The movie “The King’s Speech” is a very intriguing and interesting story of the royal family. It describes the intricate relationship that exists between the members. Just as any family there are issues and problems that need to be worked out. There were several elements that make the viewer feel present in the situation developing on the screen. This is achieved through the excellent play of actors. It is possible to see how every character knows their personality and is seen as becoming one with the role. This is an important part of any dramatical performance, as the actor feels and thinks what his character would think, which makes the expression of emotion real. Another element that created a certain atmosphere about the movie was the use of music as an addition to the intensity of a situation. When Bertie had problems with his speech, the music would emphasize his pain and struggle. In addition to this there was silence, always present when Bertie was giving a public speech and could not say a word. Everyone felt negatively predisposed, judging his whole character and inner world by the outside. By personal opinion, the “speech moments” were shown too much. One time would be enough to understand what Bertie is going through. Instead a deeper look into his treatment should have been taken, focusing on the process of his mental fight. This would help the viewer to see the strength and determination of a person. It seems as if most parts of the movie show the negative side of life, how impossible it is to reach the unreachable. I think it would be most beneficial if the people experiencing this story feel motivated and supported in their beginnings and struggle for the desired goal or dream.
The movie also describes how sometimes it is hard for the royal family to be under such scrutiny, to feel the overwhelming pressure and responsibility. Being such a high figure in the country, a king is judged by a lot of people. The ability to speak clearly and express own thoughts is very important, in order for people to develop an opinion about the speaking person. Comparing the life and the nuances of the royal family to that of an ordinary person, it is clear that there are many problems that are the same. Everyone is trying to find out who they are, what they are capable of and how they can better themselves. For the royal family it is much more important to develop personally, as they are responsible for running the country. For an ordinary person this would not be a cause of much pressure. But when looking at the job security, income and stability, it is easy to see that a member of the public would have many more difficulties in feeling secure. The kings and queens are very well established, so they somewhat involuntarily detach themselves from the simple folk.
During sessions between Bertie and Lionel the viewer gets presented with the hardships, which Bertie experienced when his was young. He felt constant pressure from his father and felt inferior to his brother. The fact that Edward took advantage of his brother’s helpless condition, affected Bertie’s adult life. He felt judged by his father and his brother, thinking of himself as incapable of anything great. This greatly shaped his life, bottling up his feelings and discomfort deep inside. His sadness and anger kept collecting for a long time, turning him onto the person he is. On the other hand Bertie thinks of the country and its condition much more that his brother Edward. He feels responsible by having such high title and does not approve of his older brother’s behavior. Another priority for Bertie is the improvement of his speech. Even though it seems that he has given up, deep down he still hopes that someday there will be a cure found. Edward is shown to be unable to handle the responsibility of the throne. He is also intending to marry a woman who was previously divorced, and this is not approved by the church and the people of the country. His decision is to give away his title and instead marry the woman he loves. Edward questions why the common people can marry for love and whoever they want and he does not have this choice. At this time Bertie was feeling very controversial about becoming a king. He believed that he was not worthy to lead the country and be the leader everyone required him to be. As he was very insecure of himself, he could not possibly imagine being a king. He personally says that he feels relieved that his brother is now king. These reasons are very well justified by the bashful treatment he has suffered in his childhood. His limitations boxed him in, without giving a chance for his personality to develop into a strong and confident individual. For someone to be king, a person would have to possess many skills and personal characteristics answering to the highest standards of truth, respect, ethics, responsibility and benevolence. A king is seen as a protector of the nation, guiding it and supporting in any way imaginable. Bertie has these qualities and the mind set to develop them even more, caring for the nation and the people. He has himself passed through the hardships of life, he knows how it feels to be disrespected and put down and so in governing his country he would be using that experience and knowledge for the benefit of everyone. A personal growth is shown in the relationship between Lionel and Bertie but also how hard it is sometimes for two people co connect. They both have strong character traits. Bertie is used to being treated as “Royal Highness” and can hardly accept when Lionel calls him Bertie and treats him just as he would everyone else. At the same time Lionel is not backing down and continues to act the way he thinks and feels is the right way. He stays himself without submitting to Bertie’s power. This shows how they both can be strong. This is one of the reasons they become friends, Bertie finds someone he can relate with, who also has great self respect and a strong character. This enables him to share private thoughts and feelings with Lionel.
Lionel is a doctor, which also makes him a great psychologist. He has had much experience in working with people and their insecurities. He knows how people will sometimes react to their inability to accomplish something or see quick results. Bertie on the other hand, has not dealt with people and their emotions. He does not have any friends and so keeps a lot of his feelings and pain inside. They are similar in the fact that both have determination and are able to prioritize in a given situation. This inner strength is felt by both of them and that is why they gain each other’s respect and trust. There are no people that are exactly the same and this does not become an issue for Lionel and Bertie, they stay friends for a long time.
Lionel’s sessions helped Bertie on an emotional level. They made him realize that he does not have to be afraid anymore and that the fears that he felt as a child should not matter now, as he is a “capable man”, who has the power to accomplish his goals. Here the patient and the doctor connect on an individual and personal level and by creating this relationship they both benefite from it. Bertie and Lionel influence one another in their interactions. They show each other the different sides of themselves, creating a perspective from several angles. When people become friends the opinion of the other person becomes very important and sometimes there are conflicts because each person is involved and feels emotionally attached to their friend. The movie “King’s Speech” shows how important it is to be heard, to finding someone who will listen, understand and console or give an advice. For the longest time Bertie had no one to talk to and express his emotions, so he had to find a way to deal with it himself, which led to negative results. This is what would happen with any person and so it is important to remember to always give people a chance to say what they want and think, listen to their opinion and respect it.
Today’s social networks make it easy to voice an opinion. It is great because many more people can now offer consolation and advice, reassurances that the problems are temporary and the good times are coming. But the negative side is that people do not have face to face communication, doing everything electronically. As evident in the movie, it is crucial to have interaction with others, to be able to see the look in the eyes, the facial expressions and the general behavior of a person.
References
Hopper, T. (Director). (2010). The king’s speech. [Film]. UK: UK Film Council.