The Full Monty

[pensnest]

Beast recently offered his dad 'The Full Monty' to watch (FIL approved, mostly I think because it was set in Sheffield, where he was born). The box was lying around, so we watched it yesterday, and today looked at the Extras.

Apparently, many words needed to be translated for the American audience. Which is sad, frankly. We don't get translations from American English, we're expected to manage, and seriously, is it that hard to figure out what 'lassies' means? Or the 'works' band? Or 'top himself'? In context, I don't think any of these words is unclear. The one thing I thought was probably acceptable was 'pounds' for 'stones'. (They didn't like the title either, and it's more understandable that the phrase would be new to the USA, but there is a perfect little scene in the movie where it is explained exactly what it means. Apparently the title only stuck because they ran out of time without figuring out a better title, and had to take the film to Sundance.)

Out of context, it could be harder to get what's being said, but… are these examples really impenetrable? If they are, I'd love to know.

Comments

[gwenhwyfar1984]

They're not impenetrable for the most part to me because I watch shows like Call the Midwife. However, I read them to a family member and yeah, she didn't know. So if she watched (it is not her kind of movie) she would be grateful for the translations. I know a lot of people who would not think it is sad and would be.

[dine]

it's been ages since I watched the movie, but I don't remember being especially confused by the dialogue or accents. I don't remember tons about it, just the general plot.

however, without context the 'works' band is throwing me; I can think of several meanings of 'works' but the phrase itself has no meaning for me. unless it's an actual band for a workplace?

[topaz119]

I remember reviews leading with an explanation of the title when the movie was released here, but I don't think there were any other 'translations' offered and people seemed to like it/understand it just fine...?

[brandywine28]

I will concede that a lot of us are somewhat dimwitted over here, but -- no. Not impenetrable, no.

God, now I'm wondering what they would've renamed it. "Male Stripper Comedy #4"? I can't think of a single possibility that doesn't leave me feeling insulted!

[watervole]

I never knew what 'the full Monty' meant until I saw the movie. and I'm a Northener.

But I have no objection to it as a film title. I think the obscurity actually helps as it sounds less crude, and it isn't a crude film.