Whilst shooting scenes for a short film in a forest back in the wintry December, shivering and seizing up, I suddenly realised that I was being pathetic comparison to the great actors, who "suffer for their craft", and I thought of Leonardo DiCaprio in 'The Revenant' and the extreme conditions that he negotiated to win his first Best Actor Oscar. How could I develop such resilience? And it was with that question that I thought of writing this blog post to explore acting in the cold and offer myself and other actors advice on coping.
As actors, our craft requires resilience and adaptability in various situations, including extreme weather conditions. One such challenge is acting in the cold, which can have a significant impact on both our performance and our physical well-being. Whilst I fortunately didn't have to endure subzero temperatures or erratic storms, I definitely felt the effects of the cold weather and had to battle against becoming a hindrance on set.
The Impact of Cold on Actors and Acting
Cold weather affects actors in multiple ways—physically, emotionally, and mentally. Let's take a closer look at these effects:
Physical Effects:
Hypothermia Risk: In extreme cases, prolonged exposure to cold temperatures can lead to hypothermia. Symptoms such as shivering, confusion, and fatigue can hinder an actor's performance, making it difficult to focus and deliver lines.
Again, whilst I was safe from hypothermia, I felt the effects of shivering and fatigue - all that I wanted to do was go home and drink hot chocolate.
Stiffness and Discomfort: Cold can cause muscles to tense up, leading to stiffness and reduced mobility.
In the scene I held a revolver and was scouring the forest for a figure. Such was the cold that it came through my gloves and caused my fingers to ache, which made it extremely difficult to retain grip of the gun.
Reduced Dexterity: The cold can affect an actor’s fine motor skills, such as the ability to hold props, perform precise movements, or execute intricate choreography.
As I explained, it was hard to hold the gun. I also had to run through the trees in pursuit of the figure. I found it difficult to run as my feet were numb. We did the take twice, and each time was disorientating.
Mental and Emotional Effects:
Distraction and Discomfort: Being cold can make it harder to concentrate. It’s easy to become fixated on your discomfort, which can detract from your emotional connection to the scene or character.
I found it incredibly hard to concentrate and had to have commands repeated to me multiple times before I understood what I was being told to do.
Performance Quality: The cold can affect your voice, causing it to become tight or shaky. Cold weather can also impact facial expressions, making them feel forced or exaggerated.
Let's just say, I couldn't feel my face! Luckily, most of the cinematography was based on the chase and the gun, not my face.
So, with all that pain and discomfort in mind, here is my advice for actors on acting in the cold.
Advice for Actors: Coping with Acting in the Cold
While acting in cold weather is undoubtedly challenging, there are several techniques actors can use to stay warm, healthy, and focused:
Layering and Proper Clothing:
Dress in layers that trap heat while still allowing movement. Materials like thermal underwear, and wool are great for keeping the body warm without restricting movement. Wear these underneath your costume if it doesn't hinder your ability to perform.
I forgot to do this as I feared that any under-garments might be seen through my shirt. Despite wearing a shirt, tie, blazer, and coat, I was freezing.
Consider wearing hand warmers and heated socks if they’re not visible on camera.
Warm-Up Exercises:
Before stepping onto the set, perform stretches and warm-up exercises to loosen your muscles and improve circulation. A good warm-up will help combat the stiffness caused by the cold and make it easier to move naturally during the performance.
I should have done this and will definitely in the future.
Mental Focus and Breath Control:
Cold weather can affect your voice and concentration. To ensure your performance isn’t disrupted, focus on deep breathing techniques to control your breath and vocal delivery. Maintain your emotional focus and remember that your character would endure these conditions, too.
Visualisation techniques can also help you remain mentally focused. Visualising a warm, comfortable space can help take your mind off the cold.
I did try this. I stood quiet and thought of a nice warm fire. This only made me want to go home. It also took me from the character and the scene. I would advise thinking of the warmth as your character, then it can become part of the scene and their motivation.
Breaks and Hydration:
Take breaks between scenes to warm up in a heated area or use blankets and hot water bottles. Hydrate regularly, as dehydration can worsen the physical effects of the cold.
On a professional set, this will be a given. The welfare of the actors and the rest of the production team are of paramount importance. I, however, was working on an amateur short-film (and we also thought that the shoot would be completed quickly), so we were not prepared with blankets, a heated area, or hot beverages.
Collaborating with the Crew:
Collaborate with the production crew to ensure that you're comfortable during your scenes. Discussing weather-related concerns can lead to solutions such as hot set tents, warm props, or adjusting your scenes to accommodate weather changes.
Case Study: Leonardo DiCaprio in The Revenant
When most people think of actors who have endured harsh weather conditions for a role, they think of Leonardo DiCaprio's portrayal of frontiersman Hugh Glass in the 2015 film The Revenant. The film’s director, Alejandro González Iñárritu, and cinematographer Emmanuel Lubezki, aimed for authenticity, choosing to shoot much of the film in the rugged wilderness of Canada and Argentina during the harsh winter months. The production faced extreme conditions, with temperatures dropping as low as -40°C (-40°F), often with high winds, snow, and ice. -40°C! And I had complained at the 3°C in the forest.
The Cold’s Impact on DiCaprio's Performance
DiCaprio’s commitment to realism meant that he fully embraced the cold conditions, often performing scenes in freezing water and enduring lengthy outdoor shoots without a heated trailer. The gruelling conditions were physically taxing, but they played a significant role in his portrayal of a man fighting for survival in the wild.
One of the most memorable and challenging scenes involved DiCaprio being submerged in an ice-cold river. Despite the discomfort, DiCaprio continued to push through, knowing that the emotional intensity of the scene required him to be fully immersed in the experience. In interviews, DiCaprio revealed that he and the crew faced immense challenges dealing with the weather, but it was his dedication to the craft and the belief in the authenticity of the film that kept him going.
How DiCaprio Coped with the Conditions
To endure the harsh conditions, DiCaprio followed several of the tips I've outlined above:
He engaged in physical warm-up exercises to maintain mobility during shoots.
DiCaprio focused on staying mentally strong, channeling his character's emotional struggles into his performance.
He worked closely with the crew to ensure safety measures were in place, including using hot packs during breaks.
DiCaprio made use of his talent and discipline, putting his focus on the emotional arc of his character to block out the discomfort of the cold.
As the saying goes, "Mind over matter." If we can fully immerse ourselves in our thoughts, fully believe in the moment and divert our attention from discomfort, then we can alter our reaction to events. DiCaprio showed incredible determination and passion for his craft, and focused on the long-term goal of success, rather than short-term gratification.
Now, I'm not saying that an actor should suffer for their craft. But I am acknowledging that I need to develop stronger discipline and emotional strength to master not only the conditions of shooting, but also that of the character in the moment of the scene. That is the best advice for actors: "Be in the Moment!"
If you want an alternative view on what Leonardo DiCaprio's performance means for actors, read this article about how acting is not endurance.
Conclusion
Acting in the cold can be an intense and difficult experience, but with the right preparation, focus, and resilience, actors can deliver powerful performances regardless of the temperature. Leonardo DiCaprio’s experience filming The Revenant is a prime example of how an actor's dedication and ability to endure harsh conditions can lead to an Oscar-winning performance. By dressing appropriately, warming up, and maintaining mental focus, actors can overcome the physical and emotional challenges posed by the cold to deliver memorable performances that resonate with audiences.
Stay warm, stay focused, and remember: cold weather might challenge you, but it can never freeze your passion for the craft.
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