The King's Speech

Starring Colin Firth, Geoffrey Rush                                                By Steve Norton

Rated PG-13                                                                                    Rating: **** (out of 5)

Available on Blu-ray and DVD           

Shakespeare in Love vs. Saving Private Ryan.  Crash vs. Brokeback Mountain.

            Without a doubt, these were viewed as some of the most controversial Oscar races in recent memory.  At least until this year, when The King’s Speech overtook The Social Network for Best Picture at the 2011 Oscars.

            It’s a shame, really.  In a lot of ways, it ties the films together in a way that they don’t deserve.  They’re both excellent films and speak to different audiences. Still, the debate was quite polarizing.  I’d even heard one friend of mine make the claim that King’s Speech was ‘one of the best films ever made’ and that Social Network was only about “selfish, arrogant, egotistical, horny college students trying to one up each other”.  (While there is a grain of truth in a literal approach like that, I still feel it largely misses the bigger picture.)  Its interesting too because, in many ways, there are stark similarities between the two films:  both revolve around the effects of technological advances, both focus on communication to a larger culture and both focus on the challenges of men who wish to prove their worth to the world.   (Although, surprisingly, Spielberg’s Oscar presentation speech did seem to make a lot of this tension dissipate by acknowledging the quality of both films.  You can hear it here.)

            That having been said, let’s talk about The King’s Speech specifically.  Taking place in 1930s England, Speech tells the story of Prince Albert (Colin Firth), the Duke of York, as he battles a terrible stutter that has plagued him since childhood.  After trying many treatments to no avail, Albert is introduced to Lionel Logue (Geoffrey Rush), an unorthodox speech therapist from Australia.   (Spoiler Alert—although, not really when you know the title…)  As Logue’s techniques begin to yield some results, Albert suddenly ascends to the throne (taking the name King George VI) and must communicate with the nation as their leader.  Hence, he is forced to grapple with his stutter and its roots.  This is an exceptional piece about the triumph of the human spirit—which is no doubt why it was such a crowd pleaser.  Moreover, and as always, I feel that there are much deeper spiritual investigations for our purposes here.

            Although an analysis of this film could be approached from any number of angles, I have chosen to examine the fact that The King’s Speech speaks to the healing power of God-centred community.  For example, it is clear that this film seeks to suggest that strength is found by the quality of relationships that one keeps.  This is best demonstrated between the ever-deepening connection between Lionel and Albert.  Rather than use formal techniques, much of Lionel’s speech therapy relies heavily on understanding and caring for the whole self of his patient. He takes an interest in Albert’s personal life and history.  He challenges Albert to rethink his royal abilities.  He even refuses to refer to Albert as anything but ‘Bertie’ (a name which only ‘[his] family ever calls him’).  Having never really had anyone view him as an equal, this sort of interaction is initially jarring to Albert.  (In fact, when Lionel asks him “What are friends for?,” Albert can only reply he has  “…no idea.”)  However, as the relationship deepens, both men find themselves reshaped by the experience, bringing healing and wholeness into what was once the brokenness of their lives.  This sort of depiction of connection is an excellent picture of what happens when truly God-centered community is sought.  What’s more, the openness and vulnerability that God invites humanity into (both with Him and each other) becomes extremely counter-cultural when one considers that much of our current social climate is based solely on externals.  (This is also another area where King’s Speech begins to dialogue with The Social Network and the explosion of sites like Facebook or Twitter.)  Thus, as God invites humanity to participate in a community that exhibits Kingdom values of wholeness, we too are changed and may receive healing from hurts through the depth of our connections with Him and others.

            In addition, this theme of healing also reinforces the value of time, especially through the character of Lionel.  One of the key elements of Logue’s speech therapy is the understanding that this process would be long and the journey to healing arduous.  In his first meeting with Albert, Lionel makes it clear that they are going to meet every day.  In doing so, Lionel demonstrates his commitment to Albert’s well-being.  Further, as Lionel begins to pour himself into Albert, the two men begin a journey towards a new wholeness.  Here, the reality of true Kingdom ministry is made clear.  Although there are stories of men and women who immediately throw down that metaphorical (or literal) pack of cigarettes or whiskey bottle upon their first encounter with Christ, there are far more that demonstrate lives of ongoing challenge.  In other words, despite the fact that Christ brings about new life in a person, one’s spiritual journey is long and difficult and requires ongoing support in order for genuine life change to take effect.  As such, investment of time in someone’s life proves itself to be an invaluable practice and that level of commitment creates trust and a sense of safety in the other. These conditions provide the Spirit of God with a fertile soil within which genuine life change can take place.  (The old adage that ‘people aren’t projects’ is absolutely true.  I’ve seen it too many times to count in my years of youth ministry.)  In King’s Speech, Lionel exemplifies this truth and, as a result, Albert begins to experience new life on the other side of his affliction.  In the same way, investing time spiritually in another allows God space to move and, consequently, reaps rewards that may be difficult to see otherwise.

            All things considered, there is much to sink one’s theological teeth into when considering The King’s Speech.  Regardless of controversy—and whatever side of the argument one may fall—it is definitely a film of quality and depth.  Its discussion of wholeness and healing is an effective example of Kingdom values, creating a message that is badly needed in today’s society of ‘safe relationships’.

            But, seriously, The Social Network should have won.  ;)