The Autopsy Of Jane Doe: Why The Director Insisted On A Real Body

Filmmaker André Øvredal insisted on a real actress to portray the corpse in his first English-speaking film, The Autopsy of Jane Doe, which makes for just one of many reasons as to why the viewing experience, while minimalist, is immensely terrifying.

The film centers on the body of a young woman (Olwen Catherine Kelly), which is found buried in a basement at a crime scene. Sheriff Burke (Michael McElhatton) orders the body to be taken to a family-owned mortuary, helmed by Tommy (Brian Cox), in conjunction with his son, Austin (Emile Hirsch). As the duo begin the autopsy of this mysterious and seemingly-untouched body, they start to learn more about what may have happened to Jane Doe. They also experience frightening phenomena while becoming trapped in the morgue, when the true terror begins.

Upon peeling back the layers and skin of the body, viewers come to realize that the contents of her organs and markings on her skin serve as containment for what lurks inside. The near perfectly-preserved and ageless body is indeed that of a vengeful and terrifying witch from the Salem Witch Trials. Kelly attacked the role of Jane Doe perfectly in remaining lifeless on the table, even while the cast navigates around her body and begins to dissect.

Why The Autopsy Of Jane Doe Used A Real Actress For The Body

Øvredal was adamant in his choice to have a real actress play the role of the body because he was aiming for accuracy, which is why he also enlisted a real-life medical examiner on set. He felt that the body should look dead, but still feel alive, thus enhancing the experience for the audience. That is where the emphasis on her eyes comes in. The coroners are intrigued by the colorless lenses, but still feel as if they are being watched. These ostensible and simplistic factors are what make the film relatable to audiences, while also offering a sample of fear in the inability to escape incomprehensible forces capable of garnering powerful witchcraft.

Her portrayal as Jane Doe often goes overlooked, though it required a lot of preparation and patience. Having been positioned in numerously-visible uncomfortable positions, Kelly was perfect in maintaining a lifeless corpse. She nailed the role. On the other end of the spectrum, in preparing for their roles, both Cox and Hirsch were provided with autopsy books and videos and even toured a morgue. The three actors came together well in providing a truly gripping and terrifying experience.

The Autopsy of Jane Doe offers a truly terrifying viewing experience, thanks in part to a talented filmmaker in Øvredal and his vision. He does a lot with a little, which makes the ride well worth it and absolutely worth the watch.

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