The King's Speech - Blog Posts

The King’s Speech

It has Colin Firth, it has some true-history, and it has a different type of diversity. Separate from The Big Sick and Menasche, The King’s Speech continues with the giving voices to those who are voiceless, different and put aside. Recently the film the Upside brought along the question of who should be asked, allowed or at least the ability to try for roles of those with disabilities—especially with films centered on the disability. It’s easy to say that those who have the disability should be given preference and not the role, but maybe there are parts of the role or the schedule that would put too much pressure—Jim Jefferies discussed this in regards to his show Legit—and there might be other obstacles not understood or, as is the case with most things, it’s too “difficult”. It’s a big topic to get into, but one that I couldn’t not flag as the point of this film and post is highlighting things that are difficult for some and confusing for others.

Physical disabilities are not discussed or addressed much in our world or in films and mental and non-physical disabilities are commonly ignored to the level of “they don’t exist”. While a unique situation, Colin’s character is thrust into a more public role where he must be eloquent and present. The Good Boy and frustrated he tries and eventually succeeds at lessening his speech impediments. This is a Hollywood film, with a Hollywood film ending but it still got across the point that he both (1) didn’t have to be perfect, and (2) the difficulties that come with trying to change something innate of your existence. This film does bring forward those with the more sidestepped disabilities that many overcome but are still nervous about, especially as the speech therapist in the film and real life (Lion Logue) remained with the King until he died. Imperfect, the film does stand-in for actors and actresses standing up and making political statements during award shows: they have these platforms, they have (temporarily and from a distance) experienced these journeys, and while it might not always be a true story of someone’s, anything that you can think of has having happened, has happened to someone, somewhere in the world

Henley Monday - 

I feel genuine excitement in sharing this photograph with you all today. It was a rare find, and I was thrilled, I tell you, THRILLED upon its discovery. I mean, can you even stand it?

It's Teeny-Tiny, Baby,  Boo-boo Colin Firth looking all concerned and pensieve. The short sleeved henley of course gives him that casual unkempt look that shows his depth of character but also THAT HAIR. THAT FLOPPY PUFFY HAIR.

I swoon anew each time I behold it. Oh Colin, the standards you've set are impossible.