Throughout your career as an actor within horror movies, you will likely be called upon to play a dead body. Whether it’s your character who has died, or you’re an extra who met an untimely end, you must master the art of being a corpse. When writing this article, I began to chuckle to myself as I’m actually writing about how to “act” like a dead person.
It is easy to think that being a corpse requires nothing more than lying still and trying not to breath. However, there is actual skill behind portraying a realistic dead body. If you’re preparing for a role where you must portray a corpse, I highly suggest reading this article an implementing its tips while you’re on set.
Know Your Position within the Shot
I remember working on a horror film where there were about 20 extras and actors laid out on the ground – we were all dead, covered in blood and fake tissue. Upon first glance, it was a gruesome scene; however, as the film crew began filming, they kept having to cut the scene because one of the actors kept moving.
When you’re playing a corpse, it is vital to know where you are located in the shot and when the camera is rolling. If you are in the background, where you can’t really be seen, the pressure to remain still as a stone is lightened slightly; however, if you’re in the foreground, it is vital you concentrate on not moving an inch. Ask the director where you are in the shot and what the camera movements are doing.
Take Shallow Breaths
You are bound to be part of a scene that lasts longer than 30 seconds. If you are in an extremely short scene, it is possible to hold your breath throughout the shot; however, if the scene is much too long to comfortably hold your breath, you must learn how to take small, tiny, microscopic breaths. Practice this movement by standing in front of a mirror. Breathe in through your nose, or mouth, but only take small inhales. When you feel your abdomen or shoulders move due to the intake of air, your breath is far too large. The goal is breathing without moving. Understand, you will not feel like you’re breathing naturally, and you might even feel like you’re still holding your breath; however, with a little practice you’ll be able to maintain your flow of oxygen while still looking like you’re not breathing.
Meditate
One of the most important things to remember when playing a corpse is to be as still as humanly possible. An excellent way to accomplish this is to mediate while you’re in character. Close your eyes, and quiet your mind. Thinking can actually take away from a scene. Your eyes make movements even when you’re trying to keep them still and if you’re thinking about something else, it will definitely show. Mediate on relaxing every single muscle in your body. Start with your shoulders and work your way down your body. Clear your mind, and try not to think about anything. Void your brain of thoughts, and eventually, you’ll become a living (and believable) corpse.