In this darkly humorous short film, Canning ensures that the non-verbal cues of the featured characters are congruent with the narration of the plot, so that there would be minimal, if any at all, chance for inaccurate decoding of messages or misinterpretation of intent. Additionally, the simultaneous use of several of these (non verbal codes) as well as the seamless flow from one to the other only serves to magnify the effect of these messages.
Disturbia
Facial displays are among the most used tools in this well-directed film – the main character is an excellent externalizer, as he takes us into the world where he is the sole protagonist; he gradually loses the ability to use his fingers, and aside from the incredible hilarity that these expressions add to the situations, the portrayal of his emotions heightens the audience’s sympathy towards him.
Personal space. And pre-finger flip.
In his orchestration, Canning also manipulates the factor of spatiality: personal space, to be specific. There are different scenarios where the lead protagonist is closer in physical proximity to the minor characters. For instance, he rises from a seated position when he is annoyed by his student’s performance, to a slight distance away, effectively complementing his emotional state. Or when in a display of hostility, there is a distance between the landlord and himself, or a radius of public space. (also, see: Canning’s prudence in arranging for a complementary hand/finger gesture along with this public distance)
Perhaps as a play to the audience’s pre-existing social norms or stereotypes, there was a conceptual reference to the importance of physical appearance; as the main character gradually becomes more destitute, his dress follows suit -descending into sartorial forlornness.
Destitutia
This unkempt, unshaven image conjures feelings of disgust (as channelled by the minor characters), and empathy (from the audience). Ultimately, Canning evokes intense emotions of sympathy from the audience – merely from her scripting of the supporting cast’s non verbal expressions.
As this short gets appraised by critics and fans around the world, do we pause to consider the influence Canning exerts over her audience? She is, herself, a superb externalizer. Is her ability in creating a humorous yet accurate reflection of the human condition matched only by her adeptness at subtle, societal critique? This might not be the case now, but in the near future would we have to guard ourselves against film-makers and other “media dabblers”? Against human emotions that have become so predictable and conspicuous that they can be easily used against us?
Shawn said
Facial expressions are most used because they are a very powerful tool to show emotions. We can show a silent drama but never a expressionless drama. Unfortunately, many of us cannot find the time to really appreciate an ‘artisitic silent’ drama nowadays …
wondertramp said
Well you know what they say right, what’s not said is sometimes more important than what is said. I guess in some instances, directors use facial expression for a multitude of different effect to communicate a message across to the audience. The next time you see a movie, try to identify such instances.
commsboy said
i definitely will, wondertramp! cheers!
There are dozens of facial expressions the good thespian uses in convincing the audience of their emotional states as well as dramatically ironic sequences in plots/storylines.
commsboy said
rush rush rush! we’re always up on our feet scurrying from one place to another! with so little time i’m amazed we manage to comment on each other’s posts!
facial expressions make a big impression on the audience’s interpretation. as receivers, they drink in every possible bit of information that could reveal certain aspects or characteristics that may not less overt. basically, it’s a time saver as well, if you can convey what you mean with just a look.
charmaine said
Nonverbal cues are often not taken into consideration when they actually complement verbal cues. Take relationships for example, we all know that communication is key for a relationship to work out well. Guys always say that girls are so difficult to understand, but is that really the case? Let me give you a tip boys, look deeper into what we girls are actually trying to say and you might find that it really isn’t that difficult to understand us after all.
One example would be when we say “Go ahead!” We don’t really mean go ahead, yeah you have our permission to do it. The tone in which we say it might actually imply otherwise! “Go ahead” really is a direct challenge to you. So it’s really up to you boys to really pick up on that and take up the challenge.
So see, here’s when nonverbal cues come into handy. Listen hard and think before you act. ^^
Sandy said
A picture speaks a thousand words. This is a common medium or a “non-verbal” way of bringing out a certain message of a situation or an issue. “Showing what you mean” is much easier that “saying what you mean” as the latter requires much more tact in its language tone and the way one relates his message…
commsboy said
I think if you’re physically present to study eye/eyebrow movements, you could also get invaluable behind-the-female-psyche information. We often forget this integral component of kinesics though..
sam said
yea it sure helps to be able to look someone in the eye or face to face! and also to be to understand the person better rather then just hearing them over the phone. like for me, i would feel much more confortable looking at who i’m talking to and for him/her to look at me too.
whatbluebird said
I recall that in a documentary I’d seen a while back, universal facial expressions do exist, according to a team of researchers who filmed a number of people from different parts of the world who were asked to make faces to express a set of emotions. Facial expressions are among the most widely understandable form of nonverbal communication in the world, so that could be why it is so powerful. With other gestures, such as the thumbs-up or even showing the finger, their meanings differ from place to place.
In desperate times, I guess that the one thing you can always count on to convey what you’re truly feeling would be your face!
commsboy said
I concur – unless you’re dealing with a master actor, your best guess at decoding what another is really saying would be to put him in a state of strong emotion (get him/her worked up) that would throw off the last remnants of self-restraint, and watch his face!
However, what happens if the person you’re dealing with is normally unresponsive in the facial department?
Sandy said
“Silence is golden” is when one is most appreciated when he chose to “zip up” so as not to jeopardize the situation. Or it can also mean the he is “understood” even though he has not spoken. The power of language and right interpretation is made possible with the “unspoken” language of facial expression and the body language of the person. Most importantly, the close relationships shared by the parties involved…
narcoleptik said
“This might not be the case now, but in the near future would we have to guard ourselves against film-makers and other “media dabblers”?”
hmm.. I don’t think it is necessary to prevent ourselves from feeling what’s expected of us. To stop ourselves from feeling naturally-evoked emotions would be stifling and what would be the point of that? so that the film-makers cannot have the last laugh? I’m afraid if we do that too often (guarding ourselves) we may lose touch with simple emotions and become over-analytical and cynical towards all forms of media.
I don’t mind having my emotions at the disposal of film-makers if at the end of the day, I can derive pleasure from watching the film. The film-makers should be given their due credit for their craft. Without us over-analyzing their intentions.