We Need More Actors With Crazy Voices

As a devoted cinephile with decades of movie-watching under my belt, I can’t help but be captivated by the unique vocal qualities of some of today’s most intriguing actors. Mia Goth’s distinct voice, which sounds like a hauntingly beautiful blend of childlike wonder and otherworldly eeriness, is just one example that comes to mind.

Mia Goth’s Portuguese clip from the premiere of her latest collaboration with Ti West, “MaXXXine,” has gone viral in the past week not due to anything remarkable in the video itself, but rather because it underscores the unique and striking way she speaks. With each new release of a Goth film (“Pearl,” “Infinity Pool,” etc.), we are reminded that when Mia talks, her voice carries an uncanny resemblance to a living portrait of a cursed child.

In simpler terms, it’s not crucial if Goth’s voice in her projects resembles the Goth character we know or if it’s authentic. What truly sets her apart is her unique vocal identity, which distinguishes her from other actors in the industry. In an interview with W magazine, Goth attributed her distinctive voice to anxiety, but many anxious individuals don’t sound like that. However, due to allegations of abusive behavior on the set of MaXXXine, we cannot solely rely on Goth for vocal originality. Instead, we need more actors with unconventional and captivating voices.

Instead of being limited to an actor’s ability to do accents or having a distinctively recognizable voice, this refers to their unique, unaltered speaking voice becoming a defining characteristic. It’s the kind of voice that leaves you in awe, making you question if it’s a genuine performance or a clever manipulation of sound, much like how a pop star’s signature voice is incorporated into their music.

In the present scene, Goth isn’t the only one displaying distinctive vocal performances. Austin Butler, another summer sensation, carries Elvis’ spirit within him, acting as its puppeteer. Interactions with Butler are delightful not just due to his passionate intensity but also because of the nostalgic reminder that he sounds “exactly like that.” Similarly intriguing is Adam Driver’s peculiar vocal quiver, which leaves us astonished, be it filtered through an Italian accent or not. Amidst the cacophony of vocal fry and white noise in “Madame Web,” Zosia Mamet’s high-strung voice remains identifiable.

In more contemporary films, actors have adopted a uniform speaking style akin to broadcast news anchors, replacing the unique vocal quirks once prevalent on the silver screen. While some may retain regional accents as a nod to their origins, most performers exhibit a bland, mid-range voice that exudes an upper-middle-class suburban vibe. This is not always deliberate but rather a reflection of the industry’s homogenization.

2024-07-22 19:24

We Need More Actors With Crazy Voices

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