An outstanding effort

IS there anyone in the world who doesn't love a good British movie? Well, yes, probably, but I'd certainly argue with them for not enjoying this one!

I have a very good friend back in London who suffers with a stutter; it's something he often gets embarrassed and frustrated about. However, I don't see why, because it is an affliction that many people deal with and often overcome ... and also, as I've told him in the past, it's just like starting a sentence with a drum roll!

There are a number of successful and affluent people who have dealt with this condition and thanks to The King's Speech, hopefully those who stammer will see it doesn't have to stop you living a charmed life.

Colin Firth delivers an outstanding performance as Albert, the Duke of York, who lives a secluded life with his wife and children. His brother is next in line to the throne and that suits him just fine because, as a result of his stammer, he hates dealing with the public.

To make the prospect of ascension even more daunting, the birth of radio, a technological marvel that would broadcast his broken speeches around the world to millions of people, is looming.

So, he sits back and enjoys the quiet life, safe in the knowledge that his brother will deal with all the pressure and responsibilities ... or at least, that's what he thinks.

As his stammering becomes more pronounced, he seeks help from a number of speech therapists but to no avail. That is until his wife comes across Lionel, a character with successful (albeit unconventional methods) of helping people to overcome their speech problems.

To say that first impressions are everything is not entirely true as Albert is less than impressed with his instructor during their initial meeting. He feels belittled and insecure and quickly dismisses Lionel's instruction ... until he hears a recording of their session and realises that, under the right circumstances, he is perfectly capable of speaking without his trademark drum roll.

Their budding relationship is the heart of the film and Rush and Firth play well off each other, almost like a married couple, which adds an element of humour to an otherwise serious movie.

Albert's life gets turned upside down when his reliable brother falls for a commoner and abdicates his throne. Suddenly, Albert knows that he has no choice but to be king and sets about working with Lionel to prepare him for the public eye. The problem is, he still lacks the self confidence needed to overcome his speaking issue and the prospect of being interviewed on addressing the nation on radio terrifies him.

What I found particularly impressive was Firth's ability to portray arrogance and insecurity at the same time, which is no doubt why he is pegged for an Oscar. In one scene he manages to convey every conceivable emotion from anger to joy ... all in the space of a minute. He seemed at ease with his character, no doubt due to the fact that his (real life) sister has a speech impediment and coached him for the role.

A special mention should also go to Helena Bonham Carter for stealing the show as a wife who is so dedicated to her husband that it's almost unreal. She holds the screen with grace and poise and takes into account the subtle nuances of her character with ease.

This movie offers a beautifully pensive take on the overwhelming pressures of expectancy and how self-belief is pivotal to success. Without doubt the film's message will help people with speech impediments to find their voice.