The King’s Speech (2010)

Directed by Tom Hooper. Starring Colin Firth, Geoffrey Rush, Helena Bonham Carter, Guy Pearce, Derek Jacobi, Timothy Spall, Michael Gambon, Jennifer Ehle, Eve Best. [R]

With the advent of the radio, long gone are the days when the British Royal Family need only look the part—they also need to serve as the voice of the nation. This does not bode well for future King Edward VI (Firth), who has been afflicted with a considerable stammer since childhood; enter speech therapist Rush. Well-produced and acted historical drama works best when focusing on the relationship between the two men, the techniques and frustrations and slowly-developing friendship; less successful when parading familiar historical figures around the fringes (Churchill (Spall) seems present only because he is recognizable, not because of any truth to his role in these events) or glossing over politics, especially appeasement and the sympathies of certain high-ranking politicians and royals. Alexandre Desplat’s slowly swelling score is well-integrated for the lions’ share of the film, but becomes overbearing during the climactic speech, while director Hooper’s all-too-obvious montage of inspired parties across the city and country nullifies the gravitas of the words. One of those perfectly serviceable motion pictures with substantial levels of decoration (four Oscars, including Best Picture and Director) best remembered in the years since for its unaccountable triumph over far weightier and more daring fare.

71/100