2010
Directed by Tom Hooper
Well, I can certainly relate to this one, as public speaking has always been a source of terror for me. I don't stutter, but I do turn bright red and start shaking. I also don't have Colin Firth's raw animal magnetism to get me through. It pleased me that the main character seemed more warier of public speaking than going to war. He's clearly my British patronus.
Basically, Colin Firth plays George VI/Albert (because England is strange). Albert has a terrible stammer, so his wife persuades him to see Lionel Logue, an unconventional Australian speech therapist. When his brother abdicates the throne, it becomes essential for Albert to be molded into a strong leader.
I know that was kind of vague, but I am not sure what constitutes as spoilers with biographical dramas. I will say that the entire time I was wishing I was watching a movie about Edward VIII's abdication, as that seemed far more interesting to me. I mean, this guy gave up his throne for a woman. I can't even get guys to open doors for me.
Regardless, this was a pretty great film. Colin Firth and Helena Bonham Carter were both incredible, of course, although I didn't find their chemistry completely believable. It certainly wasn't the most gripping movie I've seen but it was fairly inspirational.
RATING: ***--
Interesting Facts:
The speech the King delivers in the movie is only 2/3rds of the original.
This was a bit of an odd movie to recieve the accolades it got. It is noce enough, but hardly a great movie.
ReplyDeleteAs speaking in front of crowds is part of my job, I have sort of gotten used to it, but I can understand why the king would find it daunting. You feel their judgement as all eyes are on you and if you pay it attention it is really uphill.
I agree, I suppose it was the performances that everyone was so impressed with.
DeleteI have good memories of watching this film with my mom. Bonham Carter does a great job but I actually find more interesting the relationship between Rush and Firth (a royal bromance?).
ReplyDeleteI had the same issues you mention when speaking in public, Amanda. At some point, I realize that part of the blame was due to too much rehearsal. I used to learn some very formal and very elaborate speeches by heart and that did not sound natural. I got nervous as soon as I tripped with some word or forgot some sentence and did not know how to carry on. I decided to focus more on understanding the matter well and start speaking more casually like if I was explaining something to my friends. It wasn't easy at first but I can speak in public normally now.
I have to do a presentation on Valentine's Day so I will try to keep this in mind.
DeleteI kind of found the opposite. It's my nature to throw in off-the-cuff quips which just smack of needy desperation when on the stage. So I have to rehearse and rehearse it, even if it's just muttering everything to myself on the bus.
DeleteThe worst thing is that moment of freezing when you forget what you're going to say. Better to know it all off by heart. You can always go off-piste if you decide that you want to, but have a base plan you can always return to. Keep notes so you remember where you are, but don't just read from them. And speak surprisingly slowly to emphasise key words instead of saying them louder.
Good advice; I speak so fast when I am nervous.
DeleteMaybe you can find a guy to hold open doors, take you to the museum, offer to pick you up and actually get out of the car instead of just sending a text "here". Oh! maybe someone who is willing to cook for you! But lets be real, no one does that anymore.
ReplyDeleteHey! That is not called for.
DeleteAs a regular commentator on here, I find those remarks .. unnecessary and rude. I don't recall Amanda ever sending a text saying 'here', or giving any indication she might.
I also think it bad form to make offensive comments as anonymous.
I couldn't even work out what all that was supposed to mean. Do you think someone just posted on the wrong page by accident?
DeleteHaha well thank you fellas for coming to my rescue. I didn't take it as an insult, I thought it was just saying that the cliche "gentleman caller" doesn't exist anymore.
DeleteIt wasn't intended as an insult to Amanda, but to the male population in general and the decline of etiquette. I have read many of her reviews (movies, books and albums) and feel like I almost know her personally. I am only a recent "follower" though.
DeleteI love this film, it's one of my absolute favourites. It's just ridiculously enjoyable, got a really interesting story and fantastic performances.
ReplyDeleteI have a fear of public speaking too...what happens to me is that basically my brain just freezes and I'm standing there without a single thought of what I can say. I just go totally blank. Last interview I went for I had to give just a 10 minute presentation on an area of my work...had 1 week to prepare. Spent that 1 week in a complete panic worrying about it. Hilariously, I remembered on the King's Speech when Geoffery Rush get's him to read the passage aloud when he can't hear himself...so I decided to do the same thing and practice my presentation with headphones and really loud music playing (even though thankfully I have never had a stammer I was desperate to try anything that might help). Anyway, it really helped me! My presentation was a hit! So this movie can do no wrong in my eyes lol.
I think that usually when I have to practice anything I get so stressed that I can't even get properly prepared in advance. But when I couldn't hear myself I felt more relaxed so it got more cemented in my brain so when I came to do it I felt like I knew it even better than normal. Basically I wish my brain would just behave itself more but it just refuses...
DeleteHaha I'm glad that method helped you! Maybe I'll try it.
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