MovieChat Forums > Silent Witness (1996) Discussion > Doesn/t anyone in the production team kn...

Doesn/t anyone in the production team know an Aussie accent?

posted 16 years ago by harriscn-1
4 replies | jump to latest

I really enjoy "Silent Witness" I've been watching it for years. But
the episodes called "Judgement" have really disappointed me. Not the
topic. Not the script. Nothing like that! It was the absolutely awful
mess they made of the supposed Australian accents. The young girls and
in particular the younger man were using New Zealand accents. And the
guy who was supposed to be from Melbourne had a very strong South
African accent. Only the woman who was playing the mother sounded
anything like an Australian. Seems like nobody actually bothered to
find out what the "Aussie" accent really sounds like! Surely there are
enough Australian actors in England who could be case in these roles,
or at least find someone who could actually do a reasonable job of
impersonating an Aussie. Why did you let yourselves down so badly???

[–] Morpheus_Mini_Me 15 years ago

I picked up on that too .. I saw that episode and I recognised the sleazy boyfriend as an english actor, who's played roles in various tv shows over the years. His accent was passable. I've lived in both countries and have had both accents during my life.

I do agree with what you said btw. At least it wasn't as bad as that awful mini series the Thorn Birds from the 1980's, with the American actors butchering the Aussie accent !!

My goodness it was the equivalent of nails down a blackboard to me that mini series. The only saving grace was Richard Chamberlain who sadly batted for the other team.

Having said all that I didn't find this episode as bad... glad I'm not the only person out there who noticed.

[–] Shoelia 15 years ago

it made me laugh so much to hear them fading in and out of the accent. I think the guy who owned the apartment was in the Bill. Least he looks like it to me. Definently not Aussie. The mother was though. I think. Or she does the clearest Australian accent either.

It's not as bad as Americans trying to do it, very true. But i don't think it ruined the episode either, it was bearable.

I love Silent Witness :)

[–] fitzie_76 15 years ago

I know its been a while, but I was reading through old posts and I saw this one. I liked this episode but I agree, the 'Aussie' accent was a bit annoying. The other poster is right, surely there are lots of Aussie actors living in London, they could've found someone with a 'plausible' Aussie accent to play those parts.

[–] Morpheus_Mini_Me 14 years ago

I've lived in the land of Oz most of my life and every time I go back to the UK , esp London every second person you bump into is either an Aussie or Kiwi.

There would be plenty of struggling actors who could have done a better job Im sure?? Instead of having to tend to a bar job or cleaning tables at some posh over priced cafe or restaurant.

I have also spent a number of years in New Zealand when I was younger so it's a bit mixed ( the accent that is )