MovieChat Forums > Longmire (2012) Discussion > Why does Henry speak the way he does?

Why does Henry speak the way he does?

posted 8 years ago by william-520
22 replies | jump to latest

This is one thing that has been driving me crazy - He uses no contractions. instead of "I'm", he says "I am". Instead of "I haven't", he says "I have not".

If he's doing this to sound more "Native America", it's not (or "it is not") really needed. None of the other Native American characters do this. It seems to be only Henry.

It's a minor thing for me, and not driving me away from the show. It just drives me a little crazy every time I hear him talk like that.

[–] !!!deleted!!! (67791493) 8 years ago

My only guess is to sound "Indian." Or he's on the autistic continuum? Or didn't stick around in school? Or to set him apart from all the smart-alec types, that often make me laugh out loud? Great dry wit in this show.

GFW

[–] beyondthesudz56 8 years ago

Why not, not everyone needs to say don't, won't, can't, and the like, and by the way, what does won't stand for anyway.

[–] sasarandos 8 years ago

't ' '

[–] yukonracer 8 years ago

"Won't" stands for "will not".

[–] chicago85 8 years ago

I remember Kim Darby talked about making True Grit with John Wayne. She said the director rode her all the time if she used a contraction. To the point of making her shoot scenes again. I think it had to do with the character being stiff and uncompromising.

I don't know everything. Neither does anyone else

[–] koko-10 8 years ago

Data on Star Trek: Next Generation also never used contractions because that was how he was programmed. As I recall, in one episode his mates either knew something was wrong with him or that he was a Data imposter because he started using contractions.

Looks like I picked the wrong week to quit sniffing glue.

[–] wolfbynyt 8 years ago

Spiner did actually slip up and use them occasionally. Somehow they got past the editing room.

He who makes a beast of himself gets rid of the pain of being a man.

[–] driftwood35 8 years ago

It's the way his character speaks in the books. They are just being true to that. (See what I did there?)

[–] paulasmith-29658 8 years ago

Wondering same thig. Have not read the book but glad for explanation.

[–] cgauer 8 years ago

I do not use too many contractions when talking, because some people I am around are hearing impaired and miss some of the subtleties when contractions are used. I do not know if this has anything or nothing to do with the show.

[–] willsons-2 8 years ago

It is his thing.

We all have a "thing" whether we know it or not. That is his.

I like it.

It has nothing to do with his race. Not everything has to do with race...

"I care about the law. It's justice I don't give a toss about." Cleaver Greene

[–] 8 years ago

[deleted]

[–] glorious_alien 8 years ago

I absolutely love the way Henry speaks. It is so dignified!

His whole character is brimming with quiet, yet intense masculinity. When I hear him speak, I feel my heart go "Boom!"

[–] urthpainter 8 years ago

never occurred to me that Lieutenant Commander Data spoke like a native american - but to your point in 7 years of amazing acting Brent Spiner made talking without contractions very smooth, almost unnoticeable

[–] Ms_Q 8 years ago

No, it is not to make him sound more Native American. As you say, none of the other Native American characters speak that way, so such a conclusion is hardly warranted.

It is to convey a sense of dignity and of a man who thinks carefully before he speaks, who gives every word its due weight.

[–] abbadon-hades 8 years ago

I completely agree with your point. I have loved Lou Diamond Phillips acting since I first saw him in "Young Guns". In Longmire it's his restrained manner that gives "Henry" the extra dimension. The script and Phillips efforts makes it a fully formed and believable character.

Maybe poker's just not your game Ike. I know, let's have a spelling contest.
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