Movement and Psychological Coaching
When it comes to portraying royals on screen, it’s not just about the appearance. Polly Bennett, a movement coach for the cast of ‘The Crown,’ reveals that capturing the essence of being a royal is all in the way they move. From the position of their arms and legs to their gestures, every detail matters. Bennett emphasizes the importance of giving away as little as possible, creating a sense of personal space like walking in a hamster ball, and restricting generosity.
Distinctive Royal Habits
Impersonating royals goes beyond physical movements. Certain habits and mannerisms are unique to each royal, and they are valuable anchors for actors. For example, Princess Diana’s permanently dipped head and upwards glance from beneath her brow are mimicked by Emma Corrin and Elizabeth Debicki, lending them a distinct Diana energy. Charles’s hand movements, such as clasping them, putting them behind his back, or pressing them together at the fingertips in an open triangle, convey reassurance or deep thought. Kate, on the other hand, has specific ways of holding her handbag and positioning herself while talking.
Dialect Coaching and Anchoring Technique
William Conacher, the dialect coach for ‘The Crown,’ helps the actors imitate the unique vocal patterns and accents of the royals. He starts by having them watch their own mouths and focus on the shapes they make while speaking. This anchoring technique allows the actors to embody the characters more convincingly. While some royals, like the Queen, speak in a manner reminiscent of the past, others, like Prince Harry, have accents that blend in more with modern English patterns. Conacher aims for a perfect imitation, even with the subtler nuances in pronunciation.
Casting for Authenticity
Robert Sterne, the casting director for ‘The Crown,’ emphasizes that finding actors who resemble the royals is not the most important criterion. The actors need to be believable in their roles, even if they don’t look exactly like their characters. The transformation can be achieved through hair, makeup, costumes, and acting ability. The goal is to make the audience believe in the characters and their interactions.
Transformation Tips
If you aspire to transform yourself into a royal, remember that looks aren’t everything. Focus on dialect and movement coaching to truly capture their essence. Don’t be discouraged if you don’t resemble them physically; authenticity can be achieved through various means. And, of course, a touch of eyeliner never hurts.
