I'm married to an actor so I know how much they prize voiceover gigs like television commercials. Compared to having to do makeup, wardrobe, blocking, rehearsing, memorizing lines, and performing in front of a live audience eight nights a week, that's very easy money.
I also know that the trend over the past decade or so has been for advertisers to move away from the unknown golden throats in the business and instead go to big-name actors, or at least actors whose voices you might recognize. My advertising friends tell me that, even when the actor doing the voiceover isn't identified in the commercial, using a celebrity voice that either sounds familiar or you think you can identify makes what's being said far more credible. That's why, if you listen closely, you'll hear Stanley Tucci, George Clooney, Richard Thomas, Gene Hackman, and many others hawking everything from 3G networks to power tools.
But when they do a voiceover for a commercial, actors usually use their own voice rather than one of the characters they play. For example, Gene Hackman doesn't sound like Lex Luthor (Superman), Frank Ramsey (Crimson Tide), Harry Zimm (Get Shorty), or any of the other characters he has portrayed in any movie or television show when he's the voice of Lowe's. Instead, he's just himself.
And that's why my Beautiful and Talented Wife (the BTW) and I were so surprised to see and listen to this new commercial from Dodge. As far as we can tell it uses the voice of Michael C. Hall, the actor who brilliantly plays the serial killer Dexter Morgan in the Showtime series "Dexter." But you don't hear Hall being Hall; you clearly hear Dexter. It's the same cadence, same understated and unemotional tone, etc.
In other words, Dodge either thinks a serial killer will convince people to buy its cars, or believes that the connection with the character somehow makes the cars more appealing.
I suppose this opens up many new possibilities for actors because they can now take roles knowing that their character might have a commercial application. Think of Jennifer Aniston as Rachel from Friends or Charlie Sheen as Charlie Harper from Two and a Half Men being the voice for an online dating service.
Even if they just play one on television.
Not exactly.
His voice style and cadence was often similar in "Six Feet Under". The moroseness, that's Dexter, but then Xmas depresses everyone. The very thought of holiday sox...
Buy a dodge from dexter
It would have been better if Doge has started selling $1006 socks, and offering the rebate on them too. . .
at least people might be tempted to visit the dealerships.
Waiting for the Best Buy
Waiting for the Best Buy commercial featuring Jon Lovitz' compulsive liar character.
"Yeah, we got that in stock, sure! It's just at another store. You cannnn...order it online, yeah that's the ticket! Same sale price as here."
"No it looks like we charged your card the full price even though you didn't get your product yet, but we didn't. That's just a...a hold. Yeah, a hold. Not really a charge."
"I don't see an order here anywhere, maybe your order got lost in our system, yeah that's the ticket, it got hungry and wandered off without you looking for food."
Dexter.
I was just watching TV when I saw this dodge commercial and i completley regconized Dexter's (or Michal C Hall) voice! Superr huge fann, up until the fourth seaason. Absolutley terrible, and now I am no longer a Dexter fanatic.
Socks!
This commercial was driving me crazy-live in San Francisco, walk or ride public transit to where I need/want to go and couldn't afford nor would want a gas guzzling vehicle. Funny that every time his voice come on, I would counter out loud-"Rather have the socks!" Didn't even have to ponder. Guess what? Someone gave me a lovely pair of green socks for a Xmas gag gift-very happy! Seriously!
M
But of course!
I already drive a Stratus and already dream of a black Charger. I think it would be lovely to have MCH's autograph scrawled in silver across the hood. ;) (The "Dexter edition". xD )
Personally, I think this only tops James Remar's (Harry) Lexus commercials (spring/summer 2009). Though I *do* have to wonder what MCH would do with a soaking wet guy running toward a luxury convertible--being chased by a giant mob, no less!
Whhaaaa?
Season four was one of he best...what are you talking about? I can't wait for season 5!
Smart Ad
Dexter appeals to guys who like the fantasy that they can have all they want and get away with a few secret pleasures- like say being a serial killer, or going out late at night when their wives think they're at work, or snooping on people without them even realizing it. Dexter epitomizes those sorts of fantasies and is a perfect pitchman for a manly truck. Stroke of Brilliance on Dodge's part! This ad isn't targeted to all you other skeptics so don't worry about it... those clever advertisers will find someone YOU admire to pitch products to you.
I love Dexter!
When I heard the Dodge commercial, I knew that it was "Dexter," my secret boyfriend! Couldn't miss the intonation.... why do I, 56 year young female, love Dexter? Bad boy, good heart, dangerous, emotionally honest... don't know for sure! Thanks, Dodge, for giving me a MCH fix! BTW, I thought that season 4 was brilliant.