Lie to Me: What Expression is This?
We often see different expressions in Lie to Me but don’t often get an explanation as to what expression it is, leaving the viewer to interpret the expression how they want.
This particular expression what seen in this past Monday’s episode of Lie to Me, “Bullet Bump” when the governor is questioned by Lightman. Many people think that this is an expression of shame- especially since the real-life examples shown afterward are of famous men who were unfaithful- Eliot Spitzer, John Edwards and Bill Clinton (all who were curiously politicians as well).
However, Dr. Matsumoto thinks this is an expression of control, where a person is trying to control their emotions and hide how they are truly feeling. Remember, there is no universal facial expression of shame, although judging by these images, it is easy to assume there is.
Here are some of the expressions for those that can’t watch the clip:
7 Responses to “Lie to Me: What Expression is This?”
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I can’t watch it, can you make it available to Canada?
I am reminded also of the Tony Blair face when questioned at the WMD enquiry and part-contempt part control on the face of Stauffenberg before he tried to blow up Hitler. In Chapter 6 of the book “What the Face Reveals” the studies therein provide more detail as regards signs of appeasement, shame and embaressment. I am inclined to share Dr Matsumoto’s view on this facial expression; closure of the mouth in these pictoral examples would suggest control rather than shame. We do not however have video clips of the full behavioural traits associated with the individuals pictured. We should exercise caution during interpretation for fear of Othello’s & Brokaw’s Hazards. There appears to control similar to smile control in shame facial expressions but a snapshot in the absence of full video and context should cause us to exercise caution!!!
they are all showing regreet or disapointment, it could also be anger…i think it is disapointment
I think control well fits this description. The person realized he was caught. Shame, defeat are present, but immediate control over not showing more. Could it be?
It’s not real shame. It’s what they think shame should look like, belied by relief. They’ve been holding in their deception for so long, they’re feeling relieved it’s finally out. The tightly closed lips are an unconscious way of holding in a sigh. Next time you’re stressed and get to breathe a sigh of relief, feel what your lips do right before you release. It’s what they’re doing, all the while trying to show shame (head and eyes down).
Looks like shame and regret.
I think that the cause of the peron looking in a downwards direction is caused by them watching their footing. More like where they are going to step.
When I felt this expression when I was biking, I felt like looking at my feet. They’re trying to watch where they’re going with it. I had also had added the lips.