Each year I host viewing parties for all the major award shows and it seems only right that as hostess I should see all the nominated films. With that goal in mind, I went to the Coolidge Corner theater Friday night to see "The King's Speech."
Two weeks ago Colin Firth won the Golden Globe award for Best Actor for this role which increased my excitement to see the film. He plays the Duke of York, second in line to become King of England after his father and older brother David. He has become known in the royal/political circle for his stutter. His wife, played by Helena Bonham Carter, goes to great lengths to find him a specialist to cure his stutter.
Firth is nothing short of magnificent in this role. He commits to the refinement expected of him as royalty, while at the same battling extreme inner demons. I can only imagine the preparation that went into controlling his speech like that. For me, his most powerful moment is when he confesses to his speech therapist all of the horrors he endured as a child. Though he is sharing very jarring information he is doing so while playing with a child's model airplane. It was an extremely poignant moment.
The other superstar of this film is Geoffrey Rush who plays Firth's speech therapist, Lionel. He has a certain confidence and charisma that draws you in. His relationship with Firth's character is the most endearing part of the film.
Lionel becomes the Duke's most sincere friend and cheerleader. Additionally, Rush's comedic time is superb and he delivers some of the best laughs in the film.
Helena Bonham Carter is receiving high praise for her role as the Duke's wife. I am not so sure I was impressed by her acting chops, but she most certainly had the best costumes in the film.
Lastly, I really enjoyed the costumes, set design and cinematography. The royal homes and offices reminded me of the gorgeous mansions in Newport, Rhode Island, and the scenes of the rain, snow and wind in England were perfect encapsulations of the changing seasons in the country. My favorite set is Lionel's office, which has a vibrant texture despite being in a cold, dark basement.
"The King's Speech" is definitely one of the best films I have seen recently and belongs on every nominee list it has landed on. Sadly, I know Geoffrey Rush will lose every Best Supporting Actor prize to Christian Bale's Dicky Eklund from "The Fighter," but I wish they both could win!
Before the Oscars on February 27th be sure to go see "The King's Speech."
