Robert Pattinson plays Wulfric, Earl of Wessex, in the new movie, The King’s Speech. The actor seems to be enjoying himself on this royal set; posing with a movie magazine while giving an interview; joking around with co-star Mark Ruffalo; appearing in character as the King on multiple occasions. One might assume this is the work of a thoroughly seasoned actor, but in fact, this is the youngest royal to ever play a role in a Hollywood production. The King’s Speech is a movie adaptation of The King’s Speech, a historical fiction novel by Bill Bryson. The novel follows the lives of King George VI and his wife, Queen Elizabeth, as they try to communicate with their mentally ill son, King George, through the aid of speech therapists, members of the clergy, and the occasional dose of whiskey.
The novel is a comedy, but it is more accurate to label The King’s Speech as being a black comedy. It is a movie that will make you laugh and then it will make you think. It will shake you out of your complacency and show you how perilous life can be when you are king. The film is directed by David O. Russell and it also co-stars Helena Bonham Carter, Brenda Crichlow, John Malkovich, and Michael McKean. The screenplay is by Michael Handelman, and it is based on the novel by Bill Bryson. The movie marks the second collaboration between Russell and Pattinson, following the wildly successful 2010 movie, There Will Be Blood. While speaking with Vanity Fair, producer Mark Gordon stated: “It’s safe to say that this project [The King’s Speech] will be remembered as one of the most extraordinary experiences of [Pattinson’s] career.”
A Career To Watch
Pattinson’s acting career has been one to watch since his debut in the 2005 film, Sex and the City 2, in which he played Carrie Bradshaw’s gay love interest, Prince Charming. The 27-year old British actor has steadily climbed the ranks, establishing himself as one of Hollywood’s up-and-coming stars. His performance in The King’s Speech is reminiscent of his breakout role, demonstrating a confident grasp of his craft and skill at inhabiting a character.
Pattinson was born in London, but he spent the first eight years of his life living in New York City. He later returned to London to train as an actor. He graduated from New York University’s School of Film and Television in 2012. Afterward, he relocated to Los Angeles to pursue his career. While other young stars may find themselves struggling to break into the industry, Pattinson appears to be carving out a niche for himself. In September 2016, it was reported that he had signed on to star in the biopic, The Lost Prince, based on the real-life story of Captain Arthur Jones, a royal pilot who saved Queen Victoria’s life in 1898. The movie is set for release on April 20, 2020.
Is It Porn?
Pattinson has collaborated with Vanity Fair before, appearing as a guest editor in 2011, but his role in The King’s Speech marks their first official partnership. Is it porn? Is it an exercise in celebrity voyeurism? Is it art? Is it activism disguised as entertainment? One thing is for sure: watching this movie will be one of the most unique experiences of your life.