A Well Crafted Drama Without the Frills

Rating: 9/10 (18 January 2019)

7 January 2011. A stunning movie that has no sex and little or no action or special effects? The KING'S SPEECH relies on performance and a well crafted, tightly focused script, and deliberate editing that directs the audience's attention both intimately as well as internationally on the personal drama that enveloped King George VI of Britain and his speech impediment. Unlike the psychological delusions found in the BLACK SWAN, THE KING'S SPEECH is able to capture both the intimately relational drama between two individuals while providing a tense filled context of the political and cultural environment and importance of the outcome of the King's efforts in addressing his fears. Unlike other historical pieces focused on famous leaders, YOUNG VICTORIA (2009) wasn't able to capture the cultural and political intrigue, FROST/NIXON (2008) didn't quite have the same personal demons and flawless pacing and editing, W (2008) that had a weak performance in one of its minor characters that intruded on the movie, ELIZABETH THE GOLDEN AGE (2007) that suffered from a convoluted, clumsy script and underdeveloped characters. Perhaps a good comparison would be THE QUEEN (2006) or THE LAST KING OF Scotland (2006) though the focus in more on another character than the King.