The King's Speech

The King's Speech starring Colin Firth, Geoffrey Rush and Helena Bonham Carter, is a great movie. My partner, Jimmy, didn't want to see this film because he loathed the movie, "The Queen" so much. I dragged him along and he ended up loving it! Colin Firth's performance as King George VI of England was awesome. Colin draws you into his performance so well you feel the tension in every part of your body as he struggles to speak. The story is well written and executed by all. You feel so sorry for King George once you know all that he has endured in his life. Turns out being royal isn't all that it is cracked up to be. With very little affection and very few true friends it is a wonder that all that was wrong with this King was a speech impediment. Helena Bonham Carter plays King George's Wife (a.k.a The Queen Mum). She truly was the embodiment of the Queen Mum, so sweet and supportive, just as you imagined her to be in real life. Geoffrey Rush's character, Lionel Logue is the King's speech therapist and loyal friend. His technique, tenacity and patience are wonderfully portrayed by Rush. I also have to comment on the way this film was shot. The camera work was very creative and definitely had a hand in enhancing the feelings of anxiety and rhythm of the movie. As the King struggles to find a rhythm of breathing in his speech therapy, the camera pans in and out of the shot like a diaphragm breathing, allowing for a truly unique transition between shots. Many people won't notice the subtle but brilliant camera angles and creative shots but if this movie had been shot not using those techniques, it wouldn't have had the same impact. Good job to the cinematographer, Danny Cohen. Brilliant work!