Ah yes, that's better.

November 30, 2006 2:56 AM

I always orient my head, almost entirely subconsciously, with the orientation of any face, if it's the primary focus of the media I'm observing. Anyone else?

Within a split second, my head will tilt to match, say an actor appearing on the screen on their side, lying down. Or upside down, to the best of my ability. I always become aware of it, but only after I've already done it—it's almost a reflex.

I'm sure this isn't something unique to me, but I'm wondering how common it is, or if people simply aren't as aware of it? I've done it in movies, and had the presence of mind to notice not everyone looking like an idiot like me, so maybe I'm wrong about that...

posted by disillusioned to grab bag (5 comments total)

I make grimaces when watching emotional things on tv: I mimic the pain, or the embarassment, or whatever. I do the tilting also. I guess it's just a form of exaggerated empathy, or maybe I'm easily overwhelmed by emotion, or maybe I'm just not good at hiding my emotions.

What you describe could be the same process, albeit in a milder form. Unless you make matching grimaces to go with the tilting, that is ;)
posted by NekulturnY at 4:52 AM on November 30, 2006

Monkey see, monkey do. I think mimicry is a human instinct. A primate instinct, even, and we're all primates.
posted by mikel at 6:16 AM on November 30, 2006

I've caught myself holding my breath when watching an underwater scene in a film.
posted by mikeh at 6:49 AM on November 30, 2006

I've never seen anyone do something like that.
posted by Mr. Gunn at 9:19 AM on November 30, 2006

I think the phenomenon you describe is common, but the degree (e.g., upside-down) is perhaps less so. If you check the impulse, do the objects you're observing re-orient themselves to you?

In any event, please let me know if you have any interest in seeing Mr. Bean's Holiday together.
posted by Clyde Mnestra at 9:52 AM on November 30, 2006