Respond to these rapid questions in our Golden Voices quiz and we will tell you which Golden Voices character you are. Play it now.
“Golden Voices,” a charming and wryly bittersweet Israeli film, stars Vladimir Friedman and Maria Belkin as Victor and Raya Frenkel, two “golden voiced” actors in their 60s who made a living dubbing films in the Soviet Union. Even though the audience would see Kirk Douglas, Gregory Peck, or Dustin Hoffman on the screen, they would hear Victor’s Russian-language voice over the intercom system. “Each movie is an entire world into which we assist people,” he explains. A fellow emigrant informs him that after seeing “Spartacus” in Israel, he realized that the part of the film that he enjoyed the most was Victor’s voice. “You elevate Kirk Douglas to a new level!”
According to the film’s co-writer/director Evgeny Ruman, the Frenkels, like the actors who portray them, were among the over 900,000 Jews who fled to Israel as the Soviet Union came crashing down in the 1980s. They receive very little in the way of assistance. Boris, a nephew who used to go by the name of Boris, is now known as Baruch. He drops them off at an apartment he has reserved for them and then leaves them there for a while. We are reminded that Victor has always had to be aware that he was being watched by a small utility box on the wall, and that this is something he has had to deal with throughout his life. However, the film only makes a passing reference to cultural differences. No, this isn’t a “Perfect Strangers”-style sitcom, full of easily-laughed-at cutesy misunderstandings and mispronunciations that can be recorded. Standing in line to purchase gas masks, which will be used in the event that Saddam Hussein launches a chemical weapon against Israel, appears to be as routine a part of their new life as learning Hebrew.
That they are unable to find “golden voices” jobs that meet their high standards of professionalism and artistic value is even more concerning. Among the few unpaid Russian-language voice jobs that they can find are a public service announcement about what to do in the event of a toxic chemical attack for Victor as well as phone-based sex services for lonely Russian newcomers for Raya. So embarrassed by the situation that she tells him she works as a telephone salesperson. In one of the film’s best scenes, when it comes time for her to pretend to be not the real-life Raya but the fantasy figure Margarita, who is 22 years old and virgin, Belkin demonstrates how the actress in Raya rises to the occasion and even enjoys the experience of being a performer for the first time in years. In order to accommodate one caller, Raya/Margarita seamlessly switches into a different character. She is aware that he will appreciate her portrayal of an older, dissatisfied wife. In the course of her conversation with the caller, she allows some of her true self to emerge, which is more than she has allowed herself to be for many years.
But you shouldn’t waste any more time and start this Golden Voices quiz.
On their first night in Israel, Victor raises a glass to “a new beginning.” However, new beginnings do not always occur at the same time and do not always feel as fresh as we would like. Due to their need to reinvent themselves, the Frenkels and their relationship are put through their paces. Their golden voices have been deployed on behalf of others for decades, and their true selves are only now beginning to emerge, albeit in an uncomfortable manner, in this new environment. Raya says she wants to feel like the lead actress in her own life, but that she is “not even a supporting character” in her own. Victor’s demeanor is becoming more and more gloomy and distant. Their own voices will be heard for the first time in a long time, if not ever, and they will have to find a way to express themselves.
Golden Voices Quiz
As Raya, Belkin, who was nominated for Best Actress by the Israeli Film Academy for this role, is a radiant delight, demonstrating how she uses her voice to explore her deeper feelings as her husband is forced to abandon his sense of himself as a professional in order to do quick dubs of pirated movies. This is clearly a personal story for the people who created it, a heartfelt thank you for the fresh start they have found in their new home, and for all fresh starts and the people who have the courage to seek them out.
Also, you will find out which character are you in this Golden Voices quiz.
Select theaters are now showing the film.
For more personality quizzes check this: The Novice Quiz.
