The King's Speech starring Colin Firth and Geoffrey Rush was at the AFI Fest present by Audi last night. It is such a spectacular picture. If you don't know it is the story of George VI, king of England. That's the one that was married to the Queen Mum, The present queens father. He is also the king who took over for his brother when he abdicated the throne to marry the twice divorced Mrs Wallis Simpson, just before WW II. Sorry if this is all obvious to you, but I'm an American and know almost nothing of English royalty.
The cast is stellar. Colin plays George VI who is struggling with a stammer and taking over the monarchy among other issues. Geoffrey Rush is his speech therapist. Helena Bonham Carter is the Queen Mum. Guy Pearce, who we don't see enough of in film, plays Edward who abdicates. Mrs Wallis Simpson is played by Eve Best,who I couldn't think where I knew her from. Finally I checked on IMDB, and she is the doctor on Nurse Jackie. They are all wonderful.
The story is very emotional. I found myself on the brink of tears a few times, but then they'd always pull you back with humor. The exchanges between Geoffrey and Colin are very funny. I want to tell you some of the lines, but they do it so well I don't want to ruin it.
Here are the only two videos I got of the interview Leonard Maltin did before the film. First with Colin and then with director Tom Hooper. Sorry they are so small but they barely spoke at all. Hope you enjoy what there is.
The film opens November 26th in the US.
