Dialogue in Films

**Troll** · 6 August 2007, 07:20

No ... so must be you are going deaf

**Lockhouse** · 6 August 2007, 07:24

Eh, speak up at the back!

**TheFaQQer** · 6 August 2007, 10:38

Yes. I have to get things on DVD now so that I can put subtitles on so that I don't miss anything the Americans mumble through - West Wing was a classic example.

I had to rewind Heroes a number of times last week to catch what the FBI people where mumbling about.

**_V_** · 6 August 2007, 13:10

I like the way the sound engineer records the important dialogue next to a jet engine, music system or wailing police siren. Quality control? Who cares, your gonna rent the DVD anyway.

**Burdock** · 6 August 2007, 13:12

what was Marlon Brandon going on about in Apocalypse Now? Couldn't understand a word of it. Mind you, I bet Martin Sheen couldn't either.

**richard-af** · 6 August 2007, 13:23

I was thinking about unintelligibility of films, and remembered, with a shudder, that I once rented "Gerry", starring Matt Damon.

Anyone EVER watched it all? And what the bleep was it all about?

I just saw this: http://www.popmatters.com/film/reviews/g/gerry.shtml

And doubt that the poncey reviewer watched it all either.

**VectraMan** · 6 August 2007, 13:28

I agree - I often find myself rewinding things to hear again, The West Wing being a good example.

Then again, my ears do fill up with wax every year or so, so maybe it's me. Pardon?

**King Cnvt** · 6 August 2007, 13:52

It's all this surround sound Dolby DTS 3d nonesense.

I can hear the everything in immense detail except WTF the main characters are saying to each other.

**Euro-commuter** · 6 August 2007, 13:55

Originally posted by Lockhouse

Reading the M*A*S*H* thread made me remember something that's been bothering me for some time; a lot of the modern American films now, I can only determine around 70% percent of the dialogue. The rest of the time it all appears to be mumbled. I don't have this problem with older films so it's not because I'm senile and/or deaf. Has anyone else noticed this?

Andy

'Yes, actors seem to deliver lines in a breathy whisper.

Dialogue in Films