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AIBU?

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Original poster

Why are bad guys in american films british?

60 replies

OnTrain · 15/12/2018 22:42

Got me thinking a few weeks ago and now I notice it alot! But right at this moment I can only think of 2 Blush It’s true though!

Cars 2, Rise of the Guardians,

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OnTrain · 15/12/2018 22:43

Diehard and deadpool

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OnTrain · 15/12/2018 22:45

Tom Hardy in Batman,

Silence of the lambs

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CarcerDun · 15/12/2018 22:46

Every. Bloody. Time.

Sparklesocks · 15/12/2018 22:46

tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/EvilBrit

LordProfFekkoThePenguinPhD · 15/12/2018 22:46

Snitchy turncoats are generally male white dweebs.

ohwellinthatcasetryprunes · 15/12/2018 22:47

Because they are better actors.

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OnTrain · 15/12/2018 22:48

Hateful 8

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OnTrain · 15/12/2018 22:48

Very true ohwell

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OnTrain · 15/12/2018 22:49

Thanks sparkles that describes Jude Law in Rise of the Guardians

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GabsAlot · 15/12/2018 22:51

because we act the shit out of the americans

every time

FestiveNut · 15/12/2018 22:53

Because we have an awesome range of accents, one suitable for every occasion. Including world domination.

GlacindaTheTroll · 15/12/2018 22:55

Because we're 'other', but still comprehensible.

And make good eye candy (Alan Rickman)

shouldwestayorshouldwego · 15/12/2018 22:57

Brits are an outgroup so don't challenge the wholesome, American, family guy image. At the same time they can act, are easily understood and happy to go over and play the bad guy.

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OnTrain · 15/12/2018 22:57

Oh glacinda I can no longer watch Harry Potter (I know, not his sexiest look!) without feeling sad! I nearly cried watching Love Actually! —not because it’s shit—

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OnTrain · 15/12/2018 22:58

I’m quite proud of that I think shouldwest Not being associated with wholesome.

Frozen is another one

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flyingdragonzog · 15/12/2018 22:59

Because they like to take the mick out of English people

As we do in return

They're our baddies, we are theirs

Heyjudas · 15/12/2018 23:01

I think the theme comes before the actors? I don't think the script writer necessarily thinks, 'Let's write something about the British because they've got great actors'.
No, I rather think it's a case of Britain being a bit of a villain.
You could say the same about Russia. James Bond films. Why is there always some Russian involved.

Heyjudas · 15/12/2018 23:02

Americans also do a lot on Irish gangs in Boston or Italian mafia etc.

You're being a bit egocentric.

SilverySurfer · 15/12/2018 23:08

I think US actors don't want to be seen in 'baddie' parts which is their loss and our actors' gain.

Alan Rickman in Die Hard and Robin Hood Prince of Thieves. He comprehensively out-acted everyone in that film and apparently because Costner threw a wobbly, they cut a huge amount out - would love to see those cuttings.

Tom Ellis as the Devil in Lucifer. The whole cast is outstanding but he is extra special.

And lots more.

MartaHallard · 15/12/2018 23:11

Benedict Cumberbatch as Khan in whichever of the new Trek films it was.

I saw this discussed elsewhere once, and the answer was that the Brits are the only nationality that doesn't complain about being stereotyped as villains. Also they don't mind playing the bad guys because they nearly always have the best parts.

because we act the shit out of the americans And this.

Fluffyears · 15/12/2018 23:11

Scots are always portrayed as drunks so meh!

poppstar35 · 15/12/2018 23:12

Die hard? 🤔

starzig · 15/12/2018 23:13

Or Russian, or German.

GabsAlot · 15/12/2018 23:21

yes silvery love me a bit of lucifer

GabsAlot · 15/12/2018 23:22

and our accent is better for the part