With the 83rd Academy Award ceremony taking place a few days ago, much attention is drawn to British film ‘The King’s Speech’ – winner of Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor in A Leading Role and Best Original Screenplay. With a background in theatre, Colin Firth’s performance in ‘A Single Man’ (directed by Tom Ford) last year was a memorable one. Supporting role actor Geoffrey Rush also won Best Actor in A Leading Role in 1996, for his performance in ‘Shine’.

Based on the true story of King George VI, the British monarch who suffered from a stammer, the film tells the story of Bertie (played by Colin Fifth) and Queen Elizabeth (played by Helena Bonham Carter) seeking help from an avant garde speech therapist Lionel Logue (played by Geoffrey Rush). Reluctantly assumes the throne on the eve of World War II, Bertie overcomes numerous obstacles and eventually finds a bold voice to lead the country through the war. As past of the background research, director Tom Hooper visited Lionel Logue’s grandson, who provided access to the speech therapist’s never-been-seen diary, and medical notes on King George VI. The result is an inspiring insight in crisis management and history of the anarchy.

Text: Vincent Lau | Translation: dilettante
Edit: Carmen Lee
Photo Courtesy: Sundream Motion Pictures
Update: 3 Mar 2011

Director: Tom Hooper
Cast: Colin Fifth, Helena Bonham Carter, Geoffrey Rush
Release Date: 3 March 2011

THE KING’S SPEECH
kingsspeech.com