Research: Mise En Scene - Body Language and Facial Expression - Ms Quinlan

Research: Mise En Scene - Body Language and Facial Expression - Ms Quinlan

What is body language and facial expressions? Importance as a convention in thriller?

Body language is the way a character would move and act to portray feelings and emotions depending on the scenario time Facial expression is how a person moves the muscles on the face to put it into different positions to illustrate and exaggerate a feeling. The facial expression is really important as it has a bigger role than the body language, especially in a thriller film as fear and excitement could be best presented through facial expression.

Stereotypical Victim and Protagonist – Body Language and Facial Expression

For example the protagonist above demonstrates a facial expression of fear and vulnerability, her position is in what seems to be a shower which may mean that she is experiencing something unexpectedly which is causing this very facial expression. It is conventional for a victim to show a fearful facial expression as they are scared and most likely, in danger.

Stereotypical Antagonist, Ghost or evil characters body language and Facial Expression

As you could see here i have used "Grudge" to portray an antagonist facial expression. Her still and emotionless face presents the cold hearted and fearless attitude she has and acts upon towards her victims. Also the fact that her eyes are fixed upon the camera without hesitation shows she's determined to get what she wants. 

Thriller Opening Analysis

In the opening of "The Purge" we could analyse the cold and emotionless expression on all the characters faces, this could suggest there is literally no protagonists in the film. The sunglasses on the guys face shows the audience he has a level of prestige and likes to stay a mystery. We may be getting this idea as sunglasses tend to effect the flow of communication. 

Conclusion

From learning about Body Language and Facial Expressions i could make sure i portray them in the correct way and manner depending on how my opening scene starts. I could use the typical facial expressions and body languages for the antagonist and for the protagonist to put through to the audience and make it simple but interesting.