Research: Mise en Scene: Body language & Facial expression - Mrs. Quinlan

Why is Body language and Facial expression important?

Body language and Facial expressions are part of the Mise En Scene. They are really important aspects because they shows the spectators the true nature of the character. Body language is the way in which bodies communicate which is important because it shows the character's representation, so the audience will understand how the character is demonstrated such as vulnerable, determinant or submitted. Moreover, Facial expressions are important because it tell us a lot about character, situations and subtext. It's important to recognize them as they reveal about emotions and moods which also create meaning in the scene. A Facial expression conveys an emotion that instruct us about the character and they way they react to the situation. it may also tell us something about the situation when something happens to the character which convey his true feelings or, perhaps, it may reveal a subtext or deeper meaning that contradicts what they say or do in the scene.


Body Language and Facial expression in thriller movie:

In Thriller movie there always be character such as protagonist, antagonist and female in distress. The protagonist is always represented as clever, agile, attractive and superior to fight the villeins and rescue the female victim. The antagonist is usually demonstrated as a psychopath that will harm innocent people and cause trouble into the society. Lastly, the female victim will be portrayed as vulnerable and pure, and typically falling in love with the protagonist. Similarly, Facial expression in thriller movie plays a big role in the scene, as the audience will emphasizes the emotions and feelings of the type  of characters such as protagonist, antagonist, damsel in distress and anti-hero. The protagonist is typically seen serious and focus on what he is doing such research and investigation, whereas the antagonist is known for making plan to cause trouble into society and harm civilians.



These are some example of facial expression and body language of different characters representation:


                                                                                                       (THE TRANSPORTER MOVIE) 
                                                                                                        PROTAGONIST:

In these two images we can see the facial expression and body language of the protagonist. His facial expression is determinate and focused, but not too rough as he need to be approachable and kind so the audience can sympathize him. The protagonist is good looking and has a welcoming facial expression, thus the audience will now that he has good intentions. In addition, from his facial expression we can infer that he is ready for action, which can be justified by his steady and serious look. When it comes to the body language, the audience can immediately assume that the protagonist is ready to fight villains. His confident posture with his shoulders firms allows the viewer have faith on him to defeat the antagonist and win thee battle, which is conventional for a thriller movie.

(THE PURGE MOVIE)ANTAGONIST:
In these two images the body language and facial expression of the antagonist are presented. His wicked smile displays his mocking nature, making the audience feel insecure as the antagonist looks mysterious and have something to hide. His self-assured facial expression and disgusting grin represents his corrupted persona and arrogance, which is conventional; to a thriller movie as the antagonist is loathed. In the other hand, the antagonist might be smiling because he has found something that will benefit himself and cause problems in society, or perhaps he is trying to persuade someone to do something. Furthermore, from his body language we can infer that he is dominant and powerful as he looks that he is screaming and threatening someone, making the audience feel intimidate as he is holding a gun. This is conventional to a thriller movie because it demonstrate that the antagonist is independent and ready to do anything to kill anyone who will interrupt him.








(SCREAM MOVIE)
VICTIM:

In these still frame it;s noticeable that the body language and facial expressions of the female victim are shown. From her facial expression the audience can assume that she is in distress and terrified as she looks like she is going to cry, which makes the audience feel pity for her. Also from her facial expression of her closed eyes and open mouth, we can deduce that she does not want to face the situation she is in, so she screams in need of a saviour. This build a sense of frustration to the viewers as they are unable to help her. Additionally, from her body language, we can see that she is slouched, this is because she is looking for comfort as she is vulnerable and fragile. She looks like that she is hiding from the antagonist as she is exposed and helpless which makes the audience feel sorry for her. This is conventional for a thriller movie because it builds a sense of anxiety and pity for the female victim.


THE BOURNE IDENTITY ANALYSIS:

From this scene it's noticeable that the protagonist's body language and facial expression are determinate. He shows to be really skilful and athletic to fight back the antagonist which makes the audience feel safe as the protagonist will win the battle. Also his facial expression are serious and motivated, which is conventional for a thriller movie so the audience will have faith onto him. However, we can see that even the antagonist is really agile, trying to harm the protagonist using a knife, as iconography, yet he can't stab the protagonist as he try, whereas the protagonist use a pen which is less harmful iconography but still manage to injure the antagonist without killing him. The facial expression of the antagonist look furious and desperate as he is unable to win the battle and fight back the protagonist, which is conventional to a thriller movie as the antagonist is weaker. This makes the audience reflect that as the protagonist has a big role to show the good deeds, he will not kill the antagonist and go against the law. Furthermore, we can see that a female character is introduced and from her facial expression we can see that she is confused and panicked, because the antagonist had picture and personal detailed of her, which cause her to question and demanding how the villain had these personal detail. Also her body language is fragile and vulnerable, this is why the protagonist is there to protect her, which makes the audience feel secure that she won't be hurt or injured. This is conventional to an action-thriller movie as the theme of violence is presented.

Conclusion:

From this beneficial research, I will be more responsible that the characters for my opening thriller will be suitable for my plot, to make the sequence seen creative and professional,  also to make the audience see that the character's body language and facial expression are believable and conventional. My protagonist's body language will be determinate and skilful so the audience will have faith onto him, he will also be muscular and tall. His facial expression will be happy and focused.Whereas my antagonist, will be still muscular and determinate, but his facial expression will be wicked and angry. These are some conventions that I will portrays in my opening thriller.