
Blue Valentine (2010)

To help overcome his disability, Bertie (Colin Firth – A Single Man, The Importance of Being Earnest) tries various techniques and visits numerous specialists. It is not until the King meets speech therapist Lionel Logue (Geoffrey Rush – Shine, Frida) that he begins to see progress. The two are very different from each other. The King is cold, aloof, often highly stressed, and short-tempered. It makes him unlikeable at times. On the other hand, Lionel is charming, friendly, funny, and patient. You like him from the moment you meet him. The contrast between the two characters makes them work well together.
“We all know the story. The virginal girl who is pure and sweet but trapped in the body of a swan. She desires freedom, but only true love can break the spell. Nearly granted is her wish in the form of a prince. But, before he can declare his love, the lustful twin, the Black Swan, tricks and seduces him. Devastated, the White Swan leaps off a cliff, killing herself and, in death, finds freedom”.
It’s short and simple, and we all understand it. And it’s the basis of Leroy’s ballet. As Thomas tells this story to his attentive company, he taps a few females on the shoulder. One of these women will replace an aging Beth (Winona Ryder – Edward Scissorhands, Girl, Interrupted) as the prima ballerina for the opening production of their new season, Swan Lake. Nina (Natalie Portman – The Other Boleyn Girl, Closer ) is one of the girls who is tapped and ultimately awarded the role.