The Eastern European accents. Do you like them?
I'm sort of ambiguous towards them. Sometimes I like them, other times they annoy me. Anyone have any strong feelings either way?
shareI remember being suprised when I watched it because I always imagined the Fremen as being Arabic, but I was never really annoyed by them. However I really hated the Guild Ambassador - his voice was just ridiclous, the hat didn't help. For me it was the other accents that annoyed me.
I was fine with Chani and the Reverend Mother's accents; even though the Reverend Mother over acted a bit. However the two accents I do have a problem with are - the Emperor and Paul. The Emperor just wasn't credible as the Ruler of the Universe. Although his sparkly costumes didn't help his accent was almost cringe worthy at times.
The problem I have with Paul's accent only applies to part 1. He is just too petulant, I know this is partly the fault of the script but he just seems like a spoilt brat not a young but mature heir to a Dukedom. (Is that a word?)
Perhaps it's because the actor is from Scotland and he had to affect an American accent and try be petulant, but it just didn't sound right.
On the bright side he did improve over the next two parts and was much better in Children of Dune.
Well, we, of course, have to take it all with a grain of salt since accents would have changed so much over such a period of time, but no, the accents didnt really bother me. If anything, the variety made it all seem more exotic and hetergeneous.
I do agree, though, Void 7, about the Guild Ambassador's incredibly stupid way of talking, and Paul getting much better in the next series. And yes, the Emperor's thick accent was overshadowed by his hideous wardrobe.
Oh, and it's a Duchy not a Dukedom.
Thank you for the clarification on 'Duchy'. What would have been interesting would be giving different groups different accents; if the Fremen had one accent, the Imperial Court had another etc. I know that accents would probably be completely different that far into the future but it might be interesting and illustrate the differences between the groups.
shareI could much easier see that, and it is implied in the book. There is mention of a "Geidi Prime" accent if i recall. It also makes more sense, because even though there was a common language, the people existed on entirely different planets, so I would assume that many regional accents and dialects might occur.
I suppose there are problems with having 'regional' accents. One, it might be difficult to get everyone to have the same accent. The reason they have eastern European accent in this miniseries is because that where it was filmed. And having everyone affect accents might have odd results. The other issue is that it might offend someone; if you look at the Star Wars Board, there’s usually a thread complaining that all the imperials have British accents (I don’t mind and I’m British.)
It would still be interesting though. Any ideas who would have what accent? Since the accents would be completely different by then, any accent could be used.
That is the thing, there would be total liberty to either use derivatives of existing accents or make up something completely new. I wouldnt expect a film to go so far, but you never know. Luc Besson & Milla Jovavich invented a language for the Fifth Element.
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