How do actors stop breathing when playing "dead"?

Question

I saw many movies when the actor/actress (in the movie) dies.In some movies you can tell that the picture is paused when it is on the dead character. But in other movies the actor is laying still without any movement or even breath!! How can they do that? Are they just holding their breath or they wear something that hide their chest movement?

Answer 1

I think it depends on the technique of the actor. I'd say in general the way it's filmed allows for the character to hold their breath for a brief amount of time: during, say, a close-up. But I'd say the relative distance of the camera to the body allows for the illusion of not breathing. Realistically the actor is probably still breathing during long shots (in distance and/or duration) because it's not as noticeable from afar. Good question!