The King's Speech

jane: I've been thinking about the movie Rich and I viewed two weeks ago, The King's Speech, starring Colin Firth (oh, Mr. Darcy!). First of all, we both loved the flick – and for Rich to love a movie (and even recommend it to others), that says a lot. I think the film merits its Oscar buzz; Colin Firth as England's Prince Albert-turned-King George VI is outstanding. And I loved Helena Bonham Carter's turn as Elizabeth, the Queen Mother, mother of Queen Elizabeth II. I'll be interested to see how well it does during Sunday's Golden Globes award ceremony.

The movie revolves around Prince Albert, son of ailing King George V. Albert, known by intimates as "Bertie," suffered from a stutter that rendered him incapable of utilizing the power of radio broadcasts (“the wireless”) to communicate with his subjects. Then his father dies and his brother, King Edward VIII, abdicates to marry American divorcee Wallis Simpson, and the stutterer is thrust onto the throne of a nation poised for war against Hitler.

As we discussed the film, Rich observed that anyone who's struggled with any type of physical or emotional impediment, no matter how slight, could relate to Prince Albert's fear and frustration when having to "step up." I remembered how as a child I was very self-conscious about being pigeon-toed. Not to mention terribly shy. Even today, at the thought of public speaking, I tremble. How about you, Betsey?

betsey: Well, first, I really want to see the film. I remember Colin Firth in Bridget Jones’s Diary, where he played the quiet-but-decent guy, as opposed to charming cad Hugh Grant (of course). He’s supposed to be amazing in this. And for me, I love public speaking – BUT I do struggle with introversion. Not that that’s a handicap, exactly, but in some settings it is. I used to be pretty socially awkward. I’m not anymore, but every now and then I can still feel like that person standing behind the potted palm.


jane: One of this movie's most inspiring aspects is the unconventional relationship betweeen a king and a commoner. That led to King George's ability finally to control his stammer. It was washed-up Australian actor Lionel Logue, portrayed by Geoffrey Rush, who helped Albert regain both his voice and his confidence. How powerfully this demonstrates the way friendship can help us overcome challenges or fears.


betsey: Absolutely. Everything from walking with someone through an addiction struggle to a simple “you’re really good at . . .” But it’s an art, to affirm while at the same time encouraging someone to overcome something.

jane: Lionel Logue had no credentials; his “speech therapy” techniques were birthed from aiding impaired, shell-shocked soldiers who couldn't talk about what they'd seen in war. What Lionel provided, in many ways, was that all-important open heart and listening ear.

betsey: From what I know of the story, one of the most remarkable elements of their friendship was that Logue dared to befriend the prince – to cross a forbidden line. I think there’s a lesson right there. It’s easy for me to go the extra mile for someone like, well, you – but how often do I befriend, let alone truly invest in, someone outside my comfortable circles?

jane: That deserves some serious thought. Plus, the king had to forsake his trappings of royalty and formality (defense mechanisms) to overcome stuttering, while Lionel had to remain doggedly determined, steadfast in the face of regal resistance. There's a lesson there, too, about

comfort zones and persistence and being present, even when it isn't easy.

Most people's problems aren't as obvious as Bertie's awkward stammer. But they're still there, some impediment of pain or hurt or fear waiting for a Lionel Logue to invest the time and attention needed for healing. So when I take the time to listen and then speak from a caring heart guided by God's truth and wisdom, I'm using The King's Speech, too!