Why Does High-Quality American Cinema and TV Often Use Unintelligible Dialogue?

It is a common complaint from viewers that high-quality American films and TV series often choose highly unintelligible dialogue. This has resulted in a glaring inconsistency between the realism of characters' actions and the clarity of their speech, leading to debates over the authenticity of American productions. In this article, we will explore the reasons behind this phenomenon and discuss its impact on the viewer's experience.

Artistic vs. Practical Elements: The Balancing Act

The complexity of dialogue in American movies and TV can be understood as a delicate balance between artistic and practical elements. American productions often prioritize the visual pacing, emotional depth, and character development over the logical continuity of dialogue. High-stakes situations and intense emotional scenes necessitate the use of fragmented dialogues to convey urgency and tension. However, this often results in disorienting jumbles of words that feel out of touch with everyday reality.

Repetition of Stereotypes: Overrelying on Clichés

American television and film often fall prey to the repetitive use of clichés and stereotypes. For example, the popular series Law and Order is known for its reliance on guest stars and surprise strategies. However, this approach can sometimes overshadow the integrity of the plot and lead to a disjointed narrative. In contrast, the British version of Law and Order opts for a straightforward approach without noticeable guest characters or unexpected twists. This minimalist style emphasizes the core plot and characters, aligning more closely with realistic law enforcement procedures.

Medical Drama: A Case for Authenticity

Medical dramas like Chicago Med and Chicago Fire face a unique challenge in creating a believable environment. In reality, hospital staff often wear scrubs, and their appearance and attire vary greatly. Characters in these shows frequently wear perfectly styled hair and lab coats, which can take viewers out of the moment and disrupt the authenticity of the setting. In reality, 99 percent of doctors do not have coiffed hair, nor do they wear scrubs in the emergency department. The use of impossibly poised and accessorized characters serves to heighten drama at the cost of realism. The unrealistic portrayal of medical professionals in these series can lead to disappointment for viewers who seek authenticity in their viewing experience.

The Impact of Plot Development and Continuity

One of the biggest issues in American TV is the focus on plot development and continuity at the expense of dialogue coherence. Viewers often demand a seamless flow of content, and when there are necessary pauses or silences, scripts tend to compensate by filling these gaps with inane dialogue or repetitions. This can be seen in Hollywood blockbusters where characters often engage in self-narration, such as The Terminator films, where Arnold Schwarzenegger frequently narrates the plot to himself. The use of this repetitive and disjointed dialogue not only breaks the immersion in the story but also takes viewers out of the moment.

The Contrast with British Series

British series, on the other hand, often favor a more cerebral and reflective approach, emphasizing character-driven narratives and emotional depth. Shows like ITV's Doctors and Chesire Street provide a more grounded and realistic portrayal of medical professionals. Admittedly, these series may lack the dramatic tension and high-stakes moments that define American medical dramas, but the emphasis on character development and nuanced plotlines often results in a more immersive and authentic viewing experience. British drama tends to have less angst and more intellectual engagement, making the stories feel more genuine.

Conclusion: The Need for Realism and Quality Dialogue

While the use of ambitious and often unintelligible dialogue can serve certain narrative purposes, it is crucial for American filmmakers and writers to strike a balance between artistic and realistic dialogue. The viewer's immersion and engagement with the story can be significantly enhanced when dialogue is clear and relatable. By reducing clichés, focusing on continuity, and prioritizing authenticity, American productions can achieve a more cohesive and enjoyable viewing experience for their audience.