How Does Tatiana Maslany of “Orphan Black” Prepare to Play Each Clone and Keep Track of Their Manner?
Tatiana Maslany, who plays all of the clones on Orphan Black (2013), revealed in an interview that she created specific playlists for each character she portrays on the show. Each playlist consists of songs based on what she thinks the characters would listen to, or how they would be feeling, or even their general mood. While she is in hair and makeup, being physically transformed from one clone into another, she listens to her playlist so she can begin to embody the personality of the new clone. The Sarah playlist is rock music; the Alison playlist is show tunes; the Cosima playlist is electronic and techno music; and the Helena playlist is more singer-songwriter style. (Maslany also joked that she listens to the Jurassic Park theme to get into character to voice the scorpion, Pupok.)
When the show first started, Maslany worked with creators Graeme Manson and John Fawcett to develop specific mannerisms for each clone. Although they do share some similarities (they are genetically identical, after all), you’ll never see repressed Rachel gesticulating wildly with her hands like Cosima does, or wild, untamed Helena sitting with Alison’s perfect posture. That’s just not who they are. They may have the same DNA, but their personalities are entirely different.
From 2x09: Helena (top), uninhibited and violently attacking a man with the enthusiasm and joy of a young child; and Rachel (bottom), cold and calculating, carefully plotting her next move.
Things get complicated when Maslany has to portray one clone pretending to be another clone. She says her strategy is to portray the first clone, and then sprinkle in bits of the second clone. For example, when she plays Sarah pretending to be Alison, she is playing Sarah, who is mimicking who she thinks Alison is. In some scenes, such as Alison’s first attempts to impersonate Sarah, Maslany is playing one clone badly pretending to be another clone. Maslany has to keep up her Alison act, and then on top of that, portray a very poorly exaggerated version of Sarah.
Top: Urban grifter Sarah in the pilot.
Bottom: Soccer mom Alison in 1x02.
Top: Alison as Sarah in 1x04.
Bottom: Sarah as Alison in 1x06.
What it comes down to is Orphan Black crew’s devotion to continuity, and Tatiana Maslany’s dedication to her craft as an extraordinarily talented actress. Very few actresses could believably play 10+ different characters on the same show, but she does. Acting technique certainly helps, but her talent is a key component of this show.