Karen Gillan’s character in Oculus required her to memorise a 13-page monologue and repeat it in one single take. It was a difficult task for Gillan who took two months to just read and remember, but it is a scene she will always hold close to her heart. She is excited to be a part of Guardians of the Galaxy, coming up next. Excerpts:
How did you bag the role of Kaylie Russell in OculusIJ
My agent handed me the script of Oculus and also informed me about the meeting with the director over Skype. I was amazed at his casual attitude. But because I was in Scotland at that point in time, I had no option but to Skype. So, I got on the call with him that evening and he told me about the original short film and asked me to watch it. I did as was asked and was impressed. After I was convinced that I wanted to play the part of Russell did I make an audition tape.
Coming to your most talked about longest monologue in the film, how was that experienceIJ
It took me two months to learn it and I still remember it by heart. It was a 13 page long script of one single take scene and it was very difficult to do it in one go. Moreso because I was not expected to emote. It was just me reading out all facts aloud. I was told that I had to do all of this in one shot. Trust me till 2 months after this happened, I couldn’t memorise any other line.
What technique did you have to use to memorise this one lengthy dialogueIJ
I had to keep reading it over and over again till it was imprinted in my memory. I took one page a day and memorised it one at a time.
There’s one sequence where you bite into a lightbulb, how did you manage thatIJ
That scene was very well shot. Mike is a very smart guy and he knows his thing very well. There were a variety of shots we did for that scene, closeup, side, long shot etc and I think it was edited really well. Obviously it wasn’t real glass so we used a rubbery something.
Are you anything like Russell in real lifeIJ
From how I read Russell, I think she is a determined girl. She is very focussed about what she wants in life. I feel I have a similar dedication for my art.
Have you been a fan of horror moviesIJ
Oh, I love them. I love the whole genre. I have grown up seeing so many of them. My all time favourites include are Scream, I know What you Did last Summer and Death of a Cheerleader.
How was your experience working with Mike as a directorIJ
It was fantastic. He really pushed us, he pushed the boundaries of what we could do. I feel sometimes as an actor you can be reserved and not try to overdo it. But he asked us to go all the way and I think the way he edited the movie was simply amazing.
You are doing Guardians of the Galaxy, what was your reaction when you saw yourself in get up of your characterIJ
I couldn’t believe it at all. And first time I saw myself I was like whoa! It was a very scary experience. I think Marvel did a lot of make-up tests with other actors and I didn’t bother seeing those pictures. But I think the entire make-up etc really helped me to get better into the character. I shaved my head, I had to work out so I was being a different person altogether.
Since the film has so many characters, how much importance do you think your role would get in the movieIJ
I feel the character is very interesting. It has many layers and many relationships with other characters. That makes it more interesting. I play the female lead villain. I particularly like the relationship my character has with Zoe Saldana’s character in the movie.
Marvel has a tendency to add to their films once the first cut is ready. Should there be a need for you to shoot additional portions, would you be okay to shave your head againIJ
Well, I would if it’s absolutely required to. But if there’s a way around to not shave I would really like that. However, currently I am sporting a short hair style so maybe I can get away without shaving.