In an ending fit for a screenplay, David Seidler takes his final bow in New Zealand’s serene waters
In a turn of events that feels lifted straight from the final pages of an award-winning script, David Seidler, the brilliant mind behind the Oscar-scooping masterpiece, ‘The King’s Speech’, has left us at the ripe age of 87. The tragic yet poetic news broke on a calm Sunday, leaving fans and the film community in mourning. Seidler, who had ventured to New Zealand, a land he adored, was found indulging in his favourite pastime, fly-fishing, at the time of his passing.
Jeff Aghassi, Seidler’s longstanding manager, shared the heartfelt news, noting the sheer peace and joy Seidler found in the New Zealand landscapes and the act of fly-fishing. “It was his slice of heaven on earth, and he wouldn’t have had it end any other way,” Aghassi remarked, echoing a sentiment that Seidler himself might have penned for one of his characters.
Seidler’s journey to Oscar glory was a tale of perseverance and dedication. With ‘The King’s Speech’, he not only captured the essence of King George VI’s battle against his stutter but also mirrored his personal challenges, having overcome a stutter in his youth. The film, a treasure trove of awards including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Actor, owes its inception to Seidler’s fascination with the monarch’s story, a project he embarked on in the early ’80s.
Upon receiving his Oscar in 2011, Seidler’s acceptance speech was nothing short of memorable. With a nod to his late bloomer status and a dash of British wit, he thanked the Queen for sparing him the Tower of London despite the film’s liberal use of expletives. But, beyond the laughs, it was his dedication to “all the stutterers around the world” that truly marked the moment. Seidler’s voice, through his work, became a beacon of hope and a reminder of the power of resilience.
The film, enriched by the remarkable portrayals of Colin Firth as the King and Geoffrey Rush as Lionel Logue, the speech therapist, explored an unlikely friendship set against the backdrop of looming war. Firth, whose career hit a high with his Oscar win, humorously declared he had “peaked”, all thanks to Seidler’s magnificent screenplay.
Seidler’s fascination with King George VI’s story was not just a passing interest; it was a commitment that saw him seek permission from the Queen Mother herself, a request met with a polite deference to time. His screenplay, a blend of personal triumph and historical depth, eventually found its way onto both the screen and the stage, touching hearts worldwide.
David Seidler’s legacy, however, extends beyond the confines of ‘The King’s Speech’. From his depiction of Aristotle Onassis to his portrayal of Preston Tucker, Seidler has left an indelible mark on the world of film and theatre. As news of his passing spreads, we are reminded of the extraordinary journey of a man who, through his voice, gave strength to silence. Farewell, Mr. Seidler, your story will forever echo in the halls of cinematic greatness.
