[Matematik]

Obviously, English actors HAVE played as straight-talking, tough guys characters in Hollywood, but they generally act them as an American rather than as an English person.

English actors generally play socially awkward toffs or upper-class criminals. English people are never portrayed as being physically strong or tough.

On the other hand, Stallone always plays a very "Italian" tough guy and the fact he is Italian-American is a big part of his identity.

Likewise, Schwarzenegger always plays as a sort of "Austro-German" tough guy.

However, there are no similar "English" tough guy who is characteristically English. Any English actor who plays a tough, straight-talker always acts as an American and is expected to cover up any of his "Englishness".

Do you think the lack of English "tough guys" in Hollywood is down to the belief and prejudice that someone with an "English accent" is not capable of being "tough" or "gritty"?

[mrkite77]

Jason Statham?
Vinnie Jones?

[Azagoth]

Jason Statham?
Clive Owen?

[stoatie]

Daniel Craig?

[Haruhion]

Originally Posted by Matematik

Do you think the lack of English "tough guys" in Hollywood is down to the belief and prejudice that someone with an "English accent" is not capable of being "tough" or "gritty"?

I would personally put it down to the fact that "Hollywood" is practically run by, and based in America. I think if you look at the production behind the scenes then you'll generally figure out where it's going.

[Rubrical]

Ha, four examples all at the same time.

[KJ44]

Originally Posted by Matematik

Do you think the lack of English "tough guys" in Hollywood is down to the belief and prejudice that someone with an "English accent" is not capable of being "tough" or "gritty"?

Vinnie exuded menace.

Hollywood (no longer) understands that; its target demographic is now children and immature adults.

[Ginger Nut]

Daniel Radcliffe.

No-one messes with the Potter.

[cosmo]

Ray Winstone
Sean Bean
Daniel Day Lewis
Gary Oldman

[Matematik]

Ok, there are a few exceptions but I do think the English suffer from being portrayed as a bit meek and wimpy in Hollywood films compared to other nationalities.

[epicurian]

Maybe it's just me, but I kinda think Tim Roth is a bit of a bad-ass.

[QWERTYOP]

There are loads.

Thread fail.

[Matematik]

Originally Posted by QWERTYOP

There are loads.

Thread fail.

If there are so many then why is the over-whelming perception of English people in Americas as meek, wimpy and not very straight-talking?

I think it is because they identify people like Hugh Grant and Colin Firth with England.

[DaisyBumbleroot]

Originally Posted by Matematik

Ok, there are a few exceptions but I do think the English suffer from being portrayed as a bit meek and wimpy in Hollywood films compared to other nationalities.

Hugh Grant aside, who else?

[cosmo]

Originally Posted by Matematik

If there are so many then why is the over-whelming perception of English people in Americas as meek, wimpy and not very straight-talking?

I think it is because they identify people like Hugh Grant and Colin Firth with England.

Is there really such an overwhelming perception - or is it just you?

[chiller15]

David Dayan Fisher?

[captainkremmen]

The floppy haired posh tw*t seems to be in the minority these days, and thank god for that.

[jon8769]

Originally Posted by Ginger Nut

Daniel Radcliffe.

No-one messes with the Potter.

He's a lovely bloke.

[stoatie]

Originally Posted by Matematik

If there are so many then why is the over-whelming perception of English people in Americas as meek, wimpy and not very straight-talking?

I think it is because they identify people like Hugh Grant and Colin Firth with England.

Is it? I thought they just reckoned we had bad teeth. Which is definitely true in my case, so I've never been overly concerned about it.

[Matematik]

Originally Posted by cosmo

Is there really such an overwhelming perception - or is it just you?

I think Italians and Germans are generally perceived as being "tougher" and more straight-talking than English people in the US.

I can only put this down to Hollywood films and American media in general creating this perception.

[epicurian]

Originally Posted by Matematik

If there are so many then why is the over-whelming perception of English people in Americas as meek, wimpy and not very straight-talking?

I think it is because they identify people like Hugh Grant and Colin Firth with England.

So you complain bout a generalization while creating your own generalization?

[stoatie]

Originally Posted by Matematik

I think Italians and Germans are generally perceived as being "tougher" and more straight-talking than English people in the US.

I can only put this down to Hollywood films and American media in general creating this perception.

This would be why there's an overwhelming number of tough guy Germans in Hollywood, I guess?

Wait, what?

[Radiomaniac]

Bob Hoskins may be little, but he can do tough.

[stoatie]

This thread's a complete logic fail. It's actually making my head hurt.

[epicurian]

Originally Posted by stoatie

This would be why there's an overwhelming number of tough guy Germans in Hollywood, I guess?

Wait, what?

Wait, didn't Alan Rickman play a German tough guy in Die Hard? I'm sure there's an angle there, I just don't know what it is...