Deadwood: Why does E.B. talk like that?

[glen]

Is it just to make the script funny? I get All and Wu. They are funny, and probably historically accurate in their use of the venacular, although anacronistic. E.B Farnum's dialog seems out of place. Is it to contrast with Al? Is it to make it more"Shakesperian?"


Mr. Wu: Bok Gwai Lo... cocksucka!
Al Swearengen: Yeah, glad I taught you that fuckin' word. These are whites, huh?
Mr. Wu: White cocksucka! [shows empty bag]
Al Swearengen: Two white cocksuckers killed him and stole the dope that he was bringing to you.
Mr. Wu: White cocksucka! You, Swedgin.
Al Swearengen: [suddenly enraged] The dope that you were gonna fuckin' sell to me?
Mr. Wu: White cocksucka.
Al Swearengen: These two white cocksuckers? Who the fuck did it?
Mr. Wu: Wu?
Al Swearengen: "Who," you ignorant fuckin’ beloved patriot!
Mr. Wu: Wu!
Al Swearengen: Who? Who? Who stole the fucking dope?
Mr. Wu: Cocksucka!
Al Swearengen: Aw, Jesus.

 

[Childs]

Thats the way that actor talks. He is like that in everything he has ever done.

 

[Perknose]

It's a classic trope of 19th literature . . . the humorously upward-striving autodidact trying to sound more learned than they are. Joseph Conrad, whose first language wasn't English, had a keen ear for it.

E.B. uses speech patterns that he dimly presumes are those of a learned man. There is even a blindingly obvious objective correlative in the laughingly worn-through frilly frock coat he wears . . . just in case you, the viewer, didn't get the joke the first time 'round.

It's neatly wrapped up and described by the phrase "piss elegant."

 

[shortylickens]

COCKSUCKA!


:awe:

 

[shortylickens]

For those who dont get it:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WN5cCiXt6IM

 

[mcurphy]

I love that show, easily in my top 5 all time TV shows.

 

[glen]

Great show, but I think the Wire is the best TV show of all time.

Sent from my T-Mobile G2 using Tapatalk 2

 

[Childs]

When the theives were taking a bath and deciding who needed to apologize to Wu...that was one of the funniest moments in the series. Funny and sadistic at the same time.

http://www.mgoon.com/view.htm?id=2108449 42:00

Great show.

 

[Perknose]

E.B.'s piss elegant coat, the visual equivalent of his failed attempt to speak like a "swell*."


*Swell: An elegantly, or stylishly dressed gentleman.

 

[zinfamous]

Much of Swearengen's dialogue is iambic pentameter. And don't be "offended;" had Shakespeare been using the vernacular of Deadwood's time, his work would have likewise been peppered with "cocksucking cunts." (Just as the Bard's actual writing more or less was, as well)

I think E.B, has a grand view of himself. I think it's pretty clear that he makes great strides to present himself as a cosmopolitan, serious man of business--one who provides comfort and "class." I think he feels that he needs to cater to the fanciest of fancies that happen upon Deadwood, so he puts on airs in the best way he can.

 

[MayorOfAmerica]

It's a classic trope of 19th literature . . . the humorously upward-striving autodidact trying to sound more learned than they are. Joseph Conrad, whose first language wasn't English, had a keen ear for it.

E.B. uses speech patterns that he dimly presumes are those of a learned man. There is even a blindingly obvious objective correlative in the laughingly worn-through frilly frock coat he wears . . . just in case you, the viewer, didn't get the joke the first time 'round.

It's neatly wrapped up and described by the phrase "piss elegant."

Came here to say this except stoopider. Also :thumbsup: for "piss elegant"

 

[SirStev0]

Explanations above cover it.

 

[glen]

Mr Wu actually posts here, and comments on his famous scene with Ian:
http://www.hitfix.com//whats-alan-w...1-2-a-lie-agreed-upon-veterans-edition#233914