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.
