Who would have thought that a between-the-wars drama about King George VI and his speech therapist would be one of the great "bromances" of our time? And yet, that's just what "The King's Speech" is: a touching tale of two dudes forming an unlikely friendship.When the Duke of York (Colin Firth) struggles with public speaking because of a stammer, he employs the help of Australian therapist Lionel Logue (Geoffrey Rush), who uses unorthodox methods to get results. They meet cute, and the development of their relationship is formulaic as all get-out (including a montage and contrived misunderstanding), but the script by David Seidler (directed by Tom Hooper) hits all the right notes. And it hews closely enough to true events to make the formula feel real and delightful in the inevitable course it takes.
The Duke (who later becomes king) initially chafes at Lionel's techniques and familiarity, only to succumb to his charms — after they break up and make up a few times, of course. "I love you, (common) man!" A villain is introduced late in the film (in the form of the archbishop), but the king and Lionel manage to overcome all obstacles to their friendship.
I enjoyed Helena Bonham Carter in one of the more subdued roles of her career (certainly her hair was more subdued). And in a fun bit of casting, Jennifer Ehle plays Logue's wife. She was Elizabeth Bennet in the "Pride and Prejudice" BBC miniseries of the mid-'90s, playing opposite Firth's Darcy. Here, she seems a bit young to be playing the wife of Geoffrey Rush. (He's almost 20 years her senior.)
Another interesting choice: During the king's final speech, in which he urges his countrymen to take up arms against the Germans, the filmmakers play stirring background music...by a German composer (Beethoven's Seventh). Apparently the Brits can inspire with words, but they'll leave the tunes to the enemy.
BuboBlog Rating: 4 asterisks (out of four).
Tidak ada komentar:
Posting Komentar