Follow TV Tropes

Following

History Main / FacialDialogue

Go To

OR

Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None


* ''{{Watchmen}}'' is famed for doing this ''as well'' as having dialogue, adding a lot of depth to characters. The most famous example is when Rorschach's landlord begs him not to reveal to her children that she is a prostitute - his silent response is fascinatingly difficult to decipher.

to:

* ''{{Watchmen}}'' ''Comicbook/{{Watchmen}}'' is famed for doing this ''as well'' as having dialogue, adding a lot of depth to characters. The most famous example is when Rorschach's landlord begs him not to reveal to her children that she is a prostitute - his silent response is fascinatingly difficult to decipher.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None


* Duma, the Angel of Silence, speaks entire volumes with nothing but expressions in ''TheSandman''. His gestures and actions also say (and accomplish!) volumes more than his partner, despite ''his'' almost complete inability to shut the hell up.

to:

* Duma, the Angel of Silence, speaks entire volumes with nothing but expressions in ''TheSandman''. His gestures and actions also say (and accomplish!) volumes more than his partner, Remiel, despite ''his'' almost complete inability to shut the hell up.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None


* Duma, the Angel of Silence, speaks entire volumes with nothing but expressions in ''TheSandman''.

to:

* Duma, the Angel of Silence, speaks entire volumes with nothing but expressions in ''TheSandman''. His gestures and actions also say (and accomplish!) volumes more than his partner, despite ''his'' almost complete inability to shut the hell up.



* During the opening robbery in ''Film/{{Serenity}}'', River and Zoe have a short conversation using nothing but facial expressions that goes something like, "That guy." "That guy? Are you sure?" "Are you kidding me? Of course I'm sure... that guy!"

to:

* During the opening robbery in ''Film/{{Serenity}}'', River and Zoe have a short conversation using nothing but facial expressions that goes something like, "That guy." "That guy? Are you sure?" "Are you kidding me? me or just an idiot? Of course I'm sure... that sure! That guy!"



* Simon Tam did this a lot in ''{{Firefly}}''.

to:

* Simon Tam did this a lot in ''{{Firefly}}''. It's probably genetic.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None


* During the opening robbery in ''{{Serenity}}'', River and Zoe have a short conversation using nothing but facial expressions that goes something like, "That guy." "That guy? Are you sure?" "Are you kidding me? Of course I'm sure... that guy!"

to:

* During the opening robbery in ''{{Serenity}}'', ''Film/{{Serenity}}'', River and Zoe have a short conversation using nothing but facial expressions that goes something like, "That guy." "That guy? Are you sure?" "Are you kidding me? Of course I'm sure... that guy!"

Added: 335

Changed: 12

Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None


* The "mental conversations" on ''HowIMetYourMother''. Although we hear what the characters are thinking, you can still get the gist of it just by the expressions alone.

to:

* The "mental "telepathic conversations" on ''HowIMetYourMother''. Although we hear what the characters are thinking, you can still get the gist of it just by the expressions alone.alone.
** Occasionally subverted. In "Bachelor Party", Robin attempts to convey an important message to Lily with facial expressions, and Lily interprets it as a request for a tampon. In "Doppelgängers", everyone else is having a telepathic conversation about Ted's hairstyle, and Ted's voiceover says, "What are we talking about? Nachos?"
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None

Added DiffLines:

* GreysAnatomy has a good conversation between George and Izzy. After waking up with an alcoholic blackout of the night before, Izzy remembers George cheating on his wife with her, but George doesn't. Later on, George's memory comes back, and he and Izzy share an entire conversation without speaking.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None


* Gene Kelly has a few memorable looks, including one moment during the dance scene of "You Were Meant For Me."

to:

* Gene Kelly GeneKelly has a few memorable looks, including one moment during the dance scene of "You Were Meant For Me."
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None


* Jake, the PluckyComicRelief Sheriff's Deputy in ''Support Your Local Sheriff'' does this a lot. It was one of the things Jack Elam, the actor playing Jake, was best known for.

to:

* Jake, the PluckyComicRelief Sheriff's Deputy in ''Support Your Local Sheriff'' ''SupportYourLocalSheriff'' does this a lot. It was one of the things Jack Elam, the actor playing Jake, was best known for.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
Link fix for deleted video


* There's a StarTrekTheNextGeneration episode where Picard is abducted by aliens for the purpose of study. When Picard turns the tables on his captors, they return him to the ''Enterprise,'' but before they leave the bridge, Picard and the crew, communicating with only subtle facial expressions, trap the aliens in a stasis field to show them what it feels like to be imprisoned. [[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z4lojYILKJk&feature=related Picard makes a point of the fact that he and the crew communicated this way (beginning at about 3:20)]].

to:

* There's a In the StarTrekTheNextGeneration episode where "Allegiance", Picard is abducted by aliens for the purpose of study. When Picard turns the tables on his captors, they return him to the ''Enterprise,'' but before they leave the bridge, Picard and the crew, communicating with only subtle facial expressions, trap the aliens in a stasis field to show them what it feels like to be imprisoned. [[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z4lojYILKJk&feature=related com/watch?v=hNeBRBm3Qtc Picard makes a point of the fact that he and the crew communicated this way (beginning at about 3:20)]].2:50)]].
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None


* The scripts for ''{{Frontline}}'' frequently had lines bracketted if they were intended to be implicit in facial expressions or body language.

to:

* The scripts for ''{{Frontline}}'' frequently had lines bracketted in parentheses if they were intended to be implicit in facial expressions or body language.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None


* According to the writers of ''YesMinister'', during filming Paul Eddington would deviate from the script by replacing his lines with an expression- in later episodes they actually annotated the script with "Paul doesn't have to say this line if he doesn't want to" where they expected this to work.

to:

* According to the writers of ''YesMinister'', during filming Paul Eddington would deviate from the script by replacing his lines with an expression- in later episodes they actually annotated the script with "Paul "[[HarpoDoesSomethingFunny Paul doesn't have to say this line if he doesn't want to" to]]" where they expected this to work.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None

Added DiffLines:

* Mulder and Scully of {{The X-Files}} are very good at this. Often, while having one conversation, there is a layer of subtext embedded in their facial expressions. It's not as obvious as some of the other examples, but very effective and understandable.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None


* John Cusack had a deep and profoundly spiritual conversation with a baby using nothing but expressions in ''GrossePointeBlank''.

to:

* John Cusack [[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e6hQx9PW20E had a deep and profoundly spiritual conversation with a baby baby]] using nothing but expressions in ''GrossePointeBlank''.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None



to:

* The scripts for ''{{Frontline}}'' frequently had lines bracketted if they were intended to be implicit in facial expressions or body language.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
He wasn\'t trying to converse using just expressions... he was just showing his emotions wordlessly. A great scene, but not this trope, unfortunately.


* TheShield, being an ultra-realistic drama uses this a lot. And the series finale has a couple of quite long scenes in which the protagonist just sits there and we watch him trying not to break down.

to:

* TheShield, being an ultra-realistic drama uses this a lot. And the series finale has a couple of quite long scenes in which the protagonist just sits there and we watch him trying not to break down.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None

Added DiffLines:

* TheShield, being an ultra-realistic drama uses this a lot. And the series finale has a couple of quite long scenes in which the protagonist just sits there and we watch him trying not to break down.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None


Has ''nothing'' to do with porn actresses talking to the cameraman after...well, you figure it out.

to:

Has ''nothing'' to do with porn actresses talking to the cameraman after...well, you figure it out.
out. Well, it ''might''. But probably not.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None


* There's a StarTrektheNextGeneration episode where Picard is abducted by aliens for the purpose of study. When Picard turns the tables on his captors, they return him to the ''Enterprise,'' but before they leave the bridge, Picard and the crew, communicating with only subtle facial expressions, trap the aliens in a stasis field to show them what it feels like to be imprisoned. [[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z4lojYILKJk&feature=related Picard makes a point of the fact that he and the crew communicated this way (beginning at about 3:20)]].

to:

* There's a StarTrektheNextGeneration StarTrekTheNextGeneration episode where Picard is abducted by aliens for the purpose of study. When Picard turns the tables on his captors, they return him to the ''Enterprise,'' but before they leave the bridge, Picard and the crew, communicating with only subtle facial expressions, trap the aliens in a stasis field to show them what it feels like to be imprisoned. [[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z4lojYILKJk&feature=related Picard makes a point of the fact that he and the crew communicated this way (beginning at about 3:20)]].
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None



to:

* ''{{Watchmen}}'' is famed for doing this ''as well'' as having dialogue, adding a lot of depth to characters. The most famous example is when Rorschach's landlord begs him not to reveal to her children that she is a prostitute - his silent response is fascinatingly difficult to decipher.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None

Added DiffLines:

* There's a StarTrektheNextGeneration episode where Picard is abducted by aliens for the purpose of study. When Picard turns the tables on his captors, they return him to the ''Enterprise,'' but before they leave the bridge, Picard and the crew, communicating with only subtle facial expressions, trap the aliens in a stasis field to show them what it feels like to be imprisoned. [[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z4lojYILKJk&feature=related Picard makes a point of the fact that he and the crew communicated this way (beginning at about 3:20)]].
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None

Added DiffLines:

*Used in ''{{Everybody Hates Chris}}'' While narrating, he says that his parents would try not to fight around them, but they did have their fights through facial expressions.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None

Added DiffLines:

Has ''nothing'' to do with porn actresses talking to the cameraman after...well, you figure it out.

Added: 4

Changed: 119

Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None


!!Examples

to:

!!Examples
!!Examples:




to:

* The "intra-couple communication stealth mode" (between {{Empowered}} and Thugboy). Subtitled for the reader's sake.


Added DiffLines:

----

Changed: 16

Removed: 23

Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None


[[AC:{{Anime}} and {{Manga}}]]

to:

[[AC:{{Anime}} and {{Manga}}]][[AC:{{Animation}}]]




[[AC:WesternAnimation]]
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None


* ''AsItIsinHeaven'', a Swedish film, where in one scene two main characters have such a non-verbal conversation.

to:

* ''AsItIsinHeaven'', ''AsItIsInHeaven'', a Swedish film, where in one scene two main characters have such a non-verbal conversation.

Added: 146

Changed: 213

Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None


[[AC:{{Animation}}]]

to:

[[AC:{{Animation}}]] [[AC:{{Anime}} and {{Manga}}]]



* [[WallaceAndGromit Gromit]]. Although it's a necessity in his case, since he's mute. [[CaptainObvious 'Cos he's a dog]].

to:


[[AC:WesternAnimation]]
* [[WallaceAndGromit Gromit]].''WallaceAndGromit'': Gromit. Although it's a necessity in his case, since he's mute. [[CaptainObvious 'Cos he's a dog]].






* JohnCusack had a deep and profoundly spiritual conversation with a baby using nothing but expressions in ''GrossePointBlank''.
* Another example would be AsItIsinHeaven, a Swedish film where in one scene two main characters have such a non-verbal conversation.

to:

* JohnCusack John Cusack had a deep and profoundly spiritual conversation with a baby using nothing but expressions in ''GrossePointBlank''.
''GrossePointeBlank''.
* Another example would be AsItIsinHeaven, ''AsItIsinHeaven'', a Swedish film film, where in one scene two main characters have such a non-verbal conversation.






* Christopher Judge as [[StargateSG1 Tealc]] was the master of unspoken dialogue.

to:

* ''{{Stargate SG-1}}'': Christopher Judge as [[StargateSG1 Tealc]] Teal'c was the master of unspoken dialogue. dialogue.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None


* JohnCusack had a deep and profoundly spiritual conversation with a baby using nothing but expressions in ''Grosse Point Blank''.

to:

* JohnCusack had a deep and profoundly spiritual conversation with a baby using nothing but expressions in ''Grosse Point Blank''.''GrossePointBlank''.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None


EyeTake, AsideGlance and FascinatingEyebrow may be used as part of the FacialDialogue, but by themselves are only limited versions. Often the forte of TheSilentBob, TheVoiceless and TheQuietOne. It is just as often used by characters who are perfectly capable of speaking, but just don't in this occasion.

to:

EyeTake, AsideGlance and FascinatingEyebrow may be used as part of the FacialDialogue, but by themselves are only limited versions. Often the forte of TheSilentBob, TheVoiceless and TheQuietOne. Often featured in a NoDialogueEpisode. It is just as often used by characters who are perfectly capable of speaking, but just don't in this occasion.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None


EyeTake, AsideGlance and FascinatingEyebrow may be used as part of the FacialDiaglogue, but by themselves are only limited versions. Often the forte of TheSilentBob, TheVoiceless and TheQuietOne. It is just as often used by characters who are perfectly capable of speaking, but just don't in this occasion.

to:

EyeTake, AsideGlance and FascinatingEyebrow may be used as part of the FacialDiaglogue, FacialDialogue, but by themselves are only limited versions. Often the forte of TheSilentBob, TheVoiceless and TheQuietOne. It is just as often used by characters who are perfectly capable of speaking, but just don't in this occasion.

Added: 3049

Changed: 403

Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None


Click the edit button to start this new page.

to:

Click the edit button to start FacialDialogue occurs when a character is communicating not just his emotional reactions or intense feelings, but entire reams of dialog using nothing more than their facial expressions and without saying a single word. When two characters do this new page. to each other, it results in entire paragraphs of byplay, all perfectly understandable to the audience despite the entire exchange being silent.

Used correctly, such scenes can be as good as, or even better, than those with actual spoken dialogue.

EyeTake, AsideGlance and FascinatingEyebrow may be used as part of the FacialDiaglogue, but by themselves are only limited versions. Often the forte of TheSilentBob, TheVoiceless and TheQuietOne. It is just as often used by characters who are perfectly capable of speaking, but just don't in this occasion.

----
!!Examples

[[AC:{{Animation}}]]
* Takeo from ''MahouTsukaiTai'' had literal facial dialogue at times, with his thoughts being written out on his face.
* [[WallaceAndGromit Gromit]]. Although it's a necessity in his case, since he's mute. [[CaptainObvious 'Cos he's a dog]].
* Dopey, from ''SnowWhiteAndTheSevenDwarves'', does this throughout the entire film.

[[AC:{{Comic Books}}]]
* Duma, the Angel of Silence, speaks entire volumes with nothing but expressions in ''TheSandman''.


[[AC:{{Film}}]]
* During the opening robbery in ''{{Serenity}}'', River and Zoe have a short conversation using nothing but facial expressions that goes something like, "That guy." "That guy? Are you sure?" "Are you kidding me? Of course I'm sure... that guy!"
* Jake, the PluckyComicRelief Sheriff's Deputy in ''Support Your Local Sheriff'' does this a lot. It was one of the things Jack Elam, the actor playing Jake, was best known for.
* Gene Kelly has a few memorable looks, including one moment during the dance scene of "You Were Meant For Me."
* AkiraKurosawa was excellent at getting this out of ToshiroMifune.
* JohnCusack had a deep and profoundly spiritual conversation with a baby using nothing but expressions in ''Grosse Point Blank''.
*Another example would be AsItIsinHeaven, a Swedish film where in one scene two main characters have such a non-verbal conversation.
* Some SilentFilm stars mastered this out of neccessity - BusterKeaton, CharlieChaplin, etc.
* In ''AnimalHouse'', a lot of Bluto Blutarsky's "dialog" is this.
* ''GoneInSixtySeconds'' features one character, called "The Sphinx" by the other characters, making a ''phone call'' and using nothing but Facial Dialogue to do so.
* In ''TheBrothersBloom'', Bang-Bang has only two spoken lines of dialogue, comprised of only three entire words, and yet manages to be a complete DeadpanSnarker the entire film.


[[AC:LiveActionTV]]
* Simon Tam did this a lot in ''{{Firefly}}''.
* Christopher Judge as [[StargateSG1 Tealc]] was the master of unspoken dialogue.
* This is supposedly what got Peter Tork selected as a member of TheMonkees. He didn't speak during his interview, just communicated with over-the-top facial expressions.
* The "mental conversations" on ''HowIMetYourMother''. Although we hear what the characters are thinking, you can still get the gist of it just by the expressions alone.
* According to the writers of ''YesMinister'', during filming Paul Eddington would deviate from the script by replacing his lines with an expression- in later episodes they actually annotated the script with "Paul doesn't have to say this line if he doesn't want to" where they expected this to work.

Top