Arnold Schwarzeneggers Dubbing Choice for Terminator 2: The Reason Behind It
Arnold Schwarzenegger's Dubbing Choice for Terminator 2: The Reason Behind It
The oft-told tale that Arnold Schwarzenegger was not allowed to dub the German version of Terminator 2: Judgment Day due to his accent being perceived as too rural has its merits, yet it is not the full picture. This article delves into the reasons behind this decision and explores the cultural and linguistic nuances involved in dubbing.
The Authenticity of Schwarzenegger's Accent
When speaking German, Arnold Schwarzenegger carries a distinctly regional accent that marks him as an Austrian. His accent comes from the Steyrmark, a region known for its unique cultural characteristics and slight deviations from mainstream German.
Schwarzenegger, born in the small town of Thal, a suburb of Graz, had grown up surrounded by this local dialect. Even though his ambitions took him to America, his accent remained a clear indicator of his Austrian heritage. However, it would have been inappropriate and inconsistent for a futuristic killing machine like the T-800 to speak with such a distinctive accent in the European market.
The Perception of Regional Accents in Media
Regional accents play a significant role in media, often influencing how characters are perceived. A character with a strong, recognizable accent can sometimes be too distracting, especially if the accent is not well adapted to the context of the story. For instance, an American actor dubbing a foreign accent can sometimes draw attention to the character’s foreignness rather than their role.
In the case of Terminator 2, the filmmakers likely wanted the T-800 to fit in seamlessly within American culture, without any mention of its futuristic origins being overshadowed by its accent. This decision was not about Schwarzenegger’s accent being rural or unsuitable, but rather, it was a strategic choice to enhance the film's immersion and impact.
The Dubbing Decision
The choice to dub Schwarzenegger out of the German version of Terminator 2 was a professional one that considered audience expectations and cultural sensibilities. In the movie industry, particularly in dubbing, it is common practice to employ trained voice actors who have a deep understanding of the character and the context of the scene. This ensures that the dubbing aligns with the character's portrayal and fits naturally within the narrative.
Similarly, in another case, Schwarzenegger's voice was altered in the comedy film Hercules in New York. The reason for this shift was not primarily due to his accent but to make the character's performance more suitable for the comedic elements of the film. The film producers recognized that Schwarzenegger’s name and voice could draw more attention to the authenticity issue than the humor.
Conclusion
In summary, while Schwarzenegger’s accent is a clear marker of his Austrian heritage, it would have been inappropriate for a futuristic robot to speak with such a distinctive accent in the German-speaking world. The decision to dub him out was not a reflection on the quality or appropriateness of his accent but a strategic choice to maintain the film's authenticity and the character's portrayal.