The expressivity on silent movies for the signification construction

Abstract

Objective: analyze how the body and facial expressivity favours on the signification construction on the Charlie Chaplin’s Modern Times movie. Methods: qualitative and analytical research. It was analyzed the expressivity of the character Little Tramp in three parts of the movie, which happened in a factory, named as: starting, resting and work acceleration. The parts were discussed by the “The Voice and its Interfaces” study and research group. Results: on the first moment analyzed, it was observed the Tramp presenting mechanical movements, rigid posture, retracted shoulders and lateral leaning of the head. For the body expressivity: facial tension, focused and tired eyes, protruded lips, elevated eyebrows. The emotion revealed by his expressivity was surprise. On the second moment, he remains exactly in the same way in all the aspects previously mentioned. This aspect emphasizes the robotic characteristic that his function provokes on him. On the third moment, the protagonist intensifies the mechanic gestures to tighten the nuts, extending the neck with a head affirmative movement and shoulders elevation. He shows facial expression of tension, wide opened eyes and constant blinking, transmitting the emotions of surprise associated to fear. Conclusion: in the silent movie, the actor uses the body and facial expressivity to transmit the emotion and the social, political and cultural context. This study shows that, through the media, the speech therapist can improve his scientific knowledge of expressivity and its relations with human emotions, improving his work with professionals that use these ways to carry on a message.