In 2009, the super-duper talented Colin Firth was beaten to an Oscar by a completely unknown American actor called Jeff something, who starred in a film called Crazy Heart (don't worry, I've never heard of it either). It is after such an enormous disappointment in one's career, that one must stand back and take a carefully considered approach as to whether life as one knows it is worth continuing - I faced the same grisly dilemma when my family ran out of Haribo in the Summer of '99 - but Mr Firth's reaction may surprise you. Far from tightening the proverbial noose around his literal neck, he stood up, dusted himself off, and started filming The King's Speech. That turned out to be quite a good decision, because his stint as the stuttering Bertie V was met with widespread critical acclaim, and rightly so. Firth's cleverly layered portrayal of a man devoid of confidence touched audiences around the world, as people found themselves fascinated with the outwardly frustrated King, who's only wish was to have the self-assurance and ability to do what had become necessary. In typical Firth style, the reluctant monarch was charming, loveable, and very, very British. Colin was actually third in line to play George V (behind Paul Bettany and Hugh Grant, who both refused - good move chaps) and so this wonderful performance could have been omitted from the records of history had the movie gods tossed a different coin. We're glad they didn't though, because Firth's efforts ensured he remained one of England's most admired actors, and enabled him to star in the distressing remake of Gambit without any ramifications what-so-ever - clever ...
