Showing posts with label Geoffrey Rush. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Geoffrey Rush. Show all posts

The Kings Speech

 "...fuckity, shit, shit, fuck and willy. Willy, shit and fuck and... tits." King George VI

"...fuckity, shit, shit, fuck and willy. Willy, shit and fuck and... tits." King George VI


☆☆☆☆☆ Masterpiece 


The Kings Speech (2010) is a masterful historical drama about King George VI overcoming a debilitating speech impediment.


Directed By Tom Hooper.


Starring Colin Firth, Geoffrey Rush, Helena Bonham Carter, Guy Pearce, Derek Jacobi, and Michael Gambon.


A beautiful, insightful and poignant story about overcoming stuttering and the lifelong friendship that developed between the speech therapist Lionel Logue played by Rush and King George VI played by Firth. The historical film works for me, because Hooper wisely chose to focus on the close relationship and bond that develops between the characters that Colin and Geoffrey play. Of note is the short but brilliant work of Guy Pearce who steals every moment of the scenes he is in. Also Helena does a wonderful job of bringing humanity to her scenes with both Firth and Rush. Geoffrey also shows in his characters movement and body language that he has a well developed and trained instrument.

In the scene below I found the colorful walls a visual treat that convey the utter confusion and chaos taking place in Colin's character vocal cords. Interesting how Tom uses a wide lens in close-ups and long shots. I like how Hooper placed Firth at the end of the long sofa to get support from its arm. Note the eye movements in Geoffrey when he speaks to Colin. I think it would of been interesting considering Geoffrey's physical and vocal training to have had him play King George VI and Colin play Lionel Logue. I'm not taking anything away from either actors brilliant work in their respect roles. The scene below historically took place in 1926. Many years before King George VI famous speech that I have placed below the film trailer.




Trivia - In the film an Australian (Guy Pearce) plays a Brit, a Briton (Eve Best) plays an American, and an American (Jennifer Ehle) plays an Australian.







If you listen closes you can hear King George VI controlling his stuttering by pausing, breathing slightly and pacing himself. As an actor I would have been all over this recording for insight and inspiration in developing King George VI. Colin does a great job in his speech at end of film.




  • ALT
  • ALT
  • ALT
  • ALT
  • ALT
  • ALT
  • ALT
  • ALT
  • ALT
  • ALT
  • ALT
  • ALT
  • ALT
  • ALT
  • ALT
  • ALT
  • ALT
  • ALT
  • ALT
  • ALT



Note - If you would like to view The Kings Speech to rent or buy please click on the link below the comments. It is sponsored by Google, so it is the safest and most secure way to get a copy for your film library.

Elizabeth

"I have become a virgin" - Elizabeth

"I have become a virgin." Elizabeth

☆☆☆☆☆ Classic

Elizabeth (1998) is a showcase for Cate Blanchett's riveting performance.

Directed by Shekhar Kapur.

Starring Cate Blanchett, Geoffrey Rush, Christopher Eccelston, Joseph Fiennes among many others.

Shekhar creates a gorgeous and a visually stunning film. Kapur uses the strong, bright colors of his native India to dress Cate as a wealthy and powerful monarch. Michael Hirst's script although historically inaccurate is none the less tight and filled with court intrigue and machinations. Hirst's script reminded me of Aaron Sorkin's masterful screen play, The Social Network (2010). Both Hirst and Sorkin have an amazing ability to imbue their characters lines with subtext that allow accomplished actors to take them to majestic heights.

The star of this film is Blanchett's. Cate's portrayal is astounding. My favorite moment is when she first sits on her throne to discuss religious matters with the Bishops. Blanchett captures the power and majesty of the Queen of England. Geoffrey is equally brilliant as Cate's royal advisor and political tutor. Both Blanchett and Rush bring out the subtext that is within Hirst's script.

In the scene below Cate is magnetic while being so open and free with her characters inner struggles and fears. I really felt that Blanchett was frustrated with her characters untenable situation.




Trivia - John Gielgud's final film role.