MovieChat Forums > The Story of Film: An Odyssey (2011) Discussion > Why did he narrate himself?

Why did he narrate himself?

posted 12 years ago by bsalar2004
32 replies | jump to latest

Mark Cousins is a bit of an oddball and always has been (see his 10 films that "changed the world" list from a year back) very adamant about movies he likes and doesn't like. I was really looking forward to this doc as I'm a huge fan of film history and appreciation. But my god, after going through the first hour of this thing, with his accent and the annoying way he ends each and every sentence by prolonging the last letter of his words, I had to turn it off. Also, we dont need your personal opinion and gossipy tidbits about the productions of movies. He should have taken a page out of Scorsese's Personal Journey doc, where he's able to relate a bit of his own personal history while allowing the films he talks about breathe and stand on their own. Also, NEVER narrate anything again old chap, you don't have the voice for it.

[–] Cheezwiz70 11 years ago

Oh my God.

I was so excited to start watching this series on Turner Classic Movies. I am fascinated by Film History, and the material in this program sounds outstanding.

Unfortunately I am a mere 20 minutes in to the first episode, and I am going to have to turn it off. I don't think I can take it anymore - I am literally about to rip my hair out.

The narration is so awful that I cannot adjust. Normally I find Irish accents very pleasant to listen to, but his narration style manages the incredible feat of being monotonous and aggravating at the same time. Each sentence ends in an uptick in tone making them sound like questions rather than statements.

He absolutely should have had someone else narrate the material - clearly a big ego got the best of him.

What a disappointment - there is a wealth of interesting material I had hoped to watch. Maybe I'll invest in the book instead.

[–] xdayton 11 years ago

Forcing myself to watch (or, rather, watching, but forcing myself to not kick in the TV set). His delivery is making my blood pressure rise as surely as the intonation of his every sentence.

Or should i say, "his every sentence?"

[–] buchan1965 11 years ago

> Or should i say, "his every sentence?"

ONLY if you mumble it in a half-whisper.

Seriously -- my mom, who at 78 has to crank up the volume to 8 on every channel, had the volume up all the way (to 11!) and still couldn't understand a word this guy said. What a waste...

Check out James Mason's wonderful narration of "Hollywood: A Celebration of the American Silent Film" on YouTube, if you really want to see something that will make you want to kick in your TV screen while trying to stomach ol' 'mumbles' Cousins' "narration."

______________________________

Adversity does not build character. It *reveals* it.

[–] OnlyRocknRoll 11 years ago

I agree with so many of the commentors. This would have been very interesting, but I couldn't stand listening to him so I shut it off.

Ego often gets in the way of the presentation of every form of art. But the question is: who are you presenting this to and do you want them to watch/listen/enjoy it or not?

Oliver Stone was recently criticized for narrating his "Untold History of the U.S." Similar reason--vocal idiosyncrasies that detracted/distracted.

_______________________________________
"ARE YOU NOT ENTERTAINED??!!"

Maximus Decimus Meridius

[–] SamuelLJedi 11 years ago

I'm trying my hardest to get through this narration without killing something.

[–] 11 years ago

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[–] SamuelLJedi 10 years ago

*beep* Jude Law would have been the better voice.

[–] parisel 10 years ago

You seem to be one of those louts whose biggest joy is putting down Americans. We, on the other hand, don't give people like you a thought.

But a bit of advice, if you're going to be make fun of others, you should make certain everything you say is correct. You didn't. Now go figure out where you were wrong, and try not to be so obnoxious.

I guess it's like looking at clouds. You see one thing and I see another. Peace.

[–] 10 years ago

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