This also REALLY annoys me with Hollywood movies/tv shows. Even the most dirt poor trailertrash guy/gal looks like a model, ... we've come to a point where even the most mediocre TV show has models instead of proper actors. It's insane.
Watch BBC productions, where actors still look like people.
The BBC has made some really great productions over the past 15 years or so like the HBO series "ROME" but unfortunately they don't have quite the budget to make epic-scale stuff unless they partner up with companies in other countries as was the case with both Rome and His Dark Materials. Outside of that the BBC tends to make something about Elizabeth I or a Jane Austen book adaptation for the umpteenth time. As for sci-fi, it would be nice if they would come up with something besides Dr. Who.
Last edited by PanzerMeyer; 06/16/2004:10 PM.
“Whoever fights monsters should see to it that in the process he does not become a monster. And if you gaze long enough into an abyss, the abyss will gaze back into you.”
The BBC are losing customers all the time. Whether it's because they just don't appeal to the youngsters,who don't see the need for a 'TV licence' what with their mobile devices/Netflix etc or because people have had enough of their BS.
If you watch Jaws backwards, it's a heart warming story about a shark that spits out so many people that they have to open a beach.
Not saying that the Beeb is perfect. But the critique was that US productions are too polished (they are), and there was one counter-example I could immediately come up with. Take it for what it's worth.
There was an interesting Beeb podcast on this very subject, each episode discussing how various comedy classics came to be written and successful. The consensus as to transition to being made for US audiences was that the cast were always needed to be glamorous, re-jigged scripts show lack of subtlety, pathos was lost , and the series always went on too long with the eye to revenue and the scripts adapted and written by a committee rather than two geezers in a back room somewhere. Witness such transitional failures such as 'Red Dwarf', 'Inbetweeners', 'Fawlty Towers' and as for overlong and staleness of format, the US version of 'The Office' for example.
I never understood the re-casting of Lister in Red Dwarf for the American version. Our Lister,a complete and utter slob,American Lister,a tall handsome fellow. Different audiences I guess. I watched the first ep of USA Red Dwarf,I'm not gonna lie I thought it was terrible but then again I'm a huge fan of the original.
I didn't know you had your own version of Inbetweeners. I think I'll steer clear.
If you watch Jaws backwards, it's a heart warming story about a shark that spits out so many people that they have to open a beach.
From my experience, the best UK comedies often make historical references that quite frankly won't be picked up on by most Americans. As Chucky said, it is simply the case of different audiences so what works with one audience may not work with another one.
“Whoever fights monsters should see to it that in the process he does not become a monster. And if you gaze long enough into an abyss, the abyss will gaze back into you.”
There was an interesting Beeb podcast on this very subject, each episode discussing how various comedy classics came to be written and successful. The consensus as to transition to being made for US audiences was that the cast were always needed to be glamorous, re-jigged scripts show lack of subtlety, pathos was lost , and the series always went on too long with the eye to revenue and the scripts adapted and written by a committee rather than two geezers in a back room somewhere. Witness such transitional failures such as 'Red Dwarf', 'Inbetweeners', 'Fawlty Towers' and as for overlong and staleness of format, the US version of 'The Office' for example.
Most modern America comedy shows are pretty stupid, save for rare gems such as "Last Man Standing" or "Curb Your Enthusiasm."
Most modern America comedy shows are pretty stupid, save for rare gems such as "Last Man Standing" or "Curb Your Enthusiasm."
Larry David is a genius.
Some US comedy on the premium cable channels and streaming services is pretty good but on network tv? It's utter trash in my opinion.
“Whoever fights monsters should see to it that in the process he does not become a monster. And if you gaze long enough into an abyss, the abyss will gaze back into you.”
From my experience, the best UK comedies often make historical references that quite frankly won't be picked up on by most Americans. As Chucky said, it is simply the case of different audiences so what works with one audience may not work with another one.
This is why Black Adder (especially Season 4) was comedy gold.
Interesting that No Better Place to Die is written and directed by Dale Dye from Band of Brothers. Looking forward to seeing Gary Sinise in a move again.
From my experience, the best UK comedies often make historical references that quite frankly won't be picked up on by most Americans. As Chucky said, it is simply the case of different audiences so what works with one audience may not work with another one.
This is why Black Adder (especially Season 4) was comedy gold.
Black Adder was first and foremost on my mind when I made my previous comment!
“Whoever fights monsters should see to it that in the process he does not become a monster. And if you gaze long enough into an abyss, the abyss will gaze back into you.”
Oh lovely. Untalented American actress with nothing but flops recently to portray a classy British Royalty Princess. Who is the casting director? She can't act worth of crap already and now you are asking her to fake a British accent too?It's like asking her to walk and chew gum at the same time. https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/kristen-stewart-princess-diana-twitter-reactions-191819156.html
Oh lovely. Untalented American actress with nothing but flops recently to portray a classy British Royalty Princess. Who is the casting director? She can't act worth of crap already and now you are asking her to fake a British accent too?It's like asking her to walk and chew gum at the same time. https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/kristen-stewart-princess-diana-twitter-reactions-191819156.html
What happen, Mel? Can't get a real movie role? There was a similar movie couple of years ago stealing ton of money from a bank during a hurricane. That movie stunk. I doubt this one is any better.
I would tend to agree with you NoFlyBoy with the exception of The Professor and the Madman. A film about the dictionary? Sounds boring but it was anything but.
If you watch Jaws backwards, it's a heart warming story about a shark that spits out so many people that they have to open a beach.
What happen, Mel? Can't get a real movie role? There was a similar movie couple of years ago stealing ton of money from a bank during a hurricane. That movie stunk. I doubt this one is any better.
Gibson irrevocably damaged his acting career with that drunken racist tirade of his when he was pulled over by a cop.
“Whoever fights monsters should see to it that in the process he does not become a monster. And if you gaze long enough into an abyss, the abyss will gaze back into you.”
Oh lovely. Untalented American actress with nothing but flops recently to portray a classy British Royalty Princess. Who is the casting director? She can't act worth of crap already and now you are asking her to fake a British accent too?It's like asking her to walk and chew gum at the same time. https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/kristen-stewart-princess-diana-twitter-reactions-191819156.html
It's usually down to us Brits to get enraged about US actors portraying British 'National Treasures'! Lot of outrage about Meryl Streep playing Margaret Thatcher until the film was released and pundits and critics grudgingly conceded she gave an excellent and accurate portrayal of the former Prime Minister. Reece Witherspoon came in for a lot of unwarranted opprobrium playing a Londoner in 'Bridget Jones' diary' for instance. I'm not aware that it works the other way. I've not heard of indignation and disapproval of British actors playing US roles, particularly in 'Band of Brothers' whose main character and many supporting roles were convincingly played by Brits. Often the opposite it seems, praised for their ability, not damned for their foreignness!
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