Colin Firth is so darn likable. He’s played villains before, but I tend to remember him in films like “Love Actually” where you just want to see him succeed. In spite of the often UNlikable nature of his character, the same is true in “The King’s Speech.”
Firth shines as Albert, Duke of York and second in line to his father’s throne. We meet Albert as he is about to speak publicly over the radio for the first time. This is a huge deal. You see, Albert has an awful stammer. The speech is a disaster.
Albert’s wife, Elizabeth (Helena Bonham Carter), seeks out Lionel Logue (Geoffrey Rush), a speech therapist who uses unorthodox methods to get results. Albert is resistant at first, but eventually begins to trust Logue. The back-and-forth that evolves into a shorthand banter between the two is truly delightful to watch. Firth and Rush are both so invested in their roles that it’s easy to be fully engaged in their scenes together. They are literally the heart and soul of this movie, and they illustrate this crucial relationship so well that I didn’t want to leave them as the movie ends. Firth deserves the acting Oscar, and I would love to see Rush win, although Christian Bale is also deserving.
I recommend seeing this movie before Oscar night! It’s a very deliberately paced movie, but the pacing feels appropriate for the story. Firth’s Albert is prickly at first, but I found myself empathizing with him as he faced ridicule from his own father and brother, and as he repeatedly overcame his frustration with his impediment. Rush’s Logue is sympathetic, yet determined to stick with Albert. It’s a friendship of the truest kind.
Geek of All Trades 