What is body language and facial expressions? Importance as a convention in thriller?
Body language is the way characters hold themselves or act,
therefore it will be important as it is a conventional to other films of the
same genre. Facial expression is how characters emotions are portrayed to the
audience. The look on the face and the meaning this may create to the audience.
This is just as important as body language and are very conventional.
Stereotypical Victim and Protagonist – Body Language and Facial Expression
Take the protagonist here, his facial expression suggests
that he is a willing, scared but brave character and will do most to keep his
happiness in his life. Bright lights on a character also help us know if they
are the pro or antagonist and it is used here on this character as his body language also suggests that he is reacting or is scared of something but will
stay face the problem no matter what.
Stereotypical Antagonist, Ghost or evil characters body language and Facial Expression
Take the antagonist here, he is clearly the suspect and
antagonist as he has a menacing look about him and the use of a micro-element
makes him look superior in comparison to whoever is the protagonist. His facial
expression shows that he is careless and doesn’t care about who he hurts as
long as he gets his way, his body language also suggests this and in addition
his stance shows he is a very big and strong character rather than a more
verbal antagonist like the Joker.
Thriller Opening Analysis
The opening to Arlington Road is a great example of an
effective use of body language and facial expressions as it shows this
stranger, unknown to the audience but maybe a protagonist from the way he acts
in the opening, showing so much care for this young boy who is hurt badly but
doesn’t know him.
His body language and facial expression suggest that he is
scared yet will do whatever to look after this young boy even when he is bloody
and a stranger, this can have an effect on the audience as it shows this
character full of emotion and leave them curious into his role in the film.
Conclusion
From the research I have taken out on the different yet
conventional facial expressions and body language of a protagonist and
antagonist, I will be considering each one, I don’t yet have a specific idea
but I will be testing each theme behind them to produce something good enough
to make sure I produce a psychological response from my audience.
There is a basic understanding of body language and facial expressions and how they are used to help create character. There are basic thriller examples used and minimal references made to the audience understanding of characters.
ReplyDelete- In your introduction, explain how body language and facial expressions help the audience to understand characters.
- For your protagonist example, it would be better to look at a different still of this character as your view of his body language is limited. Also, consider how his body language and facial expressions are stereotypical for his character. How would an audience feel about him?
- For your antagonist example, you cannot really see his facial expressions, so explain how this is stereotypical to certain sub-genres and what this tells us about the character.
- You need to include information of a stereotypical victim with a thriller example link.
- For your scene analysis, include the opening video sequence, and then analyse the facial expressions and body language of the protagonist at different points. Is he a stereotypical protagonist? Why/why not?
- In your conclusion, discuss the use of body language and facial expressions more specifically in your thriller opening.