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But we play bad guys in Hollywood movies, like, take, uh, The Empire Strikes Back from the Star Wars trilogy. The Death Star - just full of British actors opening doors and going: 'Oh, I'm : oh : oh.' 'What is it, Lieutenant Sebastian?' 'It's just the rebels, sir. They're here.' 'My God, man! Do they want tea?' 'No, I think they're after something more than that, sir. I don't know what it is, but they've brought a flag.' 'Damn! That's dashed cunning of them! Ah, Lord Vader!' [hollow breath] 'Uh : hello?' Because he was only impressive because he had that James Earl Jones voice: [deep voice] 'I'm : I am Vader. The force is strong with you.' If he had a much more [high wimpy voice]: ''Ello! Look, I'm Lord Vader, and just pay a-bloody-ttention, all right? Luke, Luke, the force is strong with you.' 'Is it?' 'Yeah.' 'Well, who told you that?' 'Uh, s-some bloke. Yeah, he said the force is really rather strong with you.' 'Well, how strong?' 'Uh, as strong as a small pony.' 'Oh, that's quite strong, that is.' Film would never have fuckin' worked, would it?

Eddie Izzard#40

MoviesHollywoodActingVoice

About this quote

What does it mean?
The speaker compares British actors in Hollywood roles to their voice acting contributions to character depth.
In plain terms
British actors play villains but their voices often give them power.
What can you take from it?
Voice talent often defines iconic characters more than appearance.

Where it applies

  • watching sci-fi
  • discussing acting

Putting it to work

  • casting analysis
  • voice acting appreciation

Questions to consider

  • What makes a character memorable?
  • How important is voice in acting?

Another view

The critique relies on specific Star Wars knowledge.

More from Eddie Izzard

  1. We play bad guys in Hollywood movies because of the Revolutionary War : oh yes, will you never forget - you big elephant you. And the French, who were on your …

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  2. You've got to say something. You can't go down to the moon and go, 'Oh, it's all sticky! It's covered in jam!'

    Permalink to quote #41
  3. Whereas if the film did any little bit of business in America, if the film did some decent bit of business, then Hollywood would take it, and they'd remake it …

    Permalink to quote #38

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