Non-verbal doctors
(Please click on picture to access video clip.)
The above clip is taken from a recent Japanese drama titled “Code Blue”, about four young doctors who do an internship at a hospital that offers the “Doctor Heli(copter)” service. In this scene, they are all getting ready for their first day at work while the veteran surgeon rides on the helicopter with a nurse. Although few words are used in this introduction, I think that the director has effectively made use of non-verbal cues, especially kinesics, in order to portray the distinctive personalities of each character.
The first intern, Shiraishi, is seen meticulously clipping pens to her uniform and putting in manuals and notebooks into her pockets. She then closes her eyes and takes a deep breath before closing her locker. Through these actions, it is clear that she is a person who goes very much by the book and perhaps is lacking a little in confidence.
The second intern, Hiyama, applies lip gloss, ties her hair back while using her teeth to grip her nametag, and gives a “let’s do it” look before moving on. As opposed to Shiraishi, we immediately know that Hiyama is not lacking in confidence, might be an aggressive and straightforward personality, and, due to her grooming, is probably also more interested in appearances.
The third intern, Fujikawa, at first comes across as confident by checking his penlight, but after that stuffs a huge bunch of things into his locker and forces the door close, only to have everything spilling out when he leaves. He immediately shows himself to be a messy, scatter-brained person who possibly lacks a central focus and may not be efficient or skillful.
The third intern, Aizawa, puts on his uniform calmly, twirls a pen, and gives a grim, expressionless look before closing the locker. Unlike the rest, who show signs of anxiety, he seems relatively unaffected by it being the first day of his internship. We can tell that he is someone confident to the point of narcissism, a little cold-hearted, and possibly the most skillful doctor of the four of them.
Moving away from kinesics, paralinguistics is now employed in creating an impression of the veteran doctor in the helicopter. Although all he says are very short, succinct words without any special meaning attached to them, his manner of speaking shows that he doesn’t have much interest in the interns who are arriving. If anything, he’s weary of them and simply wishes to get on with his work, which, from the way he handles the clipboard and talks to the control station, he appears to be efficient and knowledgeable about.
So, as can be seen from these impressions, the director has, in a mere two minutes, employed body language and facial expressions in introducing each character to us. Even before the verbal communication and situations begin, we have formed opinions of each personality which will most likely last throughout the viewing of this drama. It reinforces the fact that we are really very perceptive of the little non-verbal cues that we pick up from the people around us, and the influence of those cues is tremendous. Non-verbal communication is certainly very powerful!
What do you guys think? Do you think the director has effectively portrayed those characters’ personalities? (Apart from the blatant fanservice-y moments of Aizawa standing topless before the lockers, apologies that I couldn’t cut them out), did you receive the same impressions as I did, or have you read even more into them?
Lib replied:
I’ve never seen this Japanese drama series before and I agree that the few seconds we’re given of each intern’s process already gives the watchers a detailed character guideline. I also think that once the director manages to give us a brief insight into the character, the viewers take that and run with it. For example, with the veteran doctor I got the idea that he wasn’t too ecstatic about the new interns and based on my previous knowledge of medical dramas that I’ve watched, I’ve immediately pegged him as someone who probably would be a really good mentor but is hard to earn respect from, that he’s more than slightly intimidating and difficult to impress. I think that with non-verbal acts of communication, a director can rely on one idea and let that idea lead us. It’s a given that many of us have probably watched a medical drama or even just a drama before and that we each have memories from those past dramas that we automatically pick up and compare with this one.
Also, with visuals, it’s important that the director uses the right kind for the stereotype he wants to introduce.The one thing I picked up on for the first female intern, Shiraishi, was the probably color-coded posts that were sticking out of one of her manuals. It immediately gives the impression that she’s very much a stickler for rules. That she’s extremely organized and makes me think that she’s probably a very good textbook doctor but also a very nervous one.
I think also that not only did the director manage to use the visuals to describe the characters but he also set us up for what might happen later on. The fact that he introduces them individually, besides wanting to display their characteristics, also shows that perhaps all four of them aren’t friends, and that they are just four people who come together in the beginning for this internship. I’m expecting some strife and for them to not get along but that in the end, perhaps all four of them will be in the same dressing room at the same time.
For the second intern, I also picked up on the lipgloss application by Fujikawa. It also wasn’t that she just applied on some gloss but that the director focused on the use of her finger over her lips and then the light smacking of them to assure evenness. I believe vain was the first word that popped into my mind followed by, “why’s a doctor so obsessed with her lips for?”. Also it’s the fact that instead of focusing on making sure she had all of her supplies ready, she was fixing her hair and tying it up. While all of this makes me think she’s probably just that gorgeous female doctor that’ll flirt with the main lead, I still think she might actually be a good doctor that is underestimated often because of her looks.
The third intern strikes me as the one that the other three would make fun of. He’s most likely the comedic character. The fact that he manages to jumble all the items that fell out back into his locker only to have them all fall out again moments later made me smile and think, “dork”.
For the fourth and final intern, I can already tell he’s the main actor or the main focus of the drama. They started off panning his body while he changed, which might I add is a very effective visual for fangirls, and they also end with him after showing that he’s ready for action. It’s also the fact that they showed his individual clip, if you will, after the veteran doctor speaks and we’re reminded that we’ve really only met three of the four interns that he speaks of. Then we’re shown the fourth intern and I think the point that stuck to me most, besides the naked upper body, was the rubbing of his fingers in the beginning. I’m unsure if he was nervous because he doesn’t seem like he’d be but I think that maybe it showed that he was readying himself for what was ahead. I also think that he’d be the one that clashes the most with the veteran doctor and that yes he’s probably he most skilled out of them but that he’s also somewhat of a mystery. I notice in the end that his locker, seems to be empty. With all the other interns there are other objects in there but for him, all we see is a wire rack.
So I guess in conclusion that yes, even a short two minutes of visual imagery can create a lot of thought and convey a story. It’s rather effective too because it’s mostly based off individual conclusions and you find a curious need to see the rest of the drama out.
February 8, 2009 at 3:30 am. Permalink.
Pree replied:
I agree with what you have said. In the first couple of minutes, we are basically given an idea of what each character is going to be like in the rest of the drama. Even as simple as having a couple of moments in the locker room is shown here as an effective technique to make each character distinct and unique.
It was mentioned before, but i also think Aizawa rubbing his fingers was interesting. Also, the last part of the scene, JUST before he closes the locker, he smiles slightly, just a small quirk of the lips which i think is a unique touch on the character.
February 8, 2009 at 3:41 am. Permalink.
The American friend replied:
When I first saw this scene, I thought it was an interesting way of introducing each character, because it gives the audience their personalities without using any dialogue. However, I thought each representation was very two-dimensional. As the audience, we can pick up certain cues about the way they are handling their first day, but what we see is merely a scratch on the surface. On the other hand, because they were two-dimensional, I took these dialogue-less introductions to be mere stepping stones for each character’s further development. I haven’t seen the rest of Code Blue so I don’t know in what way they develop, but I assume that these initial glances at individual characters will play a part in the audience’s further understanding of each character.
February 8, 2009 at 4:05 am. Permalink.
Rea replied:
The third intern, Aizawa, puts on his uniform calmly…
You mean fourth? XD
I agree with what you said. I really did formulate my opinions of how they would act the first time I saw the first few scenes.
As for the comments above, I am also entertained with how he rubbed his fingers together, like he’s already decided on what he’s aiming for.
Though, I wanted to comment one how the directors showed parts of each character first, before showing their profiles. For example, the frame of Shiraishi’s pocket as she puts her books in it, the frame showing only Hiyama’s lips, Fujikawa putting his stuff into his locker, of Aizawa’s body first.
I just think it adds a touch as to what he’s emphasizing on to create the impressions we get.
February 8, 2009 at 5:01 am. Permalink.
wen replied:
japanese dramas (and most asian dramas to a certain extent), but especially japanese dramas/films, have always used a lot of non-verbals in their presentation. in fact, i believe even in manga, it’s pretty evident. non-verbals are a wonderful way to express something in a very efficient way, communicating succinctly a feeling, emotion, or intention in a manner that sometimes could not be easily achieved by exposition.
non-verbals and the extent of its use seems to be very much related to the culture of the people that use it. as opposed to western cultures that tend to be more direct and ‘open’ and are more reliant on verbal communication, languages and communication in asian cultures tend to be more layered, usually with double or triple meanings underneath what is overtly said. individuals growing up in such communities would be socialised into recognising and making use all these non-verbal cues, for example, in japan, the degree to which one bows (from a simple inclination of the head to a full bending over) could supposedly indicate the seniority of the other person, the degree of respect, etc.
non-verbal cues rely on the viewer/receiver’s interpretations though, and it’s here that i feel that sometimes differences can appear. we filter each of these signs that we see and match it up with previous experiences and assumptions we have and thus come to a conclusion about what the non-verbal is trying to express to us. so a sign that could ostensibly be positive could be perceived as negative, or vice versa.
for example, although i agree with you about the insights you’ve drawn about the first 3 interns, my assessment of aizawa’s character did not turn out to be as harsh as yours. from the way he clenched his fist and looked at the mirror, what i gathered was that aizawa was possibly making a pact with himself, because he definitely comes across as a very driven character. yes, i felt the confidence he had, in his own intellect and capabilities, but not the narcissism and cold-heartedness you mentioned. would it be possible that because you’ve watched the entire series – events that happened in later episodes coloured your impression of aizawa in the opening clip?
in the helicopter scene as well, i agree that the female staff/doctor definitely seemed interested in the new interns, and wanted to discuss/talk about them more, as opposed to the senior doctor’s more dismissive attitude. i confess that i may be influenced by my own role as a more senior staff in the hospital, but what i sense from him is not so much disinterest in the new interns, but more of him feeling it being unnecessary to speculate about how they are going be like. the senior doctor has seen many trainees come and go, and he finds it quite pointless to talk about how he finds them now – he will only make his judgments and pronouncements once he actually gets to see them in action. and also, under that, is the hope that the trainees are capable, and will prove to be more of a help than a hindrance.
thanks for sharing this thought-provoking post
February 8, 2009 at 5:24 am. Permalink.
Shin replied:
I do agree with everything that you’ve written because it makes perfect sense, but IMHO, the main point of that first scene WAS that topless scene, for the glorious opening ratings. Definitely think so. xD
February 8, 2009 at 5:35 am. Permalink.
Javiera replied:
You know, I was just watching this drama again with a friend today. Weird.
Thinking back to the starting scene of the drama, I have to say that it wasn’t the characters themselves I was paying attention to, not in the sense of “oh, so this is how they’re going to be”, but more on how the director was introducing them using very standard and “stereotypical” quirks and actions for it (because they’re easy to catch on). It was more “so this is what *he* wants us to think”.
It isn’t about expecting the characters to change or to be a twist (there isn’t, the characters are pretty much like we expect them to be after that first scene), but to be aware of the technique the director is using to introduce the characters made me go from watching the story of a group of doctors to analyzing the storytelling structure of a medical drama.
Don’t get me wrong, I liked this drama a lot, but there’s a point now in everything we watch, that, well, *we have watch it before*. As the comments above say, we make a connection with the characters in relation to something else that is similar. That helps us to understand this story more easily, but also to see where the director is going to go with it, taking a little of the charm away. It makes me distance myself from the plot itself, though it also makes me appreciate it more when some plot point turns out to be *different* from the norm, even just a little bit.
I know I left the point of this discussion there, I’m sorry. I just think that this type of scenes, where we get information through body language and camera work, are more telling on “how things go” than dialogue itself.
Still, for all the things I did know they were going to happen, I enjoyed all the untypical twists and the typical ones I enjoyed before in other dramas.
And yeah, thank you very much for the gratuitous Aizawa topless scene. Eyecandy moments to attract viewers are very much expected too, but never complain about, right?
February 8, 2009 at 5:41 am. Permalink.
a.m. replied:
A very intriguing entry about non-verbal communication! When we are watching a drama or a movie, we register movements and accordingly file away our impressions that we get from them and start to form opinions about certain characters or situations. But I think it is important to think about this natural process thoroughly and explore beyond the first impression.
I noticed the darkness of the changing room where the four interns were getting reaady for their first day of work. It is unlit, except for the light that is coming in through the windows. In each shot of the four interns, they are preparing alone. Just from this we feel the anxiety, and the mystery of events are awaiting for the characters in the time ahead of them.
From just this introduction clip, we can tell that each character’s personalities are different, and we wonder how they will interact and work together in the future.
The director does a very good job of building up anticipation for the series ahead by using great visual and audio effects, the shirtless scene of Aizawa notwithstanding.
February 8, 2009 at 12:01 pm. Permalink.
Mich replied:
It’s true that in most televised shows that communication through visuals are of utmost importance. That is why people place a large emphasis on the portrayal of character. From the way the characters are introduced, the audience gets a feel for the characters and can anticipate the reason behind each behavior to follow. From this, it draws the audience further into the program, making us feel for the characters and nearly experience the emotions that the character on scren does. In truth, humans are like that not only when watching television. When you first meet someone, you perceive them through appearance. Because of their appearance, further forms of communication will take place. If one meets an individual who is seemingly pompous, the direct result of wanting to communicate through a battle of wit only happens as a result of how well impressions are made.
Just as Jane Austen’s novel Pride and Prejudice suggest, impressions, especially first ones, are crucial in basing judgment. Her protagonist faces the results of believing in first impressions because of what it communicates to her. An alleged positive personality and a beautiful feature makes Elizabeth Bennet more likely to assume the behavior of a person to be positive in nature. So if you really think about it, what Austen is insinuating is applied in terms of movie-making as well. If we see a stoic looking intern, we automatically feel that he/she bears confidence and strength.
I think I’ve totally taken your question in the wrong direction, but just know that I think the director has indeed effectively portrayed the personalities of the characters and that first impressions are crucial in the developing communication.
February 9, 2009 at 2:52 am. Permalink.
Geri replied:
I do think that the director has effectively portrayed the personalities of the characters via their non-verbals. After all, showing is better than simply telling it in a voice over (which incidentally would be quite stupid). And yes, I did get the same impressions as you did!
February 12, 2009 at 2:29 pm. Permalink.
pate replied:
Like they say, ‘action speaks louder than words’, this is indeed true for this video clip.
YES I think the director has done a good job introducing each character’s personalities.
LOVE, PATIENCE
February 13, 2009 at 1:00 am. Permalink.
kkteocom101b replied:
i’ve seen a couple of clips from this drama, somehow i feel that Japanese are really good at expressing their non-verbal cues.
pretty good observation skills you have there in observing the characters’ non-verbal cues.
February 14, 2009 at 2:28 pm. Permalink.