The King's Speech

First and foremost, in passing by, I wonder why the French translation is what it actually is. Le Discours d'un roi...The King's Speech. Even though it could be whatever King, we know that speech is an issue for this King. Please, translators, explain to me how your minds do function. Let' forget this point to concentrate on the film itself.

In the thirties, England has to face the death of a King (George V, played by Micheal Gambon), the rise of Hitler and the forthcoming of another war and unfortunately for Prince Albert, Duke of York (Colin Firth), the rise of broadcasting. The second heir to the throne suffers from stammer, which scare him each time he has public duties for the crown. He has tried to cure it, but in vain. As a last resort, his always-supportive wife (Helena Bonham Carter) calls a speech therapist named Lionel Logue (Geoffrey Rush) to help “Bertie.” Logue's unorthodox methods will puzzle His Royal Highness, and yet they will prove themselves to be quite efficient. Together, as a team, as friends, they will try to overcome Bertie's stammering and his lack of confidence in himself and in his ability to be King.

I am still overflowed with emotion but I think it is legitimate considering the masterpiece I have just seen. You might say it is only because I have just seen Colin Firth but I can be trustworthy from time to time. Colin Firth gives us for sure an intense interpretation of this man whose life has been dictated by rules and harshness. This film may not entirely stick to reality, however one must admit the efficiency with which the characters are displayed, the efficiency with which the audience gets involved in the story, from the beginning to the end. You feel indeed Prince Albert's fears, pains or victories as if you were just at his place. I think that is part of the strength of this film to enable its audience such a wide range of emotion, from laughs to tears.

Tom Hooper have treated Duke of York's stammering with humility and great intensity. That does not mean that he directed a grave and serious film. It is indeed because of what is at stake to this man, a proof of his value. However there is something else, there is actually Bertie's ability to make constantly fun of his handicap, there is the support of a wife, there is a wish to a normal life. Colin Firth has again proven himself an admirable actor and above all a very moving one. Helena Bonham Carter mixes strength of mind and delicacy, and Geoffrey Rush acts, as usual, with restrain to develop all the potential of his character, sometimes friendly, sometimes fun, always willing to do the best.

This paragraph will be devoted to those of you who like-love-are crazy about the 1995 BBC version of Pride and Prejudice. Obviously you will have noticed the presence of Colin “Darcy” Firth in the film but, have you recognised Jennifer “Lizzie” Ehle as Myrtle Logue ?! I have, and I can't express how happy I was of their actual meeting near the end. Darcy and Lizzie at last together again since 1995 ! All right, I deserve what you are saying-thinking...