A Film You Must See

What makes a compelling movie? That is a difficult question to answer. The only thing I can do is look at films I have seen and can see over and over again. Then the answer begins to come into focus. The words responsibility and respect start to ring.

A compelling movie has someone who, no matter what his position or responsibility, must stand up and face challenges greater than himself and, while doing it, earns respect and also learns to give respect.

The King's Speech is such a film. It is the story of Albert, Duke of York, the second son of King George V. The Duke spoke with a stammer since he was a young boy. Inasmuch as he was the second in line for the throne, the stammer was more of a family and personal embarrassment than a national problem. He is fortunate in having a loving, devoted wife who believes in him. After exhausting just about every mainstream therapist, she finds a controversial one. His name is Lionel Logue. When the Duchess interviews Logue, she at first does not let on the true identity of her husband. When Logue finds out, he agrees to take on the Duke as a patient, as long as there is trust and equality between them.

Every part in this film is finely acted. To see these performances is to see fine artists at the top of their craft. Colin Firth brings a vulnerability that is merely a shell that covers an inner strength – a shell that needs to be stripped away. Helena Bonham Carter shows a love and devotion that helps bring her husband to be the man history demands he be. Geoffrey Rush is the therapist who knows how to do what others before him have been unable to do.

This is a touching movie. To hear the Duke struggle as he tries to speak is heartbreaking. This is a hilarious movie. No, this movie is not a comedy, but it respectfully finds humor in the lives it portrays. Most of all, this is a movie about respect and what proves to be an enduring friendship.

David Seidler who, too, suffered from a stammer when he was young wrote the screenplay. He heard about the story and felt that he needed to tell it to a bigger audience. He had the class ask the Queen Mother for permission. She agreed – as long as it was not during her lifetime. Not knowing that the Queen Mother would live to be 101, Seidler agreed -- and therefore it took thirty years before he brought the story to life.

There is controversy about the film. It was given an adult rating because of the use of foul language – specifically the “f” word. This language is not gratuitous, however. It seems that some of the few words the Duke can say without stammering are obscenities. Other than those outbursts, the language in the film would probably earn it the lowest “PG” rating. The usage is important, as it shows that the Duke’s temper overcomes his insecurity. This shows that it is possible to overcome that insecurity.

Do yourself a favor: don’t wait for it to come out on DVD. See this film in a theater. Then buy it on DVD when it comes out. I seriously am considering seeing it in the theater again. Don’t worry; you aren’t likely to be distracted by rowdy teenagers on this one. We were probably the youngest people in the house.