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Dennis Franz, the Worst New York Accent Ever?


Overall, DTK was alot of fun, especially to Hitchcock Fan's who have gotten over the "rip off vs homage" issue. However, there is one very, very troubling aspect to the film and that is Dennis Fran's New York accent. The guy CLEARLY has a typical, obnoxious, Da Bearz/Bratz Chicago/Wisconsin accent. What the hell is a New York detective doing with that accent? Although it is an excellent comedic performance (especially his scenes showing frustration with New York pseudointellectuals) it is a PARODY of a New York detective. Think how much better this could have been with ex Harvey Keitel, Jerry Orbach, Peter Falk in the role. Heck, if they wanted a comedic tinge, they could have even cast Stallone or Abe Vigoda.

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Franz' character doesn't have a New York accent -- he has an Illinois accent, not a NY accent. Franz was born in Maywood, Illinois. Most people who live in NYC aren't FROM NYC, and so it's reasonable to assume that although his character lives and works in NY, that's not where he was born.

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Yes, it is quite obvious the man is a Midwesterner. Although the Gentrified, EPCOT version of the New York City of today may be well known to you, I can guarantee as a 3d generation New Yorker that New York's Finest, especially back in the 70s did not have Da Bearz Chicaaaaago accents. As a New Yorker it is a distracting flaw from an otherwise fun, albeit cartoonish performance from Franz.

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