Opinions on the voice actors?

[Hickory]

I agree Sheogorath's accent did indeed waver, which was a shame...but the lines were so priceless I can overlook it.

 

Sheogorath (or should I say Wes Johnson) sounds nothing like any Scot that I have ever heard, and I lived there for years. Americans doing Scottish (or English) accents hardly ever sound genuine to atuned ears. They should have got a bona fide Scotsman.

[nenina]

In other words, this a case where 'no true Scotsman' can be used. Maybe they thought Americans weren't ready for a Scottish actor, because it would sound too Scottish. Did you know that Jackie Chan had an operation to fix his epithantic eyefolds, presumably to make his eyes look easier to welcome to westerners?

[Hickory]

In other words, this a case where 'no true Scotsman' can be used. Maybe they thought Americans weren't ready for a Scottish actor, because it would sound too Scottish.

 

That is just laughable, not to mention racist -- the world does not begin and end in America. Not all Scots accents are the same, and many are far more likely to be understood, even by Americans, than the majority of feeble 'attempts' at fake accents. I have to ask: what does 'too Scottish' sound like, precisely?

[nenina]

The world, indeed, does not begin and end with America, but that doesn't mean that most Americans don't think it. Trust me, I live in California and have been to New York and various parts of the midwest. 'Too Scottish' would be genuinely Scottish, and not the 'merican-ified stuff that they like.

[Brittainy]

I must add to my list Terrence Stamp's performance as Mankar Camoran. I actually think that would top my 'best' list.

 

As to real vs fake accents: I'll take real accents any day of the week. But, I do confess, the only reason I would ever be able to distinguish real from fake is because I can't understand a single word of a genuine Scottish accent. :happy:

 

Point of fact, the same holds true for just about any accent...I have a dreadful ear, even with English, when it comes to understanding anyone. 50% of what people say sounds like gibberish to me. (Though sometimes I question whether that's because my hearing is 50% f***ed, or because people talk s*** 50% of the time. ;D )

Edited March 15, 2013 by Brittainy

[Hickory]

As to real vs fake accents: I'll take real accents any day of the week. But, I do confess, the only reason I would ever be able to distinguish real from fake is because I can't understand a single word of a genuine Scottish accent. :happy:

 

I think it's time for a sample of Scottish accents from a *real* Scot -- he is speaking in the various accents from the areas he is relating. Do note, though, that his genuine 'Andy Stewart' voice is quite understandable.

 

Andy Stewart - The Rumour

 

:biggrin:

[AnArcticAnt]

I agree that "too Scottish" is a rather narrow-minded thing to say, but I think it was at least trying to go for something less bigoted and more factual; a lot of accents can be difficult to understand - something I'm sure you can agree with, Hickory.

 

Ans here's the thing: Sheogorath is in all likelihood meant to be a humourous character, and the fake, pseudo-Scottish sounding voice is probably at least as good a fit for a joke as any true Scottish voice actor...I have no doubt that Bethesda were probably being cheap by reusing Wes Johnston, which doesn't necessarily justify anything but at least explains it. Not to mention, while it's quite possible that using a real Scottish person would have been better, I'd say it's pretty clear that a large part of the market wouldn't even realise the difference if you didn't tell them...or, Bethesda themselves didn't realise since no one told them. :P

[Hickory]

I agree that "too Scottish" is a rather narrow-minded thing to say, but I think it was at least trying to go for something less bigoted and more factual; a lot of accents can be difficult to understand - something I'm sure you can agree with, Hickory.

Oh, absolutely. I have difficulty understanding many English accents, let alone Scottish, or those from abroad. However, that really wasn't my point.

Ans here's the thing: Sheogorath is in all likelihood meant to be a humourous character, and the fake, pseudo-Scottish sounding voice is probably at least as good a fit for a joke as any true Scottish voice actor...I have no doubt that Bethesda were probably being cheap by reusing Wes Johnston, which doesn't necessarily justify anything but at least explains it. Not to mention, while it's quite possible that using a real Scottish person would have been better, I'd say it's pretty clear that a large part of the market wouldn't even realise the difference if you didn't tell them...or, Bethesda themselves didn't realise since no one told them. :P

Where does a joke become a laughing stock, though? Even some of the very top actors have got it terribly wrong when it comes to accents. Let's have a look at some of the worst Scottish accents in cinema:

 

Christopher Lambert (Highlander) -- probably the worst Scottish accent of all time.

Mel Gibson (Braveheart) -- just listen to the Aussie/American/Scotish accents all in the same sentences.

Mike Myers (Shrek, Austin Powers) -- normally does a great Scottish accent, but not here.

Sir Michael Caine (Kidnapped) -- Just... Ugh! And he's English!

Robin Williams (Mrs Doubtfire) -- even the film makers said it (his accent) was odd!

 

There are undoubtedly many more examples. So, even hiring the best does not cut it (if they're not native) when it comes to accents. But having said that, I am not naive, and I do understand why they do it. But I don't have to like it. :armscrossed:

[AnArcticAnt]

Oh, I fully realise you're not naive ;-) I can definitely see why not everyone would appreciate it, I think I just have a low threshold for quality because I've learned that if you have a choice, to some degree, liking it is easier, which is why my opinion on a lot of things is "it sucks because of so and so, but in the end I like it because I can". It's an attitude that makes you pretty tolerant...makes you easy to please, too.

 

Then again, I did originally state that I'd prefer a proper Scot, so I guess I'm talking out of my rear end with a confused opinion that's neither here nor there, because I agree with pretty much everyone, smiling broadly as I realise what an idiot I sound like. :D

[Syntextoxy]

Hmmm personaly I never did give much tought to Skyrim on this topic, but I do know I simply adore Owyn's voice and dialouges in Oblivion ^_^