MovieChat Forums > Gangster Story Discussion > Every Line is Dubbed...

Every Line is Dubbed...

posted 15 years ago by ElRaisuli
4 replies | jump to latest

Although there are many technical problems with "Gangster Story" owing to its obviously low budget - the single most glaring is the soundtrack.

Every line of dialog has been dubbed in post-production, and sometimes - as in the case of Vic Tayback - not by the original actor.

The relative accuracy of the dubbing suggests that the original dialog was recorded but that it was either of very poor quality or (more likely) it was not shot with a synced recorder or a blimped camera. What was recorded was apparently later used as a reference track for dubbing.

More than anything else, this contributes to the ultra low budget feel of "Gangster Story." There is no natural room "presence" or echo in any of the voice recordings, so they all sound just a bit creepy.

Compare this to "Plan 9 From Outer Space," which actually did have (mostly) synchronized on set recording. "Plan 9" was also largely shot on real soundstages, whereas "Gangster Story" is shot entirely on practical locations like people's living rooms. The difficulty of doing so is revealed by the limited and flat camera angles.

I hate to say it but, this all makes "Gangster Story" actually technically inferior to "Plan 9" in some respects.

[–] gribfritz2 13 years ago

The dubbing actually makes it incredibly difficult to watch. I found myself staring at everyone's mouths in disbelief instead of paying attention to the story. Very distracting.

[–] nastypuppy 12 years ago

i just think it looks more "real">>>>> i dont know the technical term but its like a reality show where they leave in all the bloopers or a documentary with the bad lighting,etc. good story. i found this movie in the $1 bin at walmart about 8 yrs ago. not slick at all like good fellas or other more recent gangster films. but i like it cause it has a naturalness + edge if that makes sense. i'm sure someone knows what i'm tying to say.

[–] ElRaisuli 11 years ago

I think the term you are looking for is "cinéma vérité," a type of filmmaking which mimics the handheld camera work used in some documentaries. That visual cue can give you the impression that you are seeing something that is "real."

Unfortunately, I don't think that was the plan with "Gangster Story." It just happens to look so cheap and sound so bad that you wind up trying to convince yourself that it's a stylistic choice intended to convey authenticity.

[–] kino66 9 years ago

More than anything else, this contributes to the ultra low budget feel of "Gangster Story."

Thank you, OP, this made me LOL!! More than ANYTHING else, it was the crappy soundtrack!