62 replies to this topic

[JimmyBond]

Will Scarlett sounds like Christian Slater doing a poor impersonation of cockney rhyming slang - an accent he'd later use to brilliant affect in the first Austin Powers movie.

At first I thought you were trying to pull our leg, as I don't remember Slater being in the first Austin Powers. However a quick jog of the memory lead me to find out that his scene was cut for the North American release, quite interesting as I had forgotten that little nugget of info.

[JackWade]

I really have no idea what the different British accents are, but Brosnan's attempt at covering up his Irish accent was very noticeable at times. Listen to him yell "FASTER!" to Christmas Jones when they're inside the pipeline in TWINE.

And talking about poor British accents... it always seemed to me that Ren

[DaveBond21]

[quote]And talking about poor British accents... it always seemed to me that Ren

[Flash1087]

It wasn't until I entered Bond fandom when I learned exactly how many 'English' accents there were.

Of course, accents are subjective; evidently there's some sort of American Midwest accent that I myself employ while speaking, and I just can't hear it.

[David Schofield]

I don't like the use of the term British accent. People seem to forget that the Scottish people are British too, for a start.

Hopefully, not for much longer.

And I'm English.

[marktmurphy]

Dave, didn't you say that a Cheshire dialect is akin to Daphne's on Frasier? Or Nick the hair guy on What Not To Wear (American)? If that's indeed the case, I can totally understand his adoption of a more posh, received pronunciation. (No disrespect to Cheshirians!)

Goodness; please believe that although she is English, no-one actually speaks in that broad ridiculous comedy accent Jane Leeves does in that!

Friar Tuck, meanwhile, is again from the West Country, via Canada.

They offered that part to Richard Griffiths first, but he turned it down, because he didn't want to get typecast playing fat men!

Yeah, that worked out well, didn't it?

Well, to be fair, I can't think of when he's played a character that's written as being fat, as Tuck was.

[commanderblond]

Well, to be fair, I can't think of when he's played a character that's written as being fat, as Tuck was.

True enough.

[commanderblond]

people are often surprised that I am a Geordie. Rowan Atkinson is too, and he can still do it when asked to, but he ditches it for his work and interviews.

But when a Northerner gets angry, their original accent always comes out.

I always thought Daniel Craig was putting on a Geordie accent for Our Friends in the North? At least, that's what my folks both thought and they're both from around there...

Eric Idle (Monty Python) is also fromthe North East. His original accent is pretty well masked. But who would've thought that Don Warrington from Rising Damp was a fully paid-up member of the Toon Army?

[marktmurphy]

I always thought Daniel Craig was putting on a Geordie accent for Our Friends in the North? At least, that's what my folks both thought and they're both from around there...

Indeed- I'm not sure where a man from Chester who lives in London would get a Geordie accent from...

Eric Idle (Monty Python) is also fromthe North East. His original accent is pretty well masked. But who would've thought that Don Warrington from Rising Damp was a fully paid-up member of the Toon Army?

Yup- as I said earlier, Tom Baker's a Liverpudlian, plus of course Roger Moore is from Stockwell in South London; and they certainly don't sound like him around there!

Recent shocking accents also include Dougray Scott in Desperate Housewives: terrible English accent. Fellow Scots John Hannah and David Tennant manages it just fine, although this weekend's Doctor Who promises some pretty bad American accents...

[commanderblond]

Recent shocking accents also include Dougray Scott in Desperate Housewives: terrible English accent. Fellow Scots John Hannah and David Tennant manages it just fine, although this weekend's Doctor Who promises some pretty bad American accents...

But surely Dougray Scott = Bad Actor? At least I've always thought so...

Can we start a petition to have Tom Baker as the new Blofeld?

[Auric64]

...However, few actors can make a career out of their existing colloquial accent, although there are a few that have done very well. Michael Caine and Bob Hoskins spring to mind but even they don't sound like they are from East London any more.

Well, Michael Caine was born in the same area I was, Rotherhithe in South (pronounced Sarf) London, (not East London) and Bob Hoskins was born even further away, in Bury St. Edmunds, Suffolk.

Nowdays, Michael Caine sounds pretty much the same as he did when he was playing Alfie in 1966, and Bob Hoskins seems to have adopted his "Cockney" accent, used in Mona Lisa, using it in real life. I can tell you, a Suffolk accent is nothing like a Cockney one.

And for those who don`t know, the term "Cockney" is only applied to a Londoner if he/she is born within the sound of Bow Bells, which IS in East London. A true Cockney would usually be someone from the East End. If you`re outside the sound, you`re not a Cockney, just a plain Londoner, (whether you`re born in North, West or South London, the latter of which I was).

Thank God I was; as constantly being referred to as a "cherpy Cockney!" would have been absolutely awful.

Best

Andy
(A Sarf Londoner and proud of it!)

Edited by Auric64, 19 April 2007 - 12:55 PM.

[Brock Samson]

If you want an example of how badly Hollywood understands the myriad number of differnt British accents, in one episode of Friaser, Daphne's brother came to stay. He was played by an American actor, who played the role in full-blown Dick Van-Dyke in Mary Poppins-style Cockney. Yet, was supposed to be from Manchester as well.

Just to cloud the issue, he was played by Anthony LaPaglia. Who's originally from Australia.

I think what most Americans think is 'cockney' is actually Estuary English or 'mockney'. Which is flat out atrocious. It wouldn't surprise me to learn that Bob Hoskins didn't have to modify his accent all that much, I used to live in Oxford and many people spoke as if they were brought up eating jellied eels and flogging dodgy jewelry on Lahndahn street corners.

Edited by Brock Samson, 19 April 2007 - 02:55 PM.

[commanderblond]

If you want an example of how badly Hollywood understands the myriad number of differnt British accents, in one episode of Friaser, Daphne's brother came to stay. He was played by an American actor, who played the role in full-blown Dick Van-Dyke in Mary Poppins-style Cockney. Yet, was supposed to be from Manchester as well.

Just to cloud the issue, he was played by Anthony LaPaglia. Who's originally from Australia.

Make it stop!

[triviachamp]

They should cast somebody from those Mike Leigh and Ken Loach movies that have to be subtitled for American release because of the thickness of the accents.

[dee-bee-five]

If you want an example of how badly Hollywood understands the myriad number of differnt British accents, in one episode of Friaser, Daphne's brother came to stay. He was played by an American actor, who played the role in full-blown Dick Van-Dyke in Mary Poppins-style Cockney. Yet, was supposed to be from Manchester as well.

Just to cloud the issue, he was played by Anthony LaPaglia. Who's originally from Australia.

Make it stop!

Oh no, there's more...

John Mahoney, who played Frasier's Dad, was actually born in Manchester, believe it or not.

One of my favourite bad British accents movies is Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves. You've got Lord Locksley, as played by Brian Blessed (HellOOOO!), whose two sons both sound remarkably trans-atlantic. Well, Robin does. Will Scarlett sounds like Christian Slater doing a poor impersonation of cockney rhyming slang - an accent he'd later use to brilliant affect in the first Austin Powers movie.

While amusing, this oft-repeated accusation levelled at Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves is most unfair. The truth is, the variety of accents heard from the English cast members in the movie are no more authentic to how people would have spoken at that time than the American ones.

That is rather the point I was making. There are several characters in the film played by British actors who had accents which were just as much out of place for the area and time the film was set in, as anything Keving Costner could muster. I wasn't singling out the American or Canadian actors, as you'll see further down my original post.

I do apologise, I missed that entirely. Maybe you wrote it in an accent I didn't recognise...?

[Fro]

To these American ears, it does sound like Craig has a little different accent as Bond (and in his other films), versus himself off-screen.

[dee-bee-five]

To these American ears, it does sound like Craig has a little different accent as Bond (and in his other films), versus himself off-screen.

That's interesting because, to my mind, there's no difference in his accent in Casino Royale than from, say, Layer Cake.

[dee-bee-five]

Dave, didn't you say that a Cheshire dialect is akin to Daphne's on Frasier? Or Nick the hair guy on What Not To Wear (American)? If that's indeed the case, I can totally understand his adoption of a more posh, received pronunciation. (No disrespect to Cheshirians!)

Well, plenty of the people I know from Cheshire sound like Daniel does in the Bond press conference (especially his opening line). Sometimes his real accent slips out - remember "Our Friends in the North"? He used his own accent in that show, plus interviews surrounding it, at the time.

If he sounds the same as Bond in interviews, then he is putting that accent on full-stop, not just for the movie.

But that's the rub, isn't it? He's NOT putting it on. I've just spent two days in Chester and the accent there is atypical of the more familiar Manchester/northern accent, even though the two cities are, what?, 30 miles apart. Chester/Cheshire is always regarded as more up-market, or posher if you will, than the Manchester/Lancashire accent (my own natural accent as it happens).

Edited by dee-bee-five, 19 April 2007 - 07:49 PM.

[ACE]

Daniel Craig sounds exactly the same in real life as he does in the Bond film and his previous work (and on stage).

The idea that one's accent is typically Northern if one comes from Chester is inaccurate, IMHO. I know that part of the world quite well. Chester is near Liverpool but the accent is not Scouse but much, much more the Received Pronunciation English of the South East.

The commentary on the Layer Cake DVD makes specific note of Daniel's accent not being distinguishable.

I don't know what evidence (apart from an anecdotal assumption because he comes from the geographical North of England) we have that Craig's accent for Bond is put on.

BTW Auric 64 and ms minniespinney, I didn't know CBn allowed Sarf Larndners on 'ere!

[dee-bee-five]

Daniel Craig sounds exactly the same in real life as he does in the Bond film and his previous work (and on stage).

The idea that one's accent is typically Northern if one comes from Chester is inaccurate, IMHO. I know that part of the world quite well. Chester is near Liverpool but the accent is not Scouse but much, much more the Received Pronunciation English of the South East.

The commentary on the Layer Cake DVD makes specific note of Daniel's accent not being distinguishable.

I don't know what evidence (apart from anecdotally that he comes from an assumption because he comes from the geographical North of England) we have that Craig's accent for Bond is put on.

Exactly. Daniel Craig is not from Manchester or Liverpool; he's from Chester.

On a slight tangent, the exchange between Cassandra Harris and Roger Moore in FYEO has always amused me. When her accent slips along with her nightie, Bond asks her if she's from Manchester to which she replies "Close - Liverpool." Unfortunately, to me, it's always sounded as though Ms. Harris is putting on a Mancunian accent, not a Scouse one, which renders the scene rather risible.

Edited by dee-bee-five, 19 April 2007 - 08:13 PM.

[DaveBond21]

Thanks for all the contributions. This has turned into an interesting discussion not just about Daniel but also accents in general.

I watched CR again last night. Certainly Judi Dench shows her Northern roots with her pronunciation - "Bahstards".

And I hear Craig's original accent in his delivery "Thanks, I will" at the hotel reception, and also when he says "worry" when talking with M at her home.

[ACE]

I thought he did use his normal voice for the role.

Nope. He has a Cheshire accent, similar to Lancashire. For the part, he adopted a posh English accent, what the Americans wrongly call a "British accent".

Not much like his real voice, sadly.

On what did you base this, DaveBond21?
How do you know he has a Cheshire accent?
What is a Cheshire accent?
(Daniel's from Chester where they sound as if they're from London)
Just interested about your sources.

[Jim]

What is a Cheshire accent?

Not sure, but I suspect one has to say either "Mercedes" or "Bentley" as every third word.

[ACE]

What is a Cheshire accent?

Not sure, but I suspect one has to say either "Mercedes" or "Bentley" as every third word.

LOL!

[David Schofield]

I certainly agree Craig is using his own, natural voice now.

But a hunch suggests that at some time or other Craig probably did have a Scouse accent: he grew up in the 80s Liverpool of Militant, Derek Hatton, and Co, and got involved in the acting world of Pete Postlethwait, Julie Walters, Alan Bleasdale, Ricky Tomlinson, etc.

Not sure a nice Chester accent would have gone down too well in those circles.

[ACE]

I certainly agree Craig is using his own, natural voice now.

But a hunch suggests that at some time or other Craig probably did have a Scouse accent: he grew up in the 80s Liverpool of Militant, Derek Hatton, and Co, and got involved in the acting world of Pete Postlethwait, Julie Walters, Alan Bleasdale, Ricky Tomlinson, etc.

Not sure a nice Chester accent would have gone down too well in those circles.

Aye, comrades!

Soft suth'n shandy drinkin' e!
Next yurl be seein' blurks havin' thor nairls dun in nairl bars!

Mind you, his middle-class upbringing in the stockbroker belt of Chester would have meant two accents probb-ly: Mock Scouse and Posh House.

[commanderblond]

If you want an example of how badly Hollywood understands the myriad number of differnt British accents, in one episode of Friaser, Daphne's brother came to stay. He was played by an American actor, who played the role in full-blown Dick Van-Dyke in Mary Poppins-style Cockney. Yet, was supposed to be from Manchester as well.

Just to cloud the issue, he was played by Anthony LaPaglia. Who's originally from Australia.

Make it stop!

Oh no, there's more...

John Mahoney, who played Frasier's Dad, was actually born in Manchester, believe it or not.

God, it gets worse...

One of my favourite bad British accents movies is Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves. You've got Lord Locksley, as played by Brian Blessed (HellOOOO!), whose two sons both sound remarkably trans-atlantic. Well, Robin does. Will Scarlett sounds like Christian Slater doing a poor impersonation of cockney rhyming slang - an accent he'd later use to brilliant affect in the first Austin Powers movie.

While amusing, this oft-repeated accusation levelled at Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves is most unfair. The truth is, the variety of accents heard from the English cast members in the movie are no more authentic to how people would have spoken at that time than the American ones.

That is rather the point I was making. There are several characters in the film played by British actors who had accents which were just as much out of place for the area and time the film was set in, as anything Keving Costner could muster. I wasn't singling out the American or Canadian actors, as you'll see further down my original post.

I do apologise, I missed that entirely. Maybe you wrote it in an accent I didn't recognise...?

No need, but appreciated all the same. It is entirely possible my accent thre you. My folks are both Geordies, I was born in Southampton and brought up on a tiny island between the North Sea and the Atlantic, so it's a confused mish-mash of all sorts of things. No wonder I'm so confused...

Incidentaly, my old man was a member of the National Theatre in his younger days. One of his contemporaries was a certain Mr. T. Dalton. I'll have to find out if he sounded Welsh back then, or more or less as he is now.

[supernova]

NO, NO, NO... where you got that idea from i don't know. Daniel Craig is from Cheshire- HOWEVER he has always had a slightly posh accent whith only hints to his northern roots.

. . . .

And as for your claim that he's the first one since Lazenby what about Brosnan!!! He was constantly masking his Irish twang in every of his performances.

Yes and it certainly seemed like Connery did some heavy duty Scottish twanging throughout his Bond tenure. As for Craig - he has a silky, smoky voice - in fact my favourite Bond voice. And if Craig did put on an accent, (which I don't believe he did) why the horror and astonishment - after all he is an actor! Pity Connery couldn't have done a better job at putting on the 'right' accent when he was playing Bond!

[col_007]

I thought he did use his normal voice for the role.

Nope. He has a Cheshire accent, similar to Lancashire. For the part, he adopted a posh English accent, what the Americans wrongly call a "British accent".

Not much like his real voice, sadly.

bollocks mate sorry but a lancashire accent is usually very strong and his accent is posh anyway nothin like a lancashire accent

Edited by col_007, 20 April 2007 - 07:40 PM.

[col_007]

Dave, didn't you say that a Cheshire dialect is akin to Daphne's on Frasier? Or Nick the hair guy on What Not To Wear (American)? If that's indeed the case, I can totally understand his adoption of a more posh, received pronunciation. (No disrespect to Cheshirians!)

Not familiar with Nick but Cheshire is not like Daphne (whose accent was a nice try but not great by any stretch), who's supposed to be from the Manchester area. Jane Leeves is from Ilford in Essex, an accent about a million miles from the average 'Northern' accent.

Many americans are surprised by the amount of accents in the UK, I find, particularly by how close - geographically - they are. Manchester's not all that far from Liverpool, but there's a very distinct difference. As for dialect, there are so many variations throughout regions, never mind the entire UK.

i dont live far from liverpool and manchester and accents are completey different from theres