Bob, I'm normally a massive fan and while we disagree on many points (a difference I relish)I plod over to the Escapist every Friday to get your take on the big release, often returning to your review once I have seen the film to compare notes, leaning back in my chair and mulling over your point of view versus my experience, which I'm positive was your intention (not only with At The Movies but also Big Picture).
However, the stars aligned in such a rare way that I have seen this film prior to your review, and I am sorry to say that I have been moved for the first time since watching your videos to come to the internet and voice my displeasure.
Let me provide some context: I'm a liberal, I'm anti-monarchist, I'm a theatre student with a penchant for Grotowski and Beckett, essentially I am everything this movie is not. Yet I was moved to tears by the film, had such a profound emotional reaction to the way the film presented me with the life of George VI that I could not help but be affected. You're quite correct in your assertion that "The King's Speech" is exactly the kind of picture the Academy likes, this does not preclude its dramatic impact or execution.
Let's face up to a simple truth, you and I, mano-a-mano, the Academy is a broken institution, like so many other old men populated governing bodies. Because of them, Sandra Bullock has an Oscar. In fact, "The Blind Side" is a perfect jumping off point.
Compare the two films for me. True life story, the protagonist has a serious impediment that must be overcome, there is a class divide, the protagonist overcomes and eventually triumphs. I could be talking about either one, yet I cannot honestly believe that you, a man whose opinion I respect, can honestly say to me that the two films are of comparable value.
The cinematography is exquisite, while the casting may "fit the bill", take it from an actor that it is top drawer. Your presentation of the Brits is a very post-colonial interpretation of what our actors offer American cinema, in reality the production should have occurred several years ago, but at the behest of the Queen Mother (Helena Bonham-Carter's character) it was not produced within her lifetime, and these are the contemporary actors most suited to the roles required.
I also quibble with your 'based on a true story" jab, the script is based upon the notes of the speech therapist and so could not possibly be referred to as gospel without incurring some serious legal flack.
I know this is like water off a duck's back, you don't care and probably won't read this. I haven't lost any respect for you, I shall return again eagerly anticipating your next installment, but for now let me say I believe you to be wrong, it's your opinion and you shine on, you crazy diamond, I wouldn't have it any other way. But I hope you see this and that I give you pause for thought, as you have done for me so many times. If you look again without Oscar connections I am positive you will see a great film that met the criteria you were looking for but is also a lot more...
