So here we are in 2011. One week down, one movie seen. While technically this one was released in 2010, I saw it in 2011, so I'm counting it as movie #1 of 2011, and it was a good one to start with. Colin Firth has become one of the best actors working today after popping out of relative obscurity just a few years ago, if it wasn't for Jeff Bridges' brilliance last year, he'd have won best actor last year. We here in America have an odd obsession with the British royal family. They certainly can be fascinating, and serve as an odd juxtaposition of how different our world is today than it was a hundred years ago... as royals feel like an anachronistic relic. Queen Elizabeth II is now the longest reigning sovereign in the history of Great Britain, but before she became Queen Britain was ruled by her father, King George VI. King George VI inherited by a quirk of history, as his brother, Edward VII abdicated the throne so that he may marry an American divorcee. The story behind this film is really a fascinating story in British royal history and in world history in general. As royals found their practical function all but eroded, they discovered they were in demand for another purpose, as popular inspirational figures expected to make speeches and public appearances. So people were born into positions that now demanded that they be able speakers and handsome faces. George VI had a speech impediment that made him nearly unable to communicate, and due to his brother's scandalous affair, ascended to the throne of Great Britain. This film tells his story. This film is first and foremost a story about a remarkable friendship. Colin Firth shines as Prince Albert who would become King George VI, displaying the fears, anxiety and sheer terror that can accompany having to speak in individuals afflicted with a stammer. Geoffrery Rush plays his speech therapist, an Australian named Lionel Logue, who worked with Prince Albert for a number of years to help him overcome his difficulty speaking. Helena Bonham Carter plays Queen Elizabeth, mother to the current queen and wife to "Berty". Having exhausted more traditional means of treating the problem, the Dutchess and Duke of York find themselves in a London basement seeking the help of a forward-thinking and eccentric Australian by the name of Lionel Logue who insists on crossing just about every social barrier that the Prince has ever known. His unorthodox techniques get through, and the Prince and commoner strike off an interesting and unorthodox friendship. When George VI takes the throne, the outbreak of war with Germany is upon us, bringing new obligations to his position. The king is now looked to by the people to inspire and lead, something that could be tremendously difficult for a stutterer.
This is a remarkable film. Part period piece, part historical study, part buddy flick, it does exactly what it sets out to do, tell the story of how this friendship came to define these men in a critical time and place in British history. A historical odd couple.
This film is small in scope and yet sweeping at times. It ranges from taking place in a single room to sweeping palaces and Wembley Stadium and Westminster Abbey. It is at its strongest when Firth and Rush are together, bantering back and forth. In the hands of these two capable performers, you believe the friendship and depth of feeling between these men. Firth's performance cannot be understated. In his hands George VI has all the anxieties and vulnerabilities (and yet potential) of a man beaten down by years of criticism and beratement who continues to persevere. The cast is tremendous, led by Firth and Rush obviously, who will both be nominated for academy awards, but Bonham Carter is strong as well (and I was concerned about her going in) and a slightly miscast Guy Pearce does pretty well with the material he's given as Edward VII. Michael Gambon as George V is great as well.
I have criticisms. First, the film is overly sentimental at times, feeling like a feel-good hit when it's far too good for that. Second, it's almost like there are little historical Easter eggs thrown in, that can distract from the film. Look! She'll be Queen Elizabeth! (as the camera lingers a bit too long on Firth's daughter in the film) Ditto for Neville Chamerlain and Winston Churchill. Also, Guy Pearce is supposed to be playing Firth's older brother, and it is not for one minute believable that the 50 year old Firth is younger than the 43 year old Pearce. Just poor casting. Also, the film could have benefited from more characterization of Logue. The king becomes a fully developed character while the motivations for his therapist aren't as clear.
But these are small critiques from a film that is often funny, inspiring, tremendously well acted, and tells a story that certainly is worth telling.
8.3/10. If you need a flick to see with your parents, this is the one.
No comments:
Post a Comment