Over a decade ago, David Seidler and Tom Hooper wrote and directed (respectively) a critically acclaimed film inspired by the stutter of King George VI and Seidler. The film received the most Oscar nominations that year, and also took home the award for Best Picture. Now, why exactly was this film so successful?
Years before that, and even in recent times, there was a huge negative stigma surrounding people who stutter. There was barely any representation in the entertainment industry (or any industry for that matter), and when there was, they were portrayed as less intelligent, or unable to eloquently express their thoughts.
Although The King’s Speech employed disproven and outdated ideas that stutters can be “cured”, it was an example of positive portrayal of people with stutter. It was an opportunity and a step to erase negative stereotypes and stigma surrounding people who stutter. Although there haven’t been significantly recognized movies with such realistic portrayal after The King’s Speech, we are beginning to see more people with stutter in authority like the current president of the United States. This is but a step towards the journey of what will hopefully become a better positive and realistic impression of People With Stutter.
