Thank God for Lionel Logue

Rating: 8/10 (2 July 2011)

The "Kings Speech" is, as its numerous awards suggest, a magnificent film. I somehow doubt that any actor other than Colin Firth could have portrayed King George VI with such emphatic character empathy. At times you could see the inner agony of the King-in-waiting etched into the facial contortions of this fine, yet somewhat understated, actor. The outbursts of anger and frustration were perfectly timed and added to one's sense of the man as an island, tortured by long-standing self-doubt – and the conviction that greatness was not his destiny.
Geoffrey Rush, as always, was powerful as speech therapist Lionel Logue - counsellor, confidante and friend - supporting the second son of King George V as he journeyed along the road to the throne. Always there for the soon-to-be-King's big moments, and always knowing what to say or do, even though, as we discovered when the bonds of friendship had already grown too strong, he had not one formal qualification to his name. The look on the Archbishop of Canterbury's face, when told that this common antipodean charlatan would be seated with the King's family was an absolute classic.
Helena Bonham-Carter deserves a mention too, as the long-suffering wife, beautifully played but always as a support role - Helena almost visibly suppressing her undoubted abilities as one of the finest female actresses of our time. She thus ensured that the limelight was never stolen away from the towering performances of Firth and Rush.
The "King's Speech" is a film that teaches us much about people and families. That it was the younger son, the one all but given up by his father as a hopeless case, who was the natural leader, loyal to the ideals of the royal family and understanding the heavy responsibilities that came with it. Contrast this with the immaturity and irresponsibility of his elder brother, someone who is not yet ready to enter manhood, let alone become the King of England. As his dalliances became more serious, and questions began to be asked about the security of the nation under his wayward rule – and all this before he had even celebrated his first anniversary of being crowned - abdication was the only practical solution for the unreliable King Edward VIII.
As for the succession of his younger brother, King George VI, to the throne, there is a wonderful moment in the film, just prior to the radio broadcast that gave the film its title, where Churchill confides in the King that he too once had a speech impediment, and implies that he overcame it by utilising the intonations and verboseness that became his hallmark.
It was in that moment that one saw the two great men who led Great Britain into WWII and, thankfully, led it out the other end victorious. One does ponder momentarily over the fate that might have befallen Great Britain and Europe had Edward VII remained King, and Chamberlain PM.
And it is that thought which leads one to conclude "thank God for King George VI and Churchill, and thank God for Lionel Logue."