The film The King's Speech (2010), starring Colin Firth, Geoffrey Rush, Helena Bonham Carter and Guy Pearce (with appearances by many other wonderful actors including Jennifer Ehle and, my long-time fave, Anthony Andrews), was just released on DVD yesterday. Last night, after much anticipation -- having missed it when it was in the theater -- I finally got to see it. I'd watched clips and heard many of the award acceptance speeches, but I'm pleased to say that, for me, it was worth every one of those Oscar, Screen Actors Guild and Golden Globe nominations...and wins. I loved it. The performances were extraordinarily well done and the developing friendship between Firth and Rush was fabulous to watch onscreen. I also enjoyed a few of the extra features afterward, my favorite being Helena with her wild hair and unusual clothing combinations talking about how she got into the mindset of playing the Queen Mother. She is simply stunning in these period roles and, yet, seems so very offbeat and not especially "royal" when just playing, um...herself ;). It's great fun to listen to her being interviewed about almost any topic!
Anyway, did any of you see the film? Like it? Any other movies you've watched recently and would recommend??
10 comments:
Oh goody! That means I should get my DVD soon. I can't wait to see it. But I'll have to watch it twice - first time to drool over Colin Firth, the second time to drool...no,the second time for the story! :)
Judy, South Africa
I absolutely LOVED it! I had no clue the history behind the story, but I came home and did a ton of research on it. I can't wait to see it again.
I'm so eager to see it, too. I missed it at the movies. I've been so busy. I hope to see it this weekend, but I'm having family over for Easter, so might have to wait until next week.
LOL, Judy!! I *know*...I mean, for me, Colin will always be one of my favorite Mr. Darcys. Definitely a drool-worthy man ;).
Tonya, oh, I'm so glad you loved it, too!! I knew very little of the history as well -- my knowledge began and ended with Edward's abdication. (I remember watching a TV film in the '80s called The Woman He Loved where Anthony Andrews played Edward and Jane Seymour played Wallis, but don't remember anything about Bertie...)
Edie, I so rarely go the movie theater anymore -- life is just too busy -- but it was a film I know I would have liked on the big screen. I really hope you'll enjoy it when you watch it at home! And good luck with all of your Easter plans -- I'm sure it'll be lovely!!
I'm glad you loved it! I saw it in the theaters. It was the first movie I've seen in a theater in several years. It was wonderful. I'm glad to know about the DVD extras, though. It's worth watching again - and then watching all those extras, too. I'll have to add it to my Netflix queue. :-)
I saw the film while in Pittsburgh with my daughter on a college tour. We both loved it! The best part was seeing it in an audience full of college kids, all of them rapt with their attention. It's good to now the next generation can appreciate the finer things in life:)
Oh, and last night on The Office, Will Farrell and Steve Carrell did a great rip off scene from the movie, with Steve Carrell pretending to be Will Farrell's "tutor" to help him get over his stage fright of making speeches. So funny!
I can't wait to see it! Anything with British history and I am there! So glad to hear you liked it.
Caryn, yeah, I found myself wishing I could've done both -- seen it on the big screen as well as watched the DVD extras...
Maria, that must have been wonderful to see it with your daughter and, also, with so many young people -- I'm thrilled to know they appreciated it. And LOL about The Office! Bet that was hilarious ;).
Pamela, with your love of history, I'd be surprised if you didn't enjoy it. Would love to hear your thoughts once you see it!!
Wishing everyone a fabulous weekend and a Happy Easter to all who celebrate it! ;) xo
How did I miss this post?
I LOVED the King's Speech and not just because I'm a Firth addict from way back. He genuinely deserved that Oscar because his performance (all the performances, really) was fabulous. So, moving. He brought so much poignancy and dignity to the role of George VI, trying desperately to feel his way through a position he'd never expected to be in without causing another calamity.
And as wacky as HBC is in real life, she collects herself to perfection when acting, doesn't she? Anyway, the answer to your question is I thought it was perfection.
Pamala, I should have known you'd love it! We'll have to talk about it when we get to chat next ;). Yes, as wonderful as Colin was as Mr. Darcy and in his many other films, I really thought his role as the King was incredible. It's been a week and I'm still raving!
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