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Glorified Lifetime movie with laughable accents

posted 3 years ago by MaximRecoil (4044)
33 replies | jump to latest

The fake Maine accents were utterly ridiculous, and like fingernails on a chalkboard. It was as bad as an episode of Murder, She Wrote.

No actor has ever believably faked a Maine accent, not once, not ever, so why do directors even have them try? Not everyone from Maine even has a Maine accent; about half have a neutral American accent that sounds like it could be from most anywhere in the US, which means there's no need to try to fake a Maine accent in the first place, because neutral American accents are perfectly valid for a movie set in Maine. Listen to e.g., Anna Kendrick or Rachel Nichols talk sometime. They don't have a Maine accent. I don't have one either, and neither does my older brother or younger sister. My mother and older sister both have Maine accents, as did my late father.

If a director wants Maine accents in a movie, why not just hire some Mainers to say a few lines? Hire ones who naturally have a Maine accent of course, because Mainers who don't can't fake a Maine accent any better than flatlanders like Kathy Bates, Tom Bosley, etc., can.

[–] Drooch (5333) 2 years ago

It would be crap and boring to use bland American accents when your film is set on a remote Maine island in a story which took place nearly 30 years ago and spanned several decades prior, when accents were even stronger.

I enjoy the accents as much as I enjoy the gloomy, cold, wet atmosphere of the island. Stand down.

[–] MaximRecoil (4044) 2 years ago

"It would be crap and boring to use bland American accents when your film is set on a remote Maine island in a story which took place nearly 30 years ago and spanned several decades prior"

You're imagining something that doesn't reflect reality. Plenty of people who live on Maine islands, such as Vinalhaven, Deer Isle / Stonington, Mount Desert Island, etc., have neutral American accents.

"when accents were even stronger."

Maine accents weren't any different in 1995 than they are now. I said the same thing about this movie when it was new, and I said the same thing about Murder, She Wrote in the mid 1980s when it was a new show, and about certain other Stephen King movies or mini-series when they were new, such as Storm of the Century (1999). Most people I knew in 1995 are still alive, and their Maine accent (or lack thereof) is no different than it's ever been.

"I enjoy the accents as much as I enjoy the gloomy, cold, wet atmosphere of the island. Stand down."

That's because you don't know any better. But making movies for the lowest common denominator (which, in this case, means people who aren't familiar with Maine accents nor their degree of prevalence in Maine), isn't something to be proud of.

[–] Drooch (5333) 2 years ago

Assuming what you’re asserting is even true, I don’t care. The film is set in Maine, in the past, there is a Maine accent, it’s to the film’s benefit that they incorporated it.

[–] MaximRecoil (4044) 2 years ago

"The film is set in Maine, in the past, there is a Maine accent"

There is no Maine accent to be found anywhere in this movie, as I've already pointed out.

[–] Drooch (5333) 2 years ago

You misunderstand. I said ‘there is a Maine accent’, as in - a Maine accent exists. For that reason, and the others I mentioned, it made sense that the actors attempt a Maine accent rather than use their own.

It also helped to distinguish the provincial characters from Selina, who had shed her accent in the city.

[–] jacotodd47 (964) 2 years ago

Just to chime in here - I grew up in Connecticut. The accents in the film are exactly correct. If anything, the Maine accents were underdone a bit. And yes, Selina had been in the city (New York if I remember correctly) for years, therefore she had lost her "Maine Accent". To be even more appropriate with Selina, they could have had her talking a million miles an hour - cuz that's how people from NY talk.

[–] MaximRecoil (4044) 2 years ago

"Just to chime in here - I grew up in Connecticut."

What does that have to do with anything?

"The accents in the film are exactly correct."

I was born in Maine and have lived here my whole life (nearly 50 years), and the accents were blatantly fake.

"If anything, the Maine accents were underdone a bit."

It's not a question of to what degree the accents were "done;" they were simply wrong. There's a lot more to a real Maine accent than R-dropping.

Lots of people can convincingly fake a neutral American accent; there are even people from e.g., the UK and Australia who can do it. A Maine accent on the other hand; I've yet to hear a single actor in any TV show or movie fake it right, or even close to right.

[–] jacotodd47 (964) 2 years ago

Ok, if in fact you did live in Maine for nearly 50 years, then I cant argue with you. WHat I can tell you is I have visited Maine, Vermont, and particularly New Hampshire dozens of times. The way Dolores talked in "Dolores Claiborne" is exactly how I remember people from that area talking. Just like I said they could have sped up her daughter if she was in New York City because I remember people from New York City talking a million miles an hour. Now, on the other hand, I didn't live in Maine, I never have - I simply visited. We should also add I left the area almost 25 years ago. So, maybe I am a bit off. I was only going by what I remember.

[–] MaximRecoil (4044) 2 years ago

"Ok, if in fact you did live in Maine for nearly 50 years"

I still live here. I've never lived anywhere else.

"WHat I can tell you is I have visited Maine, Vermont, and particularly New Hampshire dozens of times."

There are probably some people in New Hampshire with the same type of accent as some Mainers have, but from what little I know of Vermont, they have their own distinct accent. When I was in sixth grade we got a new student named Kyle who had just moved here from Vermont, and his accent was very noticeable. For example, he pronounced "Vermont" sort of like "Vermahnt."

"Just like I said they could have sped up her daughter if she was in New York City because I remember people from New York City talking a million miles an hour."

I can't tell a real from fake NYC accent anyway; I haven't heard a real one enough in real life. My older brother had a friend/co-worker in the early 1990s (they were both living in Connecticut at the time; Hartford area) who had an accent that I recognized as a NYC accent; I asked him if he was from Brooklyn, and he said, "No, the Bronx." It sounded the same to me as NYC accents I'd heard on TV and in movies, and I assume many, if not most, of those are fake.

[–] jacotodd47 (964) 2 years ago

Yeah, Hampton Beach in New Hampshire - Ive been there at least 25 times. In Maine, the big thing was Kennebunkport. Beautiful areas of the country.

Anyway, in the film, the daughter, as I remember has no accent. She did lose any kind of "Maine Accent". SHe doesn't talk like her Mother. The New York accent, well, just watch some native New York stars on You Tube. Larry David comes to mind. Actually, with different boroughs the accent changes a bit. Its there though. Combine that with talking a million miles an hour - and there you go - you are in New York City.

[–] MaximRecoil (4044) 2 years ago

"For that reason, and the others I mentioned, it made sense that the actors attempt a Maine accent rather than use their own."

No, it never makes sense to include something in a movie which lacks verisimilitude. It disrupts the audience's willing suspension of disbelief, i.e., it takes them "out of the movie." When I hear characters in a movie who are supposedly native Mainers, sporting a blatantly fake Maine accent, it screams "These are flatlanders playing make pretend."

The reason why things like plot holes, continuity errors, anachronisms, visible crew / production equipment, bad acting, etc., should be avoided when making a movie is because a work of fiction is more enjoyable when you're immersed in it, and blatant errors pull you out of that immersion.

As I said before, a neutral American accent is perfectly valid for Maine or any other US state, therefore it trumps an error (obviously fake accent), regardless of you personally being oblivious to the error.

[–] Drooch (5333) 2 years ago

No, you’re wrong. It was appropriate to use a Maine accent for the reasons I stated, and you’re the only person complaining about this (jacotodd47 above describes the accents as ‘exactly correct’). It would be nonsensical to abort the accent of the region for the sake of one ignorant internet maggot.

[–] MaximRecoil (4044) 2 years ago

"jacotodd47 above describes the accents as ‘exactly correct’"

He's from Connecticut, not Maine, and LOL at "exactly correct." I was born in Maine and have lived here my whole life (nearly 50 years); the accents in this movie were blatantly fake.

"It would be nonsensical to abort the accent of the region"

No one in the movie spoke with the accent of the region, dumbass, so they did in fact "abort the accent of the region." The accents used in this movie weren't from any other region on Earth either, for that matter. On top of that, characters in Maine using neutral American accents would not be a case of "abort[ing] the accent of the region," since a neutral American accent is one of the accents of the region in reality.

"for the sake of one ignorant internet maggot."

Comical Irony Alert

In any case, your entire post is a non sequitur, which means it can legitimately be dismissed out of hand. And since you didn't address, let alone refute, anything I said, your tacit concession on the whole matter is noted.

[–] Drooch (5333) 2 years ago

You're just regurgitating the same well-refuted points, all you have left is ego noise. Nobody but you, a lone internet maggot, has any issue with the accents in this excellent Stephen King adaptation. So here’s what we’ll do…

If anyone reading this thinks that MaximRecoil has made a remotely valid point that you think I haven’t already addressed then quote it, explain why, and I’ll be happy to address it.

This invitation doesn’t extend to you, MaximRecoil, and any further responses to me in this thread from you will be taken as an admission of defeat and an apology for wasting everyone’s time with tedious ego noise after you were debunked.

I look forward to your apology…

[–] MaximRecoil (4044) 2 years ago

Your entire post is yet another non sequitur (which includes a more specific fallacy, i.e., a particularly laughable appeal to popularity, considering it's not even a substantiated appeal to popularity, which makes it ridiculous in two different ways); consider it dismissed out of hand. And since you're still fresh out of arguments, your tacit concession on the whole matter remains noted.

[–] Drooch (5333) 2 years ago

Apology accepted.

[–] Callahan7 (894) 2 years ago

"Apology accepted."

What apology?

"I look forward to your apology…"

Did he apologize?

If so, I didn't see it.

If not, well that is just too bad. Oh well.

[–] Drooch (5333) 2 years ago

Read this post: https://moviechat.org/tt0109642/Dolores-Claiborne/5fa13c00e8605161cc7f1fcb/Glorified-Lifetime-movie-with-laughable-accents?reply=6328c5de3f21695b42236ae2

[–] MaximRecoil (4044) 2 years ago

Your non sequitur is dismissed and your tacit concession remains noted.

[–] Drooch (5333) 2 years ago

Apology accepted.

[–] MaximRecoil (4044) 2 years ago

Your non sequitur is dismissed and your tacit concession remains noted.

[–] Drooch (5333) 2 years ago

Apology accepted.

Hey, let’s hope at least one person finds something valid in your absurd ‘opinion’. No luck so far, but it’s early days…

[–] MaximRecoil (4044) 2 years ago

Your non sequitur is dismissed and your tacit concession remains noted.

[–] Drooch (5333) 2 years ago

Apology accepted.

Hey, let’s hope at least one person finds something valid in your absurd ‘opinion’. No luck so far, but it’s early days…

[–] MaximRecoil (4044) 2 years ago

Your non sequitur is dismissed and your tacit concession remains noted.

Also, since you lost this argument (tacit concession due to lack of arguments) several posts ago, and established that you're nothing but a shit-poster, I'm not going to let you clutter up my notifications page with pure foolishness anymore, i.e., you're now on ignore.

[–] Drooch (5333) 2 years ago

Apology accepted. You don’t need to keep apologising, but I’m pleased you have the courage to do so after your public humiliation here.

Hey, let’s hope at least one person finds something valid in your absurd ‘opinion’. No luck so far, but it’s early days…

[–] Oldmoviesrock (1) a year ago

Hi - entering the chat late. Agree with you -I have not lived in Maine. However, my very best friend growing up had a mother that was from Maine. In the mid 1970s she was in her 40s. So born in the 30s. It was very strong , not Neutral- very very noticeable in CO. do think accents are disappearing - in particular regional /local. I think it’s totally appropriate for the 2 parents and other who are older to have the accent, while Selena has less and eventually loses hers. I think it adds to the film and for that time period and remoteness would’ve been unrealistic not to have it. That’s the point , right - post-Twain? I’m assuming SKing knows what the dialect sounds like 😉

[–] pjl69 (2425) 2 years ago

Fortunately I ain't accent police, so possible shortcomings on that department won't get in my way of enjoyment of this movie, which is one of the best Stephen King adaptations.

[–] jcnyclv (1382) 2 years ago

Agree 100%. It's one of my favorite movies ever!

[–] samoanjoes (50740) 2 years ago

I have consulted with the "Elders of Truth" and they have informed me that you are wrong and the topic is not up for debate.

[–] Miyagido (2944) 2 years ago

I'll take your word for it on the authenticity of the accents. I can see why that could tarnish a local's enjoyment of the movie. I didn't notice the accents were off so it wasn't an issue for me personally, I still enjoyed the movie. It's one of King's better stories imo.

[–] Callahan7 (894) 2 years ago

Interesting thread.

"They don't have a Maine accent. I don't have one either, and neither does my older brother or younger sister. My mother and older sister both have Maine accents, as did my late father."

Are your parents from rural Maine? Was your older sister raised in rural Maine? Did you grow up in Portland? Do most in Portland have a Maine accent?

Who in Maine has the accent and who does not?

I spent part of a summer in Lake Sebago a long time ago. My uncle owned a cabin. The locals had the accent as I recall.

Going from memory I think David Strathairn attempted the accent. Not sure. Maybe it is an accent that is hard to mimic as an actor.

The book was better than the movie. Jennifer Jason Leigh's character was over the top and unlikable. They changed the ending too. A very good book, a fairly good movie. Like Cujo.

[–] MaximRecoil (4044) 2 years ago

"Are your parents from rural Maine? Was your older sister raised in rural Maine?"

My parents were both from small towns in central Maine, which I guess would be considered rural; certainly more rural than urban. All of us kids, which includes my older sister, were raised together in the same house in a small town in central Maine.

"Did you grow up in Portland?"

No. I don't consider Portland / much of southern Maine in general, to be particularly representative of Maine, since it has so many transplants from Massachusetts. I think of it as "Massachusetts Lite."

"Do most in Portland have a Maine accent?"

Less people tend to have a Maine accent in "cities" like Portland and Bangor.

"Who in Maine has the accent and who does not?"

It's mostly random as far as I can tell. The only trend I've ever noticed is the one I mentioned above regarding "cities" (I use the term "cities" loosely because even Maine's biggest one, Portland, only has sixty-someodd thousand people).

I have a friend with a thick Maine accent, and his wife, even though she's country as a bale of hay, and is also a native Mainer, doesn't have a Maine accent at all. A few months ago I heard them talking and he said the word "torque." She "corrected" him by saying, "torque" with a normal pronunciation. He said, "That's what I said." She said, "No, you said, 'talk.'"

"I spent part of a summer in Lake Sebago a long time ago."

I did too, when I was a kid in 1982:

https://www.campsebago.org/