The Power of Vocal Performances in Movies and TV Shows
Summary
In this article, we explore the importance of vocal performances in movies and TV shows. We discuss how an actor’s accent or vocal style can contribute to a particular impression, but it doesn’t necessarily mean they have a lot of rage or are a psychopath. We highlight several examples of notable vocal performances and how they were achieved.
Table of Contents
- Angela Bassett’s portrayal of Tina Turner
- Kevin Spacey’s impression of Christopher Walken
- Cuba Gooding Jr.’s portrayal of O.J. Simpson
- John Travolta’s portrayal of Robert Shapiro and Kenneth Choi’s portrayal of Judge Lance Ito
- Diana Ross’s portrayal of Billie Holiday
- Steve Carell’s portrayal of John DuPont
- Don Cheadle’s portrayal of Miles Davis
- Will Ferrell’s impression of Harry Caray
Angela Bassett’s portrayal of Tina Turner
One example of a remarkable vocal performance is Angela Bassett’s portrayal of Tina Turner in the biographical film “What’s Love Got to Do with It.” Bassett worked hard to get the details of Turner’s singing style right, including the way she positioned her body and the muscles in her throat. Her performance was so convincing that many people thought she was lip-syncing.
Kevin Spacey’s impression of Christopher Walken
Another example is Kevin Spacey’s impression of Christopher Walken, which he often does as a party trick. While it’s not a serious portrayal, it shows how an actor can capture the essence of a person’s voice and mannerisms in a fun and entertaining way.
Cuba Gooding Jr.’s portrayal of O.J. Simpson
In the TV series “The People vs. O.J. Simpson,” Cuba Gooding Jr. portrayed the titular character without trying to mimic Simpson’s speech pattern. Instead, he focused on the physicality and essence of the character, which resulted in a powerful and nuanced performance.
John Travolta’s portrayal of Robert Shapiro and Kenneth Choi’s portrayal of Judge Lance Ito
John Travolta’s portrayal of Robert Shapiro and Kenneth Choi’s portrayal of Judge Lance Ito in the same TV series also demonstrate the power of vocal performances. Both actors captured the unique vocal qualities of their characters, which added to the authenticity and believability of the show.
Diana Ross’s portrayal of Billie Holiday
In the biographical film “Lady Sings the Blues,” Diana Ross portrayed Billie Holiday and evoked her tonal quality through subtle and complex positioning of the muscles in her throat. Her performance was praised for its accuracy and authenticity.
Steve Carell’s portrayal of John DuPont
In the movie “Foxcatcher,” Steve Carell portrayed John DuPont and accurately observed his accent and vocal mannerisms. He also heightened certain aspects of the character’s loneliness and oddness, which resulted in a chilling and memorable performance.
Don Cheadle’s portrayal of Miles Davis
Don Cheadle’s portrayal of Miles Davis in the biographical film “Miles Ahead” was praised for its accuracy and the way it matched Davis’s unique voice, which was permanently damaged after surgery to remove a nodule from his vocal fold. Cheadle’s performance captured the essence of Davis’s music and personality.
Will Ferrell’s impression of Harry Caray
Finally, in a more lighthearted example, Will Ferrell’s impression of Harry Caray’s distinctive vocal style is a testament to the power of vocal performances. Ferrell exaggerates certain aspects of Caray’s voice and mannerisms, which results in a hilarious and memorable impression.
Conclusion
In conclusion, vocal performances are an essential aspect of portraying a character in movies and TV shows. A skilled actor can capture the essence of a person’s voice and mannerisms, which adds to the authenticity and believability of the performance. Whether it’s a serious portrayal or a fun impression, vocal performances can make a lasting impact on the audience.
