Behind Every King There's a....

Rating: 9/10 (13 December 2010)

What makes the movie fascinating is that it's based on a true story, and from what I heard, it's based on a play, and its biggest achievement is that it never feels stagey, that it's entertaining, that it's got some sublime acting, mostly Firth and Bonham-Carter, though Rush is very good, too. In general, it's a nice film. The one thing that hurts it a little is the setting, the fact that had it been based on lesser humans, it might have had a stronger impact. Seeing the royal nature of things, after being exposed to so much of this type of drama in the last three or four decades, feels a bit boring. I couldn't help but noticing how hard the cinematographer tried to make it look different, and for a while I thought I had kept my shades on because the film look so dark.
Now, looking at what works, as I mentioned before Firth is spectacular, giving a very natural and human spin to what could have a tired turn. We have seen how hard actors tried to show their technical skills, and it's Firth's gift that he can make a stutter emotional and frustrating, that we see how his soul hurts, and his spirit breaks over and over, as he tries to overcome his disability. He knows where he belongs, the pressures he is under, and he hates the spotlight, and all of this is perfectly reflected in his performance. Coming in to give it an interesting balance is the subtle and affecting work by Bonham-Carter, showing an amazing range and getting further from the loud histrionics of both "Potter" and "Wonderland", two great turns, but it's her sweet support, both in the film, and in her acting that is rewarding. She is perfectly attuned to her part and is a great partner to Firth. Both of them do act like full human beings who just happen to be royalty. She had plenty of practice before getting here. Firth is perfect in this type of role.
Coming so soon after "A Single Man", we're not truly surprised Firth could do any better. In fact, it's just a different type of role, and he handles it with so much aplomb that it feels natural, noticeable without being too much, interesting, one piece of acting that will eventually be mentioned among the best of someone's career, or of anything in the movies. In this case, it doesn't matter what the man is wearing, his soul and his pain are real, and his desire to overcome his obstacles and please those around him, most importantly his closest family and friends is what fuels the intensity of the performance. Every syllable, every gesture, every look, and every exchange between him and the other actors has a purpose and never loses its direction and focus. That is what makes the conclusion so satisfying and appeals to us.
This film doesn't forget the human connection with its audience. A few years ago "The Queen" explored the inner conflicts of a woman who wasn't sure of her station, and we have seen "Elizabeth" and the political drama of the period, but it's the human side that is so often neglected, and "The King's Speech" has made sure it remains at the forefront of the main crisis. It's critical that we like this man, regardless of who he is, and we do. We want him to succeed, to have his "Rocky" moment, and the question is how much are you going to enjoy the ending? Very nice indeed.