* * *
This was a good, competent movie in the usual Hollywood style. It was quite touching, especially in the climax were George VI gives his speech. I liked the way he was in a closed room for the speech: that setting made the speech simultaneously the private victory of an individual as well as the hugely important political event it was for the citizens of the nation. His success there was a great, Hollywood climax, not to take anything away from it for being that. (And the Beethoven 7th, second movement, is one of my fav pieces of music).
The other thing I liked in the film was the portrayal of Edward VIII and Wallace Simpson. I think of Edward's abdication as the triumph of love over privilege, but how striking to see Guy Pearce's interpretation of Edward as a self-absorbed, oblivious weakling. And the infamous Ms. Simpson as a bossy, superficial flapper. Given the historical moment, that interpretation has some resonance.
I'd also have to say that Colin Firth carried the film though Geoffrey Rush clearly could have if the script had given him that opportunity. And Helena Bonham Carter reigned herself in and did a very capable job, too.
I don't get what all the fuss is about this film. It's good, for sure, but it seems very conventional.
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