Final project: The Element of Surprise

The Element of Surprise 



There are SEVERAL different versions of surprise. Fear, shock, relief, anger, confusion, happiness, etc. 











Personally, I feel the element of surprise is better conveyed and in a much more satisfying manner when it's animated vs. live-action. 











Just for funsies:



Surprise is a good way to improve acting skills. You want to convince your audience and not "fake" the emotion of feeling surprised. Actors want to feel an emotional connection to the characters they are portraying. They want to convey surprise with natural and compelling talent. 

Many actors have difficulty acting surprised because, having read the script, they know in advance what is going to happen. It’s also sometimes difficult to see what real surprise looks like because we’re used to seeing people exaggerating their surprise in commercials, on social media, and even in real life; this article aims to give examples of what real surprise looks like in different settings.

Be aware that surprise varies and tends to also involve other emotions. However, here’s an example: a reaction with eyebrows (e.g., raised eyebrows) and then a delayed reaction with the mouth (e.g., mouth slightly opening). If you’re reacting together with a group, the reactions may be stronger.

How can your classmates learn something relevant? 

I'm sure my classmates will gain a better insight and understanding into how surprise is a good acting method in everything we watch in media, live-action and animation. Do we truly feel convinced by the actor's facial expressions and body language? It's like knowing when someone plans a surprise birthday for you, whether or not you can convince the guests that you didn't know it was coming, it depends how you convey the emotion. Faking being surprised vs. being honestly surprised. Also take into account there are MANY ways of acting surprised. Plus the use of body language. I noticed while I was recording myself opening a box and looking at its contents, I react by placing my hands over my face. 






Pose 1:

First reaction:
Eyebrows raised
Mouth slightly open
Hands don't move since
they're holding the book 
 
 



Pose 2:

The surprise of joy registers 
Eyebrow slightly lowered
Mouth still open



Pose 3:

Surprise of joy registers
and slowly passes
Eyes are closed
Mouth also closes 


















 

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