Sunday, February 6, 2011

Loosing the King's Speech

We went to see "The King's Speech" last night: a reminder of all that movies can be!  Thinking about it this morning, I'm drawn not to the king's character (though compellingly played), but to that of the speech therapist.  He too had to learn to trust, to believe, to find firm ground for standing and mentoring and teaching.  Without 'proper' credentials, without the blessing of ecclesiastical authority, the therapist reached deep within for a deeper and more human authority.  And he found it.  Found it and led with it.

No matter how fictionalized this account, it speaks powerfully of the relationships that make leadership creative, thoughtful and accessible.  There's the speech therapist.  There's the king's wife--a keen example of partnership, humor and support.  In the end, his ability to lead the nation in a time of war is enhanced beyond measure--by these and other relationships.

But it's Geoffrey' Rush's speech therapist I'm most fond of.  His humility, strength, audacity, kindness.

As an example of leadership, friendship, accompaniment, he's a hugely inspiring figure.  Even one you and I might recognize in one another.  And he's worth the trip to a large-screen theatre.