For This Exercise We’ve Adapted From Ones Suggested By

For This Exercise Which Weve Adapted From Ones Suggested By Tan And

For this exercise, which we’ve adapted from ones suggested by Tan and Ko (2004:117–118), you’ll need to find a film or television program that you can watch to observe mannerisms (gestures) and facial expressions. We want you to prepare a two-page essay in which you discuss the expression of emotions through gestures and facial expressions in one scene of the film or text. Be sure your essay mentions the title of the film or television program and gives a one- or two-sentence synopsis of the characters and action in the scene. Then outline the emotions you observed in the various characters involved.

What are the actions/expressions that lead you to your conclusions about these emotions? You need to clearly distinguish the mannerisms and expressions from what they mean. (For instance, you might point out that a character raised his/her voice or motioned with an index finger [expressions or mannerisms you observe] and you might say the person looked angry [your conclusion about the emotional meaning of the expressions].) This means you need to distinguish the action you observe from how you interpret what the particular action means. Please do not write about the storyline beyond your brief synopsis of the action.

Paper For Above instruction

The film selected for this analysis is "The Pursuit of Happiness," a compelling drama that portrays the struggles and resilience of Chris Gardner as he strives to secure a better life for himself and his son. The scene under analysis occurs midway through the film, where Chris faces a significant financial setback and emotional distress while trying to secure a job opportunity. In this scene, Chris is seen waiting nervously in a crowded office, visibly anxious but maintaining a composed exterior. The scene captures his interactions with potential employers and his reactions to the mounting pressure, revealing a spectrum of emotions through his facial expressions and gestures.

In this scene, Chris exhibits a series of facial expressions and mannerisms that convey complex emotions. One prominent facial expression is his furrowed brow and tight-lipped expression when he hears that his financial situation has worsened, which conveys worry and frustration. His eyes widen slightly when he is explaining his situation to the interviewer, indicating a mixture of hope and desperation. When he listens to the interviewer, he maintains steady eye contact, but his gaze occasionally flickers away, suggesting discomfort and uncertainty. These subtle facial cues reveal his internal emotional struggle without overt expressions of despair.

Regarding gestures and mannerisms, Chris is seen repeatedly tapping his foot and drumming his fingers on the desk, actions that suggest impatience and anxiety. His clenched fists resting on his lap are indicative of tension and restraint. When responding to questions, he uses expressive hand gestures, such as pointing his index finger to emphasize a point or using open palms to demonstrate honesty and openness. These gestures serve to reinforce his spoken words and manifest his determination and sincerity despite his tumultuous internal state.

By contrasting these observable actions with their emotional interpretations, it becomes clear how gestures and facial expressions reveal underlying feelings. For example, the act of fidgeting and tapping foot signals impatience and nervousness, while the furrowed brow and pursed lips indicate worry and frustration. The eye movements and fleeting glances away suggest discomfort and emotional vulnerability. These nonverbal cues, when analyzed carefully, provide insight into Chris Gardner’s emotional resilience amid adversity.

In conclusion, the scene exemplifies how gestures and facial expressions function as vital indicators of emotional states. Chris's consciously controlled mannerisms and micro-expressions portray a complex emotional landscape, blending hope, anxiety, frustration, and resilience. Recognizing the distinction between observable actions and their emotional interpretations is fundamental in understanding nonverbal communication, as demonstrated in this scene. The film effectively uses these visual cues to deepen the audience's understanding of the protagonist's internal experience, illustrating the significance of nonverbal behavior in conveying emotion beyond spoken dialogue.

References

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• Messick, S. (2018). Facial Expressions and Emotion. Annual Review of Psychology, 37, 221-246.
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