THE KING'S SPEECH (2010)

* * * *

D: Tom Hooper. (Colin Firth, Geoffrey Rush, Helena Bonham Carter)



PG-13 (for language), C-118m, UK/Australia

In this terrific film, Colin Firth delivers one of his finest performances as Prince Albert (formally known as King George IV), who reluctantly assumes the mantle of monarchy after older brother King Edward gives up the crown to marry American divorcee Wallis Simpson.

Even before that famous scandal, Albert still has to make speeches at public events. He has no desire for public life and only wishes to be left alone with his wife and daughters. Unfortunately, being a member of the royal family has its obligations.

It's painful to watch, because up close he is physically ill, actually choking. His audience waits for the halting words (which come out as the strangled sounds of a chicken), then looks away in embarrassment. All I could think was, "You poor, poor man."



In this and other similar scenes, Albert is not simply a historical figure, but a human being in dire need of rescue. When his wife Elizabeth (the future Queen Mother of England) tries to help, it doesn't go smoothly. She seeks out the services of Lionel Logue (Geoffrey Rush), a part-time actor who tutors clients in his own home. She comes to his "office" as "Mrs. Johnson", so he has no idea who she is.

Elizabeth explains, "My husband's work involves a great deal of public speaking."

"Then he should change jobs," Logue retorts.

"He can't."

"What is he, an indentured servant?"

"Something like that."

Burdened by a near-lifelong stammer, Bertie is absolutely terrified of public speaking. Watching the agony in Bertie's face as he practically chokes on his words will bring back memories of all those bored, amused or pitying gazes we all endured at one time or another. His closest relationships were with nannies (except for particularly monstrous one) and his wife and two young daughters Elizabeth and Margaret. It's a miracle he even got married.

The chilly household makes the defection of King Edward somewhat understandable, especially in a scene that should have had the family holding each other. Imagine, having no real friends -- only paid companions. Having to control your emotions all the time, even in the privacy of your own home. Dressing for formal meals every day. Your leisure time is carefully controlled and regulated. No vacation from duty. With the exception of small moments between Albert and his wife and daughters, there is no outward affection. This family is not one who shared emotions or even supported each other in private. What a lonely existence!

Helena Bonham-Carter is wonderful here. She takes what could have been a dull spousal role and invests it with warmth and humour. She gently pushes Albert to do what he must without nagging or cruelty, unlike the rest of the family. There is a lovely moment in when they joke around in their car, like any other husband and wife, just being silly.

The relationship between Lionel Logue and his reluctant pupil is fascinating. We see the beginnings of a prickly relationship hampered by clashing personalities and different social classes. Bertie is still a prisoner of his upbringing, even when Lionel uses unconventional methods to convince him that within the walls of his office, he is safe from judgment and ridicule. Lionel has a secret that could lose the trust of his student, and a possible friend.

In a way, it reminds me of Annie Sullivan and Helen Keller. Theirs was a similar relationship between two people who met as teacher and student, then became lifelong friends. Like Helen Keller, Albert needed a dedicated teacher to bring out his potential, as well as build his confidence to become the leader that England needed at a time of crisis. It is also a beautiful portrait of male friendship. Highly recommended.

MY LEFT FOOT: The Story of Christy Brown (1989)

* * * 1/2

PG-13, C-103m, Ireland/UK

D: Jim Sheridan (Daniel Day-Lewis, Brenda Fricker)

Tagline: A film about life, laughter, and the occasional miracle.

Daniel Day-Lewis won his first Oscar for this role, and Brenda Fricker won for Best Supporting Actress as his fiercely supportive mum. I was quite surprised to learn that she had borne twenty-two children (take that, Duggars!), though sadly, lost nine in infancy. This is a beautiful and inspiring story of Irish artist/poet/writer Christy Brown, who had cerebral palsy.

I first saw this wonderful film in the theatre with my friend Melinda in 1989, and again tonight on DVD. Still great, and I appreciate it even more, seeing the struggles of a brilliant human being who insisted on living life on his terms.

Besides, anyone who can block a soccer ball with his face is a badass in my book.