Danny Jay wrote:Would just like to thank everyone for their advice so far, most of which has been orientated around costume. What would you guys also recommended in as far as showmanship for a silent character?
I actually had some ideas on that and I forgot to post them.
The first thing is to ask if you've seen all of Tim Burton's films, in particular
Edward Scissorhands (I just feel that's the live action character who may be closest to what you want).
Other thoughts - silent films, especially German expressionist cinema, like
The Cabinet of Dr Caligari (maybe have a look at Cesare the somnambulist). Cesare was played by Conrad Veidt, who was the lead in
The Man Who Laughs and some think the character from that film was the inspiration for the Joker (coming back to Tim Burton films!).
Watch some puppet shows and mimic the movements. Marionettes and stick puppets will probably be what you want.
Going a bit wider, maybe take a mime class, or a workshop on silent clowning.