Non-British Actors with the Best Received Pronunciation in Game of Thrones
When discussing the aesthetics of voice in Game of Thrones, one might assume that all actors would adopt a traditional Received Pronunciation (RP) accent. However, the show's diverse cast often captivated audiences with their regional accents. Despite this, it’s clear that none of the non-British actors strictly adhered to the classical RP. Let's delve into the intricacies of these performances and the actors who delivered the most captivating versions of this prestigious accent.
Breaking the Stereotype
Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC) and classical British actors are often associated with Received Pronunciation, a poetic and neutral-sounding form of English associated with the upper class. In the original series, actors like Sean Bean and Richard Madden, both of whom hail from the north of England, played important roles without a strict adherence to the RP. Sean Bean, a native of Yorkshire, used his Northern English accent, whereas Richard Madden, a Scot, opted for a northern accent that was closer to Yorkshire.
Kit Harington, playing the renowned Jon Snow, also eschewed the classical RP in favor of an upper-midlands accent, a close cousin of the Yorkshire accent. These choices reflected the characters and not an attempt to strictly adhere to the RP. The show, however, stands out for its diverse cast and the ability of its actors to bring unique and convincing performances to life, often without adhering to a single accent.
The Danish Presence: Nikolai Coster Waldau
One actor who managed to blend his native accent with the RP ethos is Nikolai Coster Waldau, who portrayed Jaime Lannister. Coster Waldau, hailing from Denmark, brought a unique and nuanced approach to his character. The actor possesses a fine tuning of his accent that makes his character’s dialogue both rich and engaging for the English-speaking audience. He navigates the nuances of RP with such subtlety that it is nearly imperceptible, yet perfectly executed.
This performance is noteworthy for how well Coster Waldau’s Danish accent is integrated into the RP. His ability to adapt and modulate his accent not only resonates with older and younger audiences but also brings a certain authenticity to his character's speech. This is particularly effective when creating a back-and-forth dialogue that showcases the complexity of Jaime Lannister’s character.
Adaptation and Inclusion in Game of Thrones
The absence of an exclusively strict RP accent among the non-British actors in Game of Thrones demonstrates the show's commitment to authenticity and storytelling. Rather than opting for a uniform approach, the show embraces the natural and varied accents that actors bring to the roles. This broadens the show's appeal, making it more relatable to a global audience with diverse linguistic backgrounds.
Adhering to specific accents like RP can sometimes alienate viewers who don’t fit the traditional British English mold, whereas these actors’ performances showcase the beauty and versatility of the English language. The use of a native accent, even if it deviates from the standard RP, can add an additional layer of authenticity and depth to the character's portrayal.
Conclusion: The Journey of Non-British Actors in Game of Thrones
In conclusion, while none of the non-British actors in Game of Thrones explicitly used a strict Received Pronunciation, their unique backgrounds and the authentic approaches they took have added a rich tapestry to the show. Nikolai Coster Waldau's portrayal of Jaime Lannister stands out as a testament to the power of blending diverse linguistic backgrounds with classic storytelling. This approach not only enhances the show's narrative but also makes it more accessible and engaging to a global audience.