Introduction
All human beings have their own weaknesses which affect their daily lives. This is depicted in the movie ‘The King’s Speech’ which depicts how Bertie, a British prince, struggles with stuttering. Bertie is depicted as having a low self confidence, “If we were equals, I wouldn’t be here.
I’d be at home with my wife, and no one would give a damn” (The King’s Speech). His stammering condition is seen as a big weakness that is likely to bar him from becoming the next king after his father’s demise. With the help of Lionel Logue, a speech therapist, Bertie becomes more coherent and leads Great Britain to declare war against Nazi Germany.
Bertie’s Insecurities
Albert, who is also fondly called Bertie, relies on Lionel Logue, an Australian speech therapist to help him improve the clarity of his speech. The two men hail from very distinct backgrounds.
Bertie is a prince of one of the most powerful states in the world, while Logue has a humble background. Logue helps a hesitant Bertie to make a radio speech that declares war on Nazi Germany after his brother David (King Edward VIII) abdicates and marries an American divorcee. Bertie says, “Is the nation ready for two minutes of radio silence?” (The King’s Speech).
At first, Bertie is reluctant to seek help with his condition. His wife Elizabeth and father King George V encourage him to seek help and this makes him handle the matter more seriously. Bertie needs to improve his speech skills so that he can participate more in leadership affairs.
Bertie brings back Logue after listening to his own recordings reciting a soliloquy and becomes certain that he can overcome his condition. The two become friends which makes Logue to understand the psychological reasons that make Bertie stutter (The King’s Speech). Bertie is under pressure from his father, King George V to satisfy the high expectations that have been placed on him as a prince.
Bertie Overcomes Stuttering
The strong relationship that Bertie and Logue have developed reduces the gap in social status between them. After Bertie’s father, King George V dies, his brother David ascends the throne as King Edward VIII but he later abdicates. Bertie is unsure of his ability to take over, “…the nation believes that when I speak, I speak for them. But I can’t speak” (The King’s Speech).
Logue offers Bertie a lot of support which builds his self-confidence. Bertie ascends to the throne and visits Logue’s home to show his gratitude; an act rarely done by a royal. Bertie’s coronation as King George VI still leaves him with doubts about his suitability as a ruler.
Logue helps Bertie realize that he can articulate without stuttering in his speeches. Britain is facing a big threat from Nazi Germany led by Adolf Hitler who has threatened to invade the country. Logue helps Bertie deliver a speech declaring war against Germany to millions of listeners over the radio.
He does this without stuttering and is able to inspire his country to have hope in the wake of adversity. Bertie declares, “…for the second time in the lives of most of us, we are at war. Over and over again we have tried to find a peaceful way out of the differences between ourselves and those who are now our enemies” (The King’s Speech). The movie shows how human beings have their own weaknesses regardless of the status they hold in the society.
In conclusion, ‘The King’s Speech’ shows the strong bond that exists between two friends. Logue offers Bertie unconditional support when he is facing the most difficult moments of his life. This makes Bertie have faith in his own abilities.
Works Cited
The King’s Speech. Dir. Tom Hooper. Perf. Colin Firth, Geoffrey Rush, and Helena Bonham Carter. Momentum Pictures, 2010. Film.