Bellatrix's 'French' accent on the Audio tape/cd

[LWalshETAL at aol.com]

No: HPFGUIDX 97514


In a message dated 04/05/01 22:15:57, HPforGrownups at yahoogroups.com writes:

> So I'm
> intrigued by Jim's choice of accent for Bella, and wonder if he had
> any info from JKR's team.
> 
I know not many people on this list have listened to HP in German,
but one of the things that is a major irritant to me about Rufus
Beck's interpretations of the various characters is his Rita Skeeter
and, to a lesser extent, his Phineus Nigellus.   In general, I like Rufus
Beck a lot.   I think he gets the emotions very well (as does Stephen
Fry).   But Rita Skeeter's broad American accent, with interjected
words in English ('ya know'), drives me crazy.   There is NO indication
that I can see in either the British or American editions of the book
that would indicate that Rita Skeeter is an American.   

The accent he gives to Phineus Nigellus is less offensive, but is
still annoying.   Rufus Beck's Phineus has a speech impediment,
pronouncing Dumbletore more like "Tumpletore".   

Finally, though there is somewhat of an indication for it, Rufus
Beck's Neville has a stutter.   

There are a few other pronunciations that bother me as well, but
these are inconsistent between Fry, Dale, and Beck:   Voldemort
with the "t" pronounced and Voldemor(t) - more like the French.
Anima(long a)gus vs. Anima(ah)gus - more Latin.   Fla'mel vs.
Fla-mel'.   Crabby vs. Crab.   

I love listening to these three read the stories on CDs.   Each has
their own style.   Dale has good voices for his characters, Fry
gets emotions down better, Beck is a mixture of mostly good
voices and mostly good emotions.   

Laura Walsh    LWalshETAL at aol.com



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