s best actor, Firth abandons the stereotypically “charming Brit” persona that made him famous, portraying instead a man that is simultaneously awkward, angry and ashamed by his inability to perform a basic human function.

Charmingly British, “The King’s Speech” will be a treat for Anglophiles, offering an intimate look at the world of British aristocracy and transforming its members from distant figureheads to relatable people.