Not Coming to a Theater Near You

The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy / UK / USA / 2005

If I may, I’d like to offer a British perspective on this peculiarly British film.

As Arthur Dent, Martin Freeman effectively carries on the role for which most British viewers would recognise him — as the hapless Tim in The Office (a television series I believe is being adapted for American screens). With Ford Prefect as a kind-of arbiter, Freeman is pitched against the wildly flamboyant Sam Rockwell in the role of Zaphod Beeblebrox, and it’s tempting to think of the relationship between the two polar opposites as a representation of the stereotyped ways in which the British and Americans view each other. Whilst Zaphod goes about his business brashly with little thought for nothing else than his intended goal, the altogether reserved British chap generally worries about where is next cup of tea is going to come from. Though I don’t really subscribe to that interpretation, it’s one that became quite apparent watching the reactions of a British audience, as a British viewer, in a British cinema.

Of course, it could be something to do with the fact I watched The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy in a cinema in my current home town of Guildford — which attentive viewers (and readers) will recall is where Ford Prefect claimed to be from. Such a reference may be lost on American audiences, so it is my duty to tell some of you that Guildford is precisely the sort of leafy, commuter-belt, nondescript town that would give rise to little suspicion should anyone — being, in fact, a space traveller — nominate it as their home town. If I knew of an equivalent American town, I’d provide it. But to a certain extent that’s my point: which side of the pond you’re currently sitting on will undoubtedly affect the way in which you enjoy this film.

It was noted with incredulity that Shrek 2 employed different voiceover actors for each foreign dub, in order to make the film’s characters as country-specific as possible. For example, Larry King voiced one of the ugly stepsisters for the American version whilst Jonathan Ross was the voice of the stepsister for UK viewers. Although I cannot recall such an approach mentioned for The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, I do wonder whether an American audience would benefit from appropriate actor substitutions for voiceovers, or whether it is precisely that peculiar brand of Britishness that may be prove to be its biggest attraction. Either way, the highlight of the film for me was the sperm whale’s short soliloquy as it hurtled towards its death, the voice provided by the resolutely quirky — and hugely funny — British comedian, Bill Bailey.

by Rich Watts | Source: 35mm print
10 May 2005 8:00 AM | Submit Comment