Oscar, Oscar, Oscar

Rating: 10/10 (11 January 2011)

When Edward VIII abdicated the throne of England in favor of his love for a twice-married American woman, George VI became heir to the throne. The film begins with a painful excerpt of a radio address he had given earlier. His stammer and lisp made for excruciating listening. George VI is played by Colin Firth who must be a front- runner in the Oscar balloting for Best Actor, for good reason.
The King took the throne at a time when radio was new; it was live and there was no editing. He had a horrible stammer, and the frightful prospect of speaking to millions of people over the radio made his speech impairments worse.
Geoffrey Rush plays a speech therapist who befriends George and works with him. The sessions between the commoner and the king are excellent. Rush's acting skills are considerable, as are Firth's, but this may be his finest hour. As the unflappable therapist, he allows the king's rage and frustration to wash over him while he is steadfast in his purpose: to cure the stammer. The scrip is filled with tasty tidbits of humor.
Helena Bonham Carter is excellent as patient and caring wife of the king, whose counsel he accepts.
This is probably the Best Picture of the year because of the script, the performances, the direction, costumes, cinematography and editing.