Colin Firth, whose fame began with his role as Mr. Darcy, has won accolades for his portrayal of King George VI, and rightly so. This week's question is simple: Have you seen the King's Speech?
As reported previously, Queen Elizabeth II enjoyed the film. Here is the press release from The Weinstein Company:
New York, NY, February 4, 2011 - The Weinstein Company (TWC) is honored to learn that Her Royal Highness, Queen Elizabeth, has enjoyed a private screening of THE KING'S SPEECH, as reported by Duncan Larcombe, Royal Editor, in today's edition of The Sun. The film, directed by Tom Hooper and written by David Seidler, tells the story of Her Majesty's father, King George VI, as he struggles to overcome a crippling speech impediment while grappling with his sudden, unexpected ascension to throne and the mounting danger of Nazi Germany. THE KING'S SPEECH stars Colin Firth as King George VI, Geoffrey Rush as the King's speech therapist, Lionel Logue, and Helena Bonham Carter as Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother.
King George VI and Queen Elizabeth
THE KING'S SPEECH has been seen and admired by many notable public figures, including British Prime Minister David Cameron, who hosted a private screening at his home over the Christmas holidays; Prince Andrew; Lord and Lady William Astor; Lord Edward Spencer-Churchill; and Edwina Sandys, the granddaughter of Winston Churchill (portrayed in the film by Timothy Spall).
Screenwriter David Seidler said, "To learn Her Majesty has seen the film, and was moved, in turn moves and humbles me greatly. When, thirty years ago, the Queen Mother asked me to wait and not tell this story during her lifetime, because the memory of these events was still too painful, I realized the depths of the emotions involved. Now this story has been written and filmed with a great deal of love, admiration, and respect for Her Majesty's father. That Her Majesty has responded favorably to this, is wonderfully gratifying."
Said Harvey Weinstein, TWC co-Chairman and executive producer of THE KING'S SPEECH, "On behalf of the director Tom Hooper; the producers, Iain Canning, Emile Sherman, Gareth Unwin; Colin Firth, Geoffrey Rush, Helena Bonham Carter and our entire ensemble cast: we are deeply honored and humbled by Her Majesty's appreciation of the film. It was a labor of love for all of us and this is high praise, indeed."
Colin Firth will be featured Inside the Actor's Studio, Monday, February 7th at 7 PM EST.
Colin Firth looking sartorially resplendent at the 2011 Golden Globe Awards
His Royal Firthness won a much-earned Golden Globe for his spectacular performance in The King's Speech. If you are a fan of good films and great acting, this movie is a must-see. I actually paid twice (unheard of, really) to see Colin Firth in one of the best roles in his life (it is hard to choose between this role and A Single Man.)
Colin's tribute to his wife Livia was touching
The evening was tarnished for me almost at the start, however, since Geoffrey Rush did not win for his role as Lionel Logue. Giving the Golden Globe to Colin Firth only was like giving one bookend as a gift. You need two bookends, everyone knows that, and The King's Speech REQUIRED Geoffrey Rush's remarkable portayal of the speech therapist for the story to work. Geoffrey'r role was ESSENTIAL. His performance equalled Colin's - they were like bookends - each needing each other, and bouncing off each other for the story to make sense.
Geoffrey Rush as Lionel Logue
So how could the Golden Globes have passed Geoffrey over? I am all puzzlement.
Below, Colin speaks about seeing Jennifer Ehle, his costar in Pride and Prejudice at about 3:17 in the video clip below (which is rather boring, actually, except for his comment about her and about Geoffrey Rush afterwards).
Geoffrey Rush, Jennifer Ehle and Colin Firth in The King's Speech
Have you ever wondered how Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth would look after fifteen years of marriage? Colin Firth and Jennifer Ehle (Pride and Prejudice 1995) shared only a few moments together on screen in The King's Speech (she played Myrtle Logue, Geoffrey Rush's wife), but my heart rejoiced. My question was finally answered: How well would this couple fare in the looks department several decades on? Very well, as you can see.
"The King's Speech" won the Cadillac People's Choice Award at the Toronto International Film Festival on Sunday. The film, starring Colin Firth and Helena Bonham Carter, is a period drama about King George VI and Queen Elizabeth.
Colin Firth at a press conference in Toronto for the King's Speech
The Toronto International Film Festival is noncompetitive event, and thus this prize represents the fan favorite.
Colin Firth and Helena Bonham-Carter as King George VI and Queen Elizabeth
Can you stand to wait for the premiere of The King's Speech, biopic about King George the VI and his stuttering problem? Here are a few images and a movie trailer/interview.
As this week's throwdown attests, Jennifer Ehle's characterization of Elizabeth Bennet is as popular as ever. The exciting news is that shooting on the new film, The King's Speech, will reunite Jennifer with Colin Firth. Yes they are to star in the same film, but will be married to different partners. Jennifer has just finished production on A Game of Thrones, and has signed to appear in Mr. & Mrs. Fitch, will will begin shooting in January.
Between her appearances onstage and becoming a new mother, Jennifer has been a busy actress indeed. One suspects she will have a long career, for she seems to choose her parts wisely.
