When God couldn't save The King, The Queen turned to someone who could.
Excellent script, joining the ranks of works of fiction that cast political leaders in the central role(s), capitalising on the perceived inherent significance and gravitas, i.e. raised stakes, of such folk. In this story, the film-makers cleverly tie the protagonist's strong personal stakes (a wish to overcome stuttering) to national - even international - political imperatives (the need for live public speaking from the leader of state).
The scenes of greatest interest are those between George (Firth) and Logue (Rush), charting the various vocal techniques used, the progress of treatment, and the ebb and flow of the relationship between the two.
Much of the fun to be had is in seeing Logue stand up against the ideas of Royal prerogative. Perhaps another component of our enjoyment is that of schadenfreude, the spectacle of a member of the Royal Family, that highest class of Briton, being brought low, at least to a common level with us, by personal handicap. With all their wealth, they too are not immune to the ailments of the common man. Hah! In your face, aristo!
Great central performances by the three leads, Colin Firth, Geoffrey Rush and Helena Bonham Carter. Never warmed to Rush before (Smile, for instance, inspired respect for acting ability, but not liking) but here he is persuasive and likeable. Carter is spot on as George's wife, the Queen Mother to be.
Interesting as an insight into the life of the Royal Family of the time, and to see how, as George admits, until his dealings with Logue, he had been almost entirely isolated from "common" people.
As Mark Kermode said, how strange when the happy ending of a film hinges on a declaration of war.
- Rating: Full price
- When seen: 22 Jan 2011
- Where seen: Cinema
- More information: IMDB | RottenTomatoes | Wikipedia
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Amendments: added actor tags: "Geoffrey Rush, Helena Bonham Carter, Guy Pearce, Timothy Spall, Derek Jacobi, Jennifer Ehle, Michael Gambon". Removed link to Wikipedia-sourced image. Added ranking image.
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