Mrs. Elton
Posted by Patricia on September 17, 1997 at 21:57:40:
In response to English Accent, written by Caroline on September 12, 1997 at 15:12:10
]
] ] Paltrow ....... token effort in trying to be English amuses me.....(At least the majority of the cast weren't Americans pretending to be English as Paltrow was).
] (snipped)
] ] I believe there is another film adaption of Emma out on video which I'll be interested to see maybe they will create the right atmosphere, period costumes and correct English accents.
] Look, Im not going to accuse anyone of treason - after all, treason is putting one's country in jeopardy, and it doesn't apply in this case. But may I say something and be listened to as a Brit, as a JA fan,and a someone who knows what she is talking about(maybe)?
] Gwyneth Paltrow's accent isn't too bad, if what you want is a standardised, middle-class, twentieth century englishwoman.It didn't grate on me at all. But English accents, like those of any other country vary greatly geographically, and also in time. Shakespeare's accent, which has been reconstructed, is nothing like the ringing tones of Patrick Stewart, or the the gob-ful contortions of Prince Charles. It is almost impossible to say exactly how a middle-class,nineteenth century Surrey woman would have spoken, and it could just be that GP is closer than you think.
] You are of course, free to think what you wish of her interpretation, and of JN's rendition of Mr Knightley.I happen to agree with you on much of the stuff, and I think that the other version of Emma is more accurate in many ways.And the accents are standardised in the tradition of English Period Drama, so I am sure it will be more to your satisfaction.
] ] A loyal subject of the Republic
] ] Maria
]
I'm curious about the accent of the Mrs. Elton character in Emma 3. It sounded almost American or like a bad imitation of an American accent. I would have thought that that was just how the actress spoke but she plays Mrs. Hurst in P&P2 where she does not have this peculiar accent. Did anyone else notice this?
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