Posted on 01/31/2011 4:43:37 AM PST by Dr. Scarpetta
As I sat in the theater watching the seats fill, row after row, I was reminded that people still love to be told a good story.
And there is no medium that does this more powerfully than film. A fine example is the recently released "The King's Speech." It is extraordinary. A wonderful surprise.
That it was ever made is remarkable. Imagine trying to pitch to a studio this very English film, set in the 1920s and 30s, about a shy man, Albert the Duke of York, albeit the future King of England, who possesses a stammer that has tormented him all of his life.
Albert, aka Bertie (Colin Firth), has always been content (resigned, perhaps) to live his life in the shadow of his older brother, Edward, who is first in line to the throne held by their father, the overbearing and unsympathetic George V.
For decades, Bertie has hidden from his family and the public ever fearful that in the midst of a mundane conversation his throat will close off, his words incarcerated by an uncontrollable stammer.
The thought of standing before a microphone at a public speaking engagement sends him into a paroxysm of panic and harrowing silence.
Bertie's brother, Edward, is crowned King Edward VIII after the death of their father, George V. Edward, scandalizing all of England, and announces that he will abdicate the throne in order to marry Wallis Simpson, an American divorcee.
That decision requires that Albert, next in succession, step forward and assume that singular role, the prospect of which has always terrified him.
How can he ever speak to the people of England as their king when he can't speak to his family without a debilitating stutter?
(Excerpt) Read more at dailytidings.com ...
Better choice. True Grit. Better than the original and excellent acting all the way through. My wife loved it and recommends it to everyone. A movie we both like is pretty rare.
I thought both were very good. True Grit probably gets the nod as the better of the 2, IMHO. And, if that young girl, Halley Steinfeld, doesn’t win best supporting actress it’ll be a shame.
The message is perseverance. Berty saw Hitler’s speak. The world depended on his voice. He found it. May we all rise to our occasions. Yeah, True Grit was good too. So was Secretariet.
Like you, my alternate choice is the “Social Network”, about the starts of Facebook, but I have heard that the “King’s Speech” is very good also. Look for it to win.
Bertie....... now that’s a fine endearment for Albert.
It was an excellent movie. The crisis of the abdication that put George VI on the throne at a very difficult moment in English history is shown very well, and the portrayals of the Duke and Dutchess of Windsor (the abdicated King and his wife) were particularly good. And both the lead actors were excellent.
It was also a surprisingly dramatic film, especially given its somewhat academic sounding subject, with lots of personalities on a collision course.
Ping
Not surprising, at the time, because there was no tv, no computers or internet, other then for movies, it was just radio and radio back then was both tv and radio. For that reason, a good speaking voice was very important.
This is about the man who would not only one day become a king, but the father of the present day Queen of England.
King Alberts wife Queen Mary or the Queen Mum was also well played. She was the heart of faith who knew Berty had the voice. Throughout her life, she lavished her love on her loyal subjects. Evermore in the their darkest hours.
Moses had a stammer...look what God did thru him!
I agree with you - True Grit is much better than the King’s Speech - one mighty big bore if you ask me
How much better would be a film about “Bertie” and the Royal Family’s refusal to leave London during the Blitz! When Buckingham Palace was struck, the Queen Mum said she was now one with the people! But no...we get stuck with a dull costume drama about stuttering. Give me Mel Tillus anyday!
This was a movie that needed to be remade. The original was a potentially great movie that was ruined by some idiot's decision to cast Glen Campbell in one of the leading roles. Campbell was a popular musician and entertainer at the time and was obviously added to appeal to the younger generation which didn't go too much for westerns anymore. Unfortunately, Campbell couldn't act a lick and was just horrible. I mean really, really bad. He really brought the movie down which was a shame given the incredible performances of Kim Darby and the Duke.
Agreed. “The King’s Speech” is a great film, one of the best I’ve seen for years.
Both good movies. But my 15 year old daughter can’t stop talking about True Grit. She thought it was fantastic.She says it will win at least three Oscars.
Indeed...I enjoyed this and “True Grit” as well; however, “The Social Network” beats them all, IMO.
Totally agree with you on True Grit, will see The King's Speech too however.
My hubby and I rarely go out to the movies anymore, as there is really “nothing out there” we find worthwhile. However, around Christmas every year, we go out as a family and try to find something we may enjoy. Well - this year, it was “True Grit”....and we all loved it. (Hard to find something we all enjoy...haha)...but this one was a rare exception. I am eager to see “The Kings Speech”.....and plan to see it soon.
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