Mary Elizabeth Winstead & Ewan McGregor - Why We Didn't Use Russian Accents in A Gentleman in Moscow

Find out why Mary Elizabeth Winstead & Ewan McGregor didn't use Russian accents in A Gentleman in Moscow and the logic behind this old-fashioned convention. Discover the alternative approach we took to voice each character authentically. #MaryElizabethWinstead #EwanMcGregor #AGentlemaninMoscow #RussianFilm #LanguageConventions #AccentsInMovies #AuthenticVoice #CharacterVoices #FilmProduction #BehindTheScenes #CreativeChoices #RussianCulture #CinematicDecisions

[lisalisa]

So, I'm Russian and I don't understand why the actors in this movie need to speak with an accent? Correct me if I'm wrong, but the action takes place in Russia and the characters are Russian? That is, it is implied that they speak Russian to each other. The accent would be appropriate if for some reason two Russians were communicating with each other in English. I understand that the accent creates atmosphere for English-speaking viewers, but in this context it should be taken as dubbing or translation, since it is clear that in this story the communication takes place in another language.

[radsoulwork]

I hear what you’re saying… but places have a “sound” as well as a “look” that situates them. And whether they’re speaking English or Russian the “sound” is distinctive. it would be one thing if you were telling a “timeless” and “placeless” story where the setting didn’t matter. But in this case it clearly does, I mean this is a story ABOUT a period in Russian history. To not have the “sounds” of Russia takes something away from what is otherwise an expertly and beautifully depicted/ acted story. I’m sure it wasn’t deliberate, but it almost removes sympathy and empathy for the actual Russians it portrays because, instead, they’re British or American.

[cherry.anidala]

MEW can't have a carrer of her own. Always needs her hubby as a job promoter

[stephenfuller]

Nah, that’s a lazy excuse. Accents still give more immersion, but of course they don’t care about accents when they can’t even cast the correct race for Russian roles. Good book, bad show.

[aravind]

Well he clearly hasn't spoken to anyone from Russia

[stynershiner]

I disagree with Ewan. The accented English helps create environment. In another flaw, the whole show is very British in mannerisms, as well. Felt very janky, as such.

[angelajones]

God no principles this woman
A Meghan Markle mark 2.