I'm developing a fictional story set in 1943 Poland. My character's native languages are Yiddish and German and initially, I intended to shoot in those languages because I want to ensure the film is as authentic as possible. However, I've been cautioned by other filmmakers that Americans hate subtitles and doing this would limit the potential success of my film. I even read recently that Spielberg decided against subtitles for Schindler's List because he thought reading would pull people out of the action. I should add that I don't speak Yiddish or German so I'll be directing with a translator. Thoughts on this?
Filmmaking / Directing : Language and authenticity by Dawna Sirard
Language and authenticity
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Even in Germany American films shot in English and delivered subbed and dubbed into German dominate the box office. Check out the German Box Office numbers.
http://www.boxofficemojo.com/intl/germany/yearly/
Internationally, films perceived to be "American" command more money in most territories, even against local product because they're lumped in with the rest of the successful "brand" of American entertainment. And part of that branding is the English language.
But box office shouldn't be your only determining factor. Mel Gibson shot Passion of the Christ in reconstructed Aramaic and nobody speaks Aramaic. But then again. that was part of the marketing gimmick ("hear Jesus' words in the language Jesus really spoke"). If you really feel doing it in German and Yiddish is the right artistic move do it. But weigh your own abilities as a director and your cast's linguistic skills honestly.
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That is doomed to fail. You don’t speak the language but you’re gonna write and direct?
Forget what Spielberg did or didn’t do. You’re not him.
Thank you Vitaly and David for your thoughtful responses. David, I appreciate the reference to BoxOfficeMojo - the information there supported my research. I completed an analysis of the financial success of "Holocaust" films shot in the last twenty years (US and international) and found that English language films are much more successful. That might not be a big surprise to anyone but with so much change in accessibility and distribution, I wanted to be sure. However, like you said there is an artistic element to consider - as well as the challenges that would come up when directing. A recent film comes to mind - Menshe written/directed by Joshua Weinstein. The film was in Yiddish even though Weinstein doesn't speak the language. I've been reading about the challenges he faced during production in NY. Since I'm filming in Poland, I imagine the challenges will be greater. Thanks again for responding!
Hey just don't go there for jillions of reason - Dan & Vitaly have given you just a few. I'll give you another one: My award winning FL script 'Faithfully Executed' set in Poland at the end of WW II will never be made even though it's written in English with a few Yiddish, German and Russian phrases thrown in. It's an historic piece and casting the Red Army and the SS, getting the necessary props and bombed out buildings (yes I know about stock footage & set building) push it of plausibility.
Thanks for responding Doug. It's not a question of whether to do it or not - that's already been decided and scheduled. As the director, I have the option to push for English or Yiddish/German and thought I'd pose the question for feedback. Sorry to hear about your project - it is challenging to do a period piece for so many reasons!
The movie "Past Life," might be a good reference. Four languages in it. Wonderful Israeli film (2016) that I bought after seeing it in the Prescott film festival. Subtitles no distraction at all. In fact, I thought the shifting language added to the film.
Hi Phillip. I just watched "Past Life" - loved it. There is a certain visceral authenticity when a film is shot in the story's native tongue. I didn't mind the subtitles but I never do. Thank you for the suggestion.
I agree on the authenticity, Dawna. "Past Life" is a stunning film. Here's to it inspiring your task ahead.