Mimicry, Facial

expressive movements of the facial muscles as a way of manifesting various human feelings and moods.

The mimicry of an actor, which requires much preparation and creative effort, consists in his ability to convey the various mental states of a character through his eyes and face. Facial mimicry is closely associated with makeup, which most vividly expresses the typical features of a character. Well planned, technically masterful facial mimicry enhances the significance of a play’s dialogue and helps convey its true meaning. Pantomime is based on mimicry.