Actors Struggle with Irish Accents in Film and TV Adaptations

DUBLIN, Ireland — Actors often face challenges when portraying characters from Ireland, particularly when it comes to mastering the distinct Irish accent. In the new series, House of Guinness, actor James Norton embraces this task, stepping into the shoes of Sean Rafferty, a foreman in 1860s Dublin.

Norton expressed his concerns regarding the authenticity of the accent last week during an interview with RTÉ. “I was very aware that I had to get it right, because everyone can name an actor who’s messed up the Irish accent,” he said. Many performances in the past have highlighted that nailing the Irish accent is no easy feat.

Several high-profile actors have received criticism for their attempts at the Irish accent. Actress Helen Mirren went viral for her rendition in Mobland, while Brad Pitt drew ire for his portrayal in The Devil’s Own. Conversely, Jodie Whittaker has been praised for her efforts in capturing the Belfast accent in Good Vibrations.

Irish author Marian Keyes recently addressed the issue at the Hay Festival, stating, “It would be so, so nice if they use people who can do Irish accents. I mean, the accents are just… I weep.” She underscored the frustration many feel when international stars play Irish characters without understanding regional dialects.

Despite being Irish, actors sometimes struggle as well. Jamie Dornan, known for his role in Fifty Shades of Grey, faced challenges with his Belfast accent in Wild Mountain Thyme. The reliance on cliched portrayals can diminish the authenticity of Irish characters in cinema.

On the set of House of Guinness, Norton was one of the few English actors, which added pressure as he worked to grasp the historical accent. He emphasized the heightened scrutiny, explaining that the Irish identity has a rich cultural representation that actors must honor. “The Irish language is such a vital part of the country’s culture and identity,” said creator Steven Knight.

The series aims to celebrate this heritage by including Irish subtitles, marking a significant move for Netflix’s original content. “House of Guinness” explores the dynamic Guinness family, blending themes of wealth, power, and cultural identity.

To prepare for their roles, the cast worked with dialect coach Poll Moussoulides, who utilized archival recordings to help them capture the essence of 19th-century Dublin speech. This preparation reflects a growing trend in the industry, where professionals emphasize the importance of dialect training.

Experts like dialect coaches Erik Singer and Helen Simmons highlight the intricacies of the Irish accent, which can include unique vowel sounds and intonation. Their guidance aims to steer actors away from weak attempts that can seem exaggerated or disrespectful.

While productions may not perfectly mirror real Irish life, they strive to present a version of Irish culture that resonates with audiences. As Norton puts it, there’s an added expectation around the legacy of Irish representation in entertainment: “We hear it more, so people are scrutinizing it more.”

House of Guinness, released on Netflix, invites viewers into the narrative of a family intertwined with significant cultural history, emphasizing the importance of getting the Irish accent right.