As if last week wasn't exciting enough, with the birth of my new granddaughter and all, I also went to see the movie The King's Speech with Colin Firth, Helena Bonham Carter, director Tom Hooper, and screenwriter David Seidler - all in attendance for a question and answer session afterwards. It was an amazing event, held at the Aero Theater in Santa Monica, a charmingly old movie theater (one that I frequented over 30 years ago, and not much about it has changed since then) which was taken over by The American Cinemateque. This landmark has been graciously preserved thanks to the donations of some of Hollywood's power elite, and I can't thank them enough. Not only do they showcase some great classic films here, but they also go above and beyond by featuring live commentary tracks from cast & crew, Q&A sessions after the films or special career retrospectives.
The movie was fantastic and my choice for best picture of the year. You wouldn't think that a movie centered around speech, stammering and a friendship between two males would be such a crowd pleasing, heart tugging experience, but it definitely is an entertaining and inspirational cinematic experience.
It was interesting hearing the background from the screenwriter, and how the Queen Mother asked him not to do the movie until after her death because it would be too painful for her. Little did he know that she would live to be 101 years old and he would have to wait 25 years. The behind the scenes details from director Tom Hooper were worth the price of admission, but what I really loved was the camaraderie between Helena Bonham Carter and Colin Firth. She is as crazy as she appears at the awards shows (look how she was dressed that night) but in a delightfully funny way. She was telling us how she really didn't want to do the movie because she was so tired, and instead of being supportive and loving as she was on screen, she just did nothing but yawn and nap the whole time she was off screen. Colin Firth was extremely humble, and seemed genuinely surprised that the film is as successful as it is. He is as handsome in person as in his films. All I can say is WOW. It was truly a great night.
I am a hero to my friends, because I was driving by the theater as they were doing the marquee, and I rushed to get tickets. Since they sold out that day, it was a stroke of luck that we were able to attend.
Ohh I loved that movie - and you´re so lucky to have had such a great night with all the actors!!! I will see that movie again. Colin Firth really deserve an Oscar for that performanse!!!
Posted by: Flowermouse Design | February 12, 2011 at 08:04 AM