Animation Source Forums

As I said in this topic: http://www.animationsource.org/board/the-brown-wolfs-voice-actor-t33986.html



Kevin Bacon's a great actor. No doubt about it. But that is precisely the point: he's an actor. He's not a voice actor, like Maurice LaMarche. Voice actors are generally (and usually) much better and skilled with vocal acting than actors themselves.

Plus, I tend to think a lot of the preference for Kevin Bacon over Maurice LaMarche comes down to something which has absolutely nothing whatsoever to do with the performances of either individual in the Balto films. And that is a marked, stubborn preference for, and loyalty to, the first Balto film over the others. In spite of obvious flaws in the first one (in a variety of areas), and some good things in the sequels (in spite of the flaws in those), many fans will poo-poo the sequels and anyone who had anything whatsoever to do with them simply because they have this inexplicable need to compare a well-funded theatrical release to two poorly-funded direct-to-video sequels. In reality, that is patently unfair anyway, as direct-to-video projects never, ever get the kind of funding, nor flexible production schedules, which theatrical projects do. Some fans do understand that. It is shocking, however, how many do not.

I think Kevin Bacon was perfect for a role like Baltos. His voice matched perfectly, as well as the emotions required. Maurice was ok but not as good as I see it.

I don't mean to be crude here, but I wonder how in the world can a voice be a "perfect match" for a character like Balto? There are few odd characteristics of his design which would lend themselves to certain specific voice portrayals (taking, for example, the character "Sid" in Ice Age...that's an entirely different matter).

Maybe "perfect" is the wrong word here. "Better" or "Good" would describe this better.

I still don't see how one voice or the other would "match" the character better. Certainly one might say that they prefer one voice over the other. That is perfectly reasonable (and, in fact, that's exactly what this topic is all about). But in order for one voice to "match" an animated character, one has to presume certain pre-existing characteristics: certain physical traits (especially those which define a certain voice), behavior patterns, or previous voicing of the character by another actor or voice actor. Before Kevin Bacon, there was no one to compare him to. But that is really rather irrelevant anyway. Either Bacon's or LaMarche's voice work with the character depending upon a fan's personal preference. It is illogical to say that the voice "matches" him...as nothing about the character stands out in a way that begs a specific kind of voice portrayal.

I think I get what youre trying to say. Bacon's still my preferance.

Now that is reasonable and sensible. I disagree personally, but that's just a matter of choice. I can certainly see why some people like Kevin Bacon's portrayal. He did very well. But, as an afterthought, my on-going problem with many people who do say they prefer him is when they COMPARE him to Maurice LaMarche, and simply say he was better. That is silly. LaMarche is an excellent voice actor. And has done far more of that work than Kevin Bacon ever has, and many different types of voices.

LaMarche did do a majority of voice work in the 90s. His role as Pinky is notable.

If you listen to the two very closely, one immediately after the other (or concurrently), you will see that Maurice LaMarche did a pretty darned good job of approximating Kevin Bacon's voice...or an older version of it.

Not in the least. I thought he did an excellent job of gradually aging Balto in his vocal quality...and in adding a barely-noticeable bit of grittiness (as mentioned earlier) that touched on the wolf part of him. And there is a gentleness to LaMarche's voice...a soft, smooth-as-silk tenderness which Bacon's voice lacks (which has a bit of a harder, tinnier edge to it).

I came in expecting a flood of delicious Kevin Baconators, and what should I find but a greasy freebooter named Jersey Captain singing the praises of Maurice LeMarche?

I'll be honest, I liked Kevin Bacon's voice more as Balto's. However, the whole thing that attracted me to this topic was the meaning of "better" in the topic title. I think that Bacon's performance was slightly on the flat side. But perhaps because I was used to his portrayal of Balto, I initially didn't like LeMarche's take on the role. However, I will admit that as a vocal performer, LeMarche had much more variety and inflection as Balto. But, because Bacon played the original role, his voice is intrinsically linked to many fans as THE voice of Balto. I can't say I disagree with that sentiment, but credit must be given where credit is due.

So!

Better voice (in my opinion) = Kevin Bacon
Better performance (in my opinion) = Maurice LeMarche.

Does that make sense?

BTW, Jersey, you aren't a greasy freebooter. Your rationale and glibness is making you one of my favorite posters on here, but I really wanted to use that quote for the longest time. I hope you understand.

I was gonna say...

Incidentally, thank you for the compliment about my rationale and glibness. XD Not sure that would garner universal agreement on this forum, but it generally does (for which I am always appreciative). I read duh books wit duh pretty pitchers...teh heh...

And not a bad little explanation of your views on this topic. I accept that. And yes, that is the root of the "Baconator" () crowd and their stubborn loyalty to Kevin Bacon's portrayal in spite of the evidence of relative skill in both portrayals. Not that there's anything wrong with preferring Bacon's job in this...the only thing that WOULD be wrong is preferring Bacon simply because he WAS the first. Which, as I have pointed out recently, is silly.