In Sunset Blvd. Norma Desmond, the faded star of silent films played by Gloria Swanson declares, "We didn't need dialogue. We had faces!" Of course, Ms. Desmond is referring to the era before talkies when, out of some necessity, a facial expresssion conveyed all the audience needed to know.
The ability to show, not tell, is still a core principle of film craft. A skilled performer doesn't need to verbally explain her underlying emotions when a furrowed brow, tensed mouth, or raised eyebrow says it all in considerably less time.
However, as cosmetic surgery procedures which paralyze and tighten facial muscles become more widespread, fewer actresses are able to actually furrow their brows. In a recent article from New York Magazine, author Amanda Fortini makes the case that modern film and television acting styles are changing in order to counteract the fact that many actresses (and actors) can no longer create recognizable human expressions.
The article brings to mind another line from Sunset Blvd., this time said by young screenwriter Joe Gillis (William Holden): "There's nothing tragic about being 50. Not unless you're trying to be twenty-five."
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