MovieChat Forums > The Count of Monte Cristo (2002) Discussion > Dagmara Dominczyk was terrible

Dagmara Dominczyk was terrible

posted 17 years ago by jd-276
54 replies | jump to latest

Just about says it all really. She can't act. Her diction is awful and if I had a hearing impediment I would not have understood her because she produces all her sounds through her nose and does not move her mouth. It's not sexy or clever and does not sell the part. This might be the worst acting I've seen in a major film in years. The director really should have been onto this because the part of Mercedes is far too important to be weak. And it's weak because of bad acting.

[–] skaterskagg1 15 years ago

First of all she's polish. I don't know if you know anything about the
polish language, but Polish is one of the most difficult to speak languages in the whole world. There are very different sounds and pronunciations in Polish that aren't in English. I think we can all forgive her for that.

[–] AshErosion 15 years ago

Just about says it all really. She can't act. Her diction is awful and if I had a hearing impediment I would not have understood her because she produces all her sounds through her nose and does not move her mouth. It's not sexy or clever and does not sell the part. This might be the worst acting I've seen in a major film in years. The director really should have been onto this because the part of Mercedes is far too important to be weak. And it's weak because of bad acting.

Agreed. Annoying as hell. Her voice ruined this otherwise ordinary film. And the guy above who prattled on about her being Polish, that's got nothing to do with it. Fair enough if others have enjoyed hearing her speak, but she reminds me of a prize-winning dog after a rosette.

There!

[–] notaarebe 15 years ago

I strongly disagree with the O.P. In fact, it's almost as if he watched a different film from me. I found her portrayal deeply, deeply moving and heartfelt, and completely convincing. I was never aware of a "performance" -- I simply involved myself in her story.

That she was drop-dead gorgeous goes without saying, but beyond that, it was her presence and her charisma that added to the allure of the character. She created a compelling character who, you could truly believe, WOULD capture the hearts of the male leads in the film -- or indeed of any other men she ever met.

Vulnerable, soft, feminine -- it was a perfect portrayal. I wouldn't want the character depicted in any other manner.

[–] 15 years ago

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[–] M24 12 years ago

Have to agree with notaarebe. I thought she did a great job. No problems hearing what she said at all and her acting was on par with any of the other lead actors. Great imo. All I can think of is some viewers are mistaking a subtle performance for bad acting.

[–] Rascar-Capac 12 years ago

Exactly. A truly great perfomance. Every time I watch that scene after the party, it gives me a shiver, when she beggs her Edmond to let go his hatred. No tears brought in here, just her vulnerable beauty and that soft-speaking voice, showing fearfulness and strength at the same time.

[–] pacem23 15 years ago

her appearence didn't really change and she definately had an accent that seemed a bit weak, but overall i had no problem with her...of course you may be right considering she's not a big star now, but still, i liked her in this movie, even if she doesn't age convincingly...

Not a woman? Not a woman!?!?

[–] 15 years ago

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[–] jd-276 15 years ago

You sound like someone who learned some things in a class and now thinks they're smart. You have the tools to notice things like a nasally voice or whatever... good for you, but you have to keep it in perspective. You're mostly just proud of yourself for noticing things. Get over yourself.

Actually, I am smart, whatever you think.

I'm entitled to my opinion and I don't have to put up with that nonsense. If you disagree with my point of view then be my guest. Plenty of others have. That's why I posted what I did. If you feel like indulging personal attacks, do it somewhere else.

I suggest you take a little of your own advice.

[–] grumpy736-1 14 years ago

To: jd-276 If I agreed with you, we would both be wrong!

I miss Big Band music and talented singers. Leonard Cohen is my idol. Civility, harmony, unity!

[–] sistermorphine71 15 years ago

"does not move her mouth"

This kinda bugged me. It was like watching a ventriloquist! Overall though, it didn't detract from an otherwise great movie.

[–] vividDreams 15 years ago

I couldn't agree more! She annoyed me with her very first sentence -- she might be telling the driver to "drive faster" but the way she lilts it doesn't sound even moderately excited. VERY bad choice of leading lady, especially since she really is the only major female role in this, and she appears weak and insecure through most of it. But, at least she fit in nicely with the rest of this crappy movie, which was nothing but an insult to the novel ;-)

[–] nutsberryfarm 14 years ago

the character was annoying. but she's a legit actress.

Golf clap? Golf clap.

[–] jd-276 15 years ago

but pouty lips, and the begging in that soft "im about to cry" voice gets to us easy.

The actress pulled it off perfect, noone in the audience who is male would fault Dantes for taking her back.

Unless you know it's fake...

That's the problem for me. It just didn't come off as genuine.

[–] skittles786 15 years ago

jd-276 you are so right! yah shes pretty and all but her fricken voice was the most annoying thing i have ever heard

[–] 15 years ago

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[–] Bishop_of_Battle 14 years ago

I wouldn't say she was beautiful but she was definitely easy on the eyes. And yeah, her acting has always seemed stilted based on the few movies I've seen her in.

[–] Lightning_Count 14 years ago

I agree completely with o.p. Everything about her bugged the hell out of me, especially the way she spoke.