The King's Speech is a 2010 historical drama film directed by Tom Hooper and written by David Seidler. The film tells the story of King George VI, his unexpected ascension to the throne of the British Empire in 1936, and the speech therapist who helped the unsure monarch overcome his stammer. The film stars Colin Firth, Geoffrey Rush, and Helena Bonham Carter, and won 4 Academy Awards, including Best Picture. The film has been praised for its casting, direction, writing, and artistic value, and is considered a touching, historical masterpiece.
Plot
The plot of The King’s Speech revolves around the story of King George VI, who unexpectedly ascends to the throne of the British Empire in 1936. The king, also known as Bertie, struggles with a severe stammer, which hinders his ability to speak in public. His wife, Elizabeth, seeks the help of an unorthodox speech therapist named Lionel Logue to assist the king in overcoming his speech impediment.
The film depicts the unlikely friendship that develops between the king and Logue as they work together to prepare for King George VI's important public speeches, including his wartime address. The movie highlights the personal and historical challenges faced by King George VI and the crucial role of his speech therapist in helping him find his voice.
Cast
- Colin Firth as King George VI
- Geoffrey Rush as Lionel Logue
- Helena Bonham Carter as Queen Elizabeth
- Derek Jacobi as Archbishop Cosmo Lang
- Robert Portal as King George V (archived footage)
- Richard Dixon as Winston Churchill (archived footage)
- Paul Trussell as King George V (archived footage)
- Adrian Scarborough as Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain
- Andrew Havill as Lord Wigram
- Rebecca White (uncredited)
- Graham Caulfield (uncredited)
- Colin Ellis (uncredited)
- Lois Gabrin (uncredited)
- Kate Halsall (uncredited)
- Jason Ivall (uncredited)
- Wyn Jenkins (uncredited)
- Eva Onsrud (uncredited)
- Emma Weaver (uncredited)
- Karl Wilson (uncredited)
Director: Tom Hooper
Writer: David Seidler
Box Office Gross: $484,068,861
Distributor: Weinstein Co.
Release Date (Theaters): Jan 28, 2011
Release Date (Streaming): Apr 1, 2017
Themes
- Personal growth and empowerment: The film portrays how King George VI's working relationship with a speech therapist played a pivotal role in making him a more effective leader and overcoming his stammer.
- Overcoming challenges: The movie highlights the obstacles faced by King George VI, such as his abusive and neglectful childhood experiences, self-doubts, and the initial secrecy of his meetings with Lionel Logue.
- The power of speech therapy: The film demonstrates the importance of speech therapy in helping individuals overcome their speech impediments, even during a time when the art was still in its infancy.
- The role of support and mentorship: The unlikely friendship between King George VI and Lionel Logue is credited for saving the British monarchy during a difficult time in world history, showcasing the impact of support and mentorship in personal and professional growth.
Reception
The King’s Speech received widespread acclaim for its performances, particularly that of Colin Firth, and its inspiring portrayal of personal growth and empowerment. The film won 4 Academy Awards, including Best Picture.
Challenges faced
- Depicting a historical figure: The film had to balance the portrayal of a well-known historical figure, King George VI, with the fictional story of his speech therapist, Lionel Logue. The movie needed to be historically accurate while still telling a compelling story.
- Incorporating archived footage: The film used archived footage of King George V and Winston Churchill, which required careful integration with the new footage to create a seamless narrative.
Settings
- London, England: The film primarily takes place in London, where King George VI's coronation and subsequent speeches were prepared and delivered. Other locations, such as the countryside, are also featured in the movie.
Visual styles
- Period-specific costumes and sets: The film uses period-specific costumes and sets to create an authentic 1930s atmosphere. The visual style is complemented by the use of archived footage to depict historical events.
Techniques
- Close-ups and medium shots: The film uses close-ups and medium shots to emphasize the emotions and interactions between the characters, particularly King George VI and Lionel Logue.
- Non-linear storytelling: The film begins with King George VI's coronation and then flashes back to his meetings with Lionel Logue, creating a non-linear narrative structure that adds tension and drama to the story.
Trivia and fun facts
- The film is based on the non-fiction book The King’s Speech by Mark Logue (grandson of Lionel Logue) and Peter Conradi.
- The movie was filmed in London and other locations in England, with archived footage of King George V and Winston Churchill used throughout the film.
- The film won 4 Academy Awards, including Best Picture.
- The movie has been praised for its performances, particularly that of Colin Firth, and its inspiring portrayal of personal growth and empowerment.