jtr7 on 4/2/2008 at 20:31
Yes. Long ago, in a thread far away, I expressed the opinion I still hold to today: Garrett would have to be played by an unknown.
I'd like to know how much of Stephen Russell's work was purely his own invention, and how much came from what LGS told him the character was about. I'd like to know what Mr. Russell was thinking of to find that voice. And obviously, if he did several takes of one line, somebody chose the takes we hear.
Zillameth on 4/2/2008 at 21:41
Quote Posted by jtr7
And obviously, if he did several takes of one line, somebody chose the takes we hear.
I cannot tell you, how it looked like in that particular situation, as I hadn't been there at the moment (obviously), but doing several takes is a recommended procedure. A line may sound great during recording session, and then turn out to be a complete failure within game's context. Also, it's not easy to judge a recording on the spot. The recommendation is that several takes be done, just in case.
But that's theory. If your budget is limited (voice talents are often paid per session, not per line accepted, so the clock is ticking), then you're going to trust your actor more. Some studios just send a dialog list to the recording company, and don't even bother to send someone along to be present during recording sessions. A friend of mine had been actually sent to such a session once, as an observer, and the only advice the director reportedly gave the actress was "try to sound more sexy". But I'm quite certain this is not how good games are made. :)
jtr7 on 4/2/2008 at 22:59
Exactly. An assumption would be that more takes were done for the movies, but we don't really know.
xxcoy on 5/2/2008 at 01:49
For we are just for fun suggesting who we'd like best playing him I think it's not too indecorous to just go on proposing.
It's perfectly clear there won't ever be any agreement on someone's choice, but it's quite interesting how variably people imagine Garrett. ;)
In my opinion, it was a big mistake to integrate OTS in Thief 3 and I still don't see any advantage in it other than emulating games like splinter cell.
Before, Garrett had his own distinct face for any thief-player, existing only in the player's mind, at most influenced a little by artworks or ingame movies.
For he had no defined appearance he could be anyway we wanted him to be which was an invaluable advantage... they nonsensically gave away in part three and heavens! how thoroughly they did that!
I'd never before replaced a main character's face this fast... JohnP's Nazgul-style saved my day.
:cheeky:
That former advantage is what still makes it so difficult to find a "lowest common denominator" if it comes to an actor for the role of Garrett.
Centrey on 5/2/2008 at 05:54
The answer is a relitivly unknown actor would suit it the best.
jtr7 on 5/2/2008 at 06:40
Oh, go right ahead, xxcoy and everybody. What I like is seeing how there really is no proper fit. I believe it's necessary to never show the actor's face in a live action Thief, unless they do something to mask his features. The eye extraction scene would be the only time we should see the actor enough for him to show his terror, since the voice and physicality aren't there to convey it for us. My ultimate point is that no actor's face should become THE face of Garrett. Stephen Russell's voice and the writing in Thief are enough, and have been enough, for us to work our imaginations with quite to our individual satisfaction.
Stephen Russell does not physically fit the role, but I cannot imagine another actor doing the voice without mimicking what's already been done, but that defeats the purpose.
In my opinion, an animated feature in the style of the TDP and TMA would allow an actor to embody the role with less importance on appearance, and more on physicality.
Beleg Cúthalion on 5/2/2008 at 07:36
But this would require a generally high level of art in the whole movie, otherwise not showing the protagonist's face seems like some cheap comic western movie trick.
Oh, and yes: Johnny Depp for Truart!
jtr7 on 5/2/2008 at 08:56
That's why we need people who know their craft, and know how to make the most out of silhouettes.
malau on 5/2/2008 at 12:25
Heath Ledger would make a good Garrett - anyone got a spade ? :cheeky:
xxcoy on 5/2/2008 at 17:35
Quote Posted by malau
Heath Ledger would make a good Garrett - anyone got a spade ? :cheeky:
So. Funny.
