"My whole deal when I do accents or dialects is I gotta fool the locals. If I fool the locals then I've done my job"

Brion James’s words reveal a philosophy of authenticity and deep respect for the origins of the accents or dialects he performs. He implies that the most important critics of any accent or dialect are the people who naturally speak it, the “locals.” For James, acting goes far beyond merely mimicking sounds; it requires such complete immersion and understanding that even native speakers accept and believe the performance. To “fool the locals” means meeting the highest standard, where an outsider’s portrayal is indistinguishable from the real thing.

By setting the bar at fooling native speakers, he highlights a commitment to craft that surpasses doing just enough to be convincing to a general audience. The underlying suggestion is that dialect work in acting is not just about broad imitation for entertainment, but a nuanced, detailed study. Such a mindset reveals a humility: the actor acknowledges that local speakers are the gatekeepers of authenticity, and their acceptance is the ultimate validation.

James’s approach recognizes the cultural weight and identity carried in accents and dialects. Each variation of speech is a living reflection of a community’s history, geography, and social evolution. To approach it carelessly, or only superficially, might reduce it to caricature or cliché. By emphasizing fooling the locals, he’s aiming not just for accuracy but for a respectful, meaningful representation that honors the people he is portraying.

At the same time, there’s a playful side to his words, the idea of “fooling” suggests delight in the craft and the challenge. It’s a game with high stakes, where success is measured by the ability to disappear completely into a role. As a result, James’s standard requires not only technical skill but also empathy, observation, and the humility to let those most familiar with a dialect be the ultimate judges of his performance.