Research: Mise en scene: body language and facial expressions - Mrs. Quinlan

Facial expressions are important in films because it tells the audience the emotional state the character is currently in whereas body language shows the viewers intentions or feelings with the use of physical behaviors. They are both important for the film world as it indicates what to expect from the scene. This allows the audience to read into the character which helps them make meaning out of the characteristics.

                                                           Shutter Island (2010)

In this image we see that her facial expression is quite distressed and we can see shes not in a good state as she looks afraid, worried and mentally disturbed. She also seems concerned for the other characters as she is signing 'shush.' This helps the audience speculate shes been through something frightening  and is almost warning the other character. We see that she is crouched which spectates her old age and that she isn't able to carry her self anymore due to the troubles she been through.

                                                        Blood Diamond (2007)

unlike the image before, in this image we see by his facial expression that he looks determined and obstinate as he is concentrated at the camera, the medium close up shot tells us that we need to concentrate on the facial expression. He's body posture is vigorous and sturdy which interprets that he is confident and is presented as a protagonist.

There is a common stereotype used against main characters:

 Antagonists are expected to look confident and firm as they are meant to spread threat towards society and the protagonist. Their facial expressions are usually deceiving and manipulative which makes the audience feel fear and discomfort.

Protagonist are also meant to look enduring and bold as everyone depends on them and the audience need to have faith in them to save and fix the disequilibrium. Their facial expressions are usually hidden as they are not allowed to show fear and naivety as the society and audience sill believes in them. However there can also be an anti-hero, who is able to cause trouble while fixing it. Audience see the good in them rather than bad, an example would be Batman.

                                                          Prom Night (2008)  

Damsel In Distresses however look fearful and apprehensive because the main aim of the antagonist and depend on the protagonist to save them. They are usually perceived as blonde and beautiful as they are a easy target.





Body Language:

 Prisoners

This character is taken from the movie Prisoners. We see that hes character challenges common conventions of antagonists as hes body language looks dependent, weak, and afraid. This may be because hes a red herring which is often used to put audiences off and confuse them of the real villain. Although his facial expression contributes to him looking scared and incapable of bad deed, hes body language stands out as he is slouching which shows he isn't ready to make sudden moves.

                                                                     The Visit

Once again the antagonists from 'The visit' obligate social norms due to their age and body language. Old people are perceived as sweet, loving and frail due to their body language and innocent facial expressions, however, despite their weak, defenseless and vulnerable body language, the grandparents are the antagonist and are able to harm others. In thrillers, old people and females are the first victims, however in this case, the character representation juxtaposes this as they are the ones causing danger and fear.







In this image the close up shot helps the audience identify the jokers facial expression. The sinister smirk he has on his face creates an uneasy feeling for the audience as it is usually associated with negative connotations which tells us there is a darker side to this character as his smile is not genuine but in fact, uncomforting.