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Body Language Expert Patti Wood Analyzes the Classic Film Dial M For Murder by Alfred Hitchcock


As a body language expert, I notice scenes in movies that really get it right. The blackmail scene, in one of my favorite classic Hitchcock films, Dial M for Murder gets in the right.
 
In this tense 22-minute scene the two characters don't scream or yell, there is no dramatic music, but their interplay grows in suspense. The characters move around the room as they talk, they sit they stand they get close as in the scene pictured, they walk away from each other. The camera angles are so dynamic their views down on them from the ceiling, at ankle level looking up and from behind furniture. It makes the viewer feel like they are in the room hiding and observing what's going on. So the viewer feels like they are in on the secret. They feel the odd tension and glee of the murders, and they are in on the secret. They know he plans on killing his wife. (played by Grace Kelly.)
 
I love how the fact that it was shot in 3D made certain body language and props come into the foreground view. Grace Kelly reaches out towards us to find the scissors, she reaches out to us to save her from her attacker, the drinks seem within our reach, the telltale key seems like it's in our hand and we are looking down at it.
 
This movie was unusual for its time because it not only revealed the murderer you watch him plan, attempt to execute it. There is very little violence, but Ray Millian's portrayal of the husband gives you a creepy feeling. Hitchcock shows you the husband’s thinking, and thus you are inside the Malignant Narcissist mind. You are in on his scheme. of knowing a narcissist and being in on his scheme. This is the perfect time to enjoy classic films. Check out the body language in Dial M For Murder and tell me what you noticed.
I am working on a book on Body Language in Movies/films. What movies do you think I should analyze?

 

 







Patti Wood, MA - The Body Language Expert. For more body language insights go to her website at www.PattiWood.net. Check out Patti's website for her new book "SNAP, Making the Most of First Impressions, Body Language and Charisma" at www.snapfirstimpressions.com.