If you’ve ever gone to another country and turned on the TV then you know what it’s like to see an American Sit-com dubbed in a foreign language. It is a strange and hilarious experience. A lot of what people know about us comes from these television shows and that can be very frightening. But lately there has been a new trend. Instead of dubbing an existing show, television companies are now buying the rights, casting local actors and re-filming the entire show in their native language. This is the premise for the documentary Exporting Raymond.
In Exporting Raymond, Phil Rosenthal is hired by Sony Television to go to Russia and assist in the casting and adaptation of his top American show, Everybody Loves Raymond. The result is unbelievable. As writer Phil Rosenthal not only has to adjust to Russian culture but deal with Russian executives as well. And we thought our network suits were tough.
In Russia Phil not only struggles with the language barrier he also must learn that funny doesn’t always translate. This documentary is a study in compromise as well as international relations. Not only is it amusing and entertaining it also gives us an insight into our own culture. In addition we get to meet Phil Rosenthal’s parents who are the inspiration for Ray’s mom and dad. Those scenes alone are worth the price of admission.
If you are interested in television at all this documentary is a must see. Just watching the casting process is a real eye-opener. Also as a social experiment it is fascinating to see how Russia is trying to change and grow after the fall of communism. Their new self-image is very important to them, which is in direct conflict with making comedy. In comedy we make fun of ourselves and that is real tricky when a nation is trying to rebuild its self-esteem.
This documentary works on so many levels that it is a real treat. Through it you’ll learn about pop culture, Britney Spears, international travel, Russian television burnout and why no one is interested in kid-napping Phil Rosenthal. With Exporting Raymond you’ll get a real insight into how television works. It is after all an international phenomenon and by all accounts the sit-com is here to stay.
Rating: First Run A hilarious look into pop culture
About Me
- Melanie Wilson
- My Reviewer's Philosophy: I believe that every film has its audience. One man’s Citizen Kane is another man’s Texas Chain Saw Massacre. My purpose is to help you spend your entertainment dollars wisely. A bad review never kept me from going to a film I wanted to see, but a good review will sometimes get me to a film I never considered. As a movie lover I want you to go to the movies. When more people go to the movies, the more movies get made. But, I also believe that if you enjoy the films you see, you naturally will be inclined to go more often. So join me in supporting our film industry by going to a movie today. Hopefully I can steer you towards a good one. See you at the movies. Melanie Wilson
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment