only.in.america
Only In America
is a video course in American English at beginner level. It comprises
eight self-contained humorous short stories, entertaining comedy
segments that provide a wealth of vivid images about American life.
The video is performed by a small team of actors, including Mr. Edward
Norton. Only In America was filmed in 1994, in New York City, Long Island
and New Jersey.
Edward
Norton features in Only in America in a variety of roles.
In Video
1, “Duane & Donna in New York”,
Mr. Norton is Duane, a young student from Minnesota, who together with
his friend Donna, visits New York for the first time.
In Video
4, “Big Deal!”,
he is James, a very mysterious 'business associate'.
In “Office
Blues”, Edward is Bruno. He works in an office.
He has a lot of things to do and today is his birthday.
Mr. Norton
is Eric in Video 6, “The Websters”.
It is the funnier character...take a look at the pictures! During the shooting
of this episode, there was one moment of apprehension. Ed (as Eric) had
to start his battered car and lurch along the street. He said he’d let
it drop back so as to nearly hit the car behind, then make it jump forward.
All the crew were apprehensive as the car behind didn’t belong to them,
and couldn’t be switched for one that did as it had already appeared on
camera. Ed did it just as he had promised, missing the vehicle by about
quarter of an inch. Fortunately the crew held the applause until after
the director shouted, “cut!”
In “The
Artist”, Video 8, he is a museum guard, who
absolutely doesn't understand anything about art. "My kid sister paints
pictures like that, and she's only three year old!", he repeats over and
over.
Edward was
magic on camera, and his role as Eric, the nerdy boyfriend in “The Websters,”
had the whole crew in hysterics. The little addition of a Band-Aid to the
spectacles was Ed’s idea.
He is a
superb comedian, though he is now so much better known for his serious
roles. ESL/ELT video is not Hollywood, but Ed gave his total commitment
and expertise throughout. He has the attention to detail. I had stills
of him in several different shirts as he tried to decide which shirt said
“Eric.”
Note:
I would like to thank Mr. Robert Maidment,
the director and producer of Only In America for his kindness and his precious
help. |