The King's Speech (2010)

Rating: 9/10 (14 December 2011)

It's certainly Oscar-bait. It involves a monarch, trying to overcome a difficult situation, and turning to a commoner to bring hope to the nation. Fortunately, The King's Speech is also a bloody well made film. Firth continues on his acting road of perfection. It can't be easy to present a speech impediment, without it sounding forced. Firth slides so naturally into the role that he perfectly jumps from the stammering wreck, to the shouty, sweary, clear voiced monarch. The film also examines the power of speech. It shows how it can bring hope, but also, in my favorite scene, how it can control (Hitler). We also see a monarchy that examines its place in society, as Firth acknowledges he can't form a government or declare war, and Gambon notes that a King just had to look good before the advent of radio. It is feel good, but that feel good is also laced with a bit of irony, as the final hurdle sees a King just trying not to stammer as he addresses the nation about a war just entered. A wonderful film that, despite being about speech, also uses many visual techniques to explore its subject.