Research: body language and facial expressions (miss Heath)

Body language and facial expressions  is one element from mise en scene made up of 5 different aspects. body language and facial expressions are used to show the emotions and the type of character is. This can be shown through a variety of methods for example an open body posture shows that the character is welcoming and friendly and a scared facial expression can represent fear.

Body language

The use of body language is key in punctuating a genre and sub genre: for example:

martial arts action

The protagonist Bruce lee has a well toned lean and strong body, leading the audience to believe that he is capable of fighting a lot of battle that will come his way. he is also in a stance that enhances the feeling of power as he looks ready for a fight.

Action Adventure Crime

The protagonist in Sherlock Holmes holds a stance where he seams confident and calm, the traits an audience expect from an investigator and makes the genre clear. his hands in his pockets also represent his care free nature and makes the audience question if he is the man for the job.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Thriller drama

fantine in les miserables is sitting alone with her hands between her legs with a hunched back. Her closed posture shows that she is unhappy and portrait a little extra information about her feelings. the audience see this and feel sympathy towards her.

 

 

 

facial expressions

The use of facial expression in film is important for when a characters feelings need to be shown without dialogue, examples of this is:

 

Action sci-fi

 The hero of this film "The Terminator" has a very stern and macho facial expression. he appears focused with his jaws clenched and no smile he looks aggressive and as though he is on a mission.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Crime Thriller

Antagonist the joker from the dark knight is a sociopath with a sadistic look on dis face which imply he has evil and wicked intent on his mind, this is inferred from his cheeky and disturbing smile and gaze. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Horror

Jason fro Friday the 13th wears a mask hiding all facial features and identity. this makes the audience feel like this psycho murderer can kill without flinching showing no emotion. his piercing gaze adds to his terrifying persona.

 

 

 

 

 

Equilibrium analysis

The facial expressions of the protagonist are especially important as his face is exposed, whilst the villains wear tinted helmets hiding all facial expressions. This creates a sense of mystery around the villains leading the audience to question if the enemies are simply emotionless machines that do not have any remorse or emotions, thus making Preston stand out as the audience can relate to and respond to his emotions. His facial expressions reveal a message of determination and seriousness. The audience are given a glimpse of this just before he begins his attack as he composes himself, which the audience respond to with excitement and nail biting nervousness due to the velocity of the situation. The body language in the scene displays that all of the villains have the same intent. This is because all of the characters are specially trained officers who are in combat and are prepared for an attack with high performance, agility and power. Preston has also been trained in the same way, so he shares similar body language. For the audience witnessing this allows them to infer that the showdown will be epic due to him fighting men who are on his physical level. This increases the audiences concern for his safety as each solider is a reflection of his own physical ability.