Synopsis
This film, “The King’s Speech” tells the story of a prince, Prince Albert of Britain, who’s otherwise known as the Duke of York who’s soon to become a king due to the passing of his Father. Though he doesn’t truly want to pursue being a king because of his speech impediment, which has caused him a lot of struggle since his job after all involves a lot of public speaking or just speaking in general, he also knows that he’s got no other choice. Since, he’s the only reliable one left, due to the abdication of his older brother. With his stammer always interfering, he and his wife, Elizabeth, have tried a lot of different therapists, but it still was to no avail. Until, his wife introduced him to Lionel Logue, another speech therapist. With Lionel’s unique and unconventional methods, then followed a huge amount of progress to his speaking. Then came, a crisis in the government, Britain declared war with Germany, as Britain’s king, of course, he needed to give out a speech for the citizens. With all the help from Lionel, who he eventually bonded and became close with, he truly managed to succeed with his final speech.
Reaction-Analysis
After watching the film, I can say that it was truly a remarkable one over-all, from the plot to the actors and their impeccable acting as well. They really did justice to the original story. It also sheds light on people with speech problems as well, showing to us how unfortunate their situations are, and also how mistreated some are, like with Albert telling Lionel that as a child, he used to be punished a lot for being different or having problems. Also showing me, how they need much help and support as possible from the people around them, like with what Albert’s wife, Elizabeth, has been doing, instead of shaming her husband for having that defect, she embraced him and was also one who helped cure him, aside from Lionel. Going further, upon analyzing the film deeper, it was clear to me how the element, Noise, had interfered with Albert, specifically the second type which is Physiological which is when the body becomes a hindrance to good communication. Since in most of the film, it tackled about Albert and how he isn’t able to speak well, making him go to a lot of speech therapists seeking for help, and also making him be punished or teased, all because of his stammer that’s been with him ever since he was a kid. Though it was also showed in the film how Albert’s stammering only happened in front of people, or specifically, people who he’s not close enough with, so it could also be pointed out how the Communicative Situation, which would be the Physical Location and Listeners are now interfering with his communication. Moreover, I also observed that somehow Albert’s communication also depends as well with his channel. Since in comparison from his first speech to his second speech, he did quite better when he was all alone with Lionel in the broadcast room than when he broadcasted in front of a large crowd in a stadium, which then again proves how the outcome of Albert’s communication depends on where he’s speaking, who’s listening to him, and also with how his message is being delivered. Now for the most important parts. With Lionel’s great help and Albert’s own perseverance, he finally managed to prove all who judged him in the past wrong. In his final speech, which was to be about how Britain is going to deal with the crisis, it truly showed how much he improved. Honestly, it was so fulfilling how he really managed to push through in the end, and how all the people in the waiting room and the people waiting outside clapped loudly for him afterward. I truly give huge props to Lionel and Elizabeth. Without support from both of them, he wouldn’t have been able to make progress.
Film’s Advocacy
As to the advocacy the film is focusing on in regards with communication, it would be about communication disorders. From my perspective, this film is what the society just needed since disabilities regarding speech aren’t being given much attention, or so I would call it an underrated problem. According to the International Business Times, the film has turned the spotlight on communication disorders like stammering, and the impacts they have on those who have them. The film also showed how it’s fine to have limitations, and how we should never give up on ourselves no matter how tough things get. And as Albert’s line suggests, “Because I have a right to be heard. I have a voice!”, this should reflect on how those who have speech defects, shouldn’t be looked down upon, that they should instead be uplifted and helped so that they can find their own voices.
