Johnny Depp Trials Analysis
The long-drawn and very infamous trial between actors and ex-partners, Johnny Depp and Amber Heard has reached its final end. This six-week trial had created quite a stir with it being broadcasted live directly from the courthouse. While it became quite an entertainment for others, it allowed us to do a close-up behavioral analysis of it. All the fans had their eyes on the actors, trying to identify the truth from the deception. However, we decided to direct our focus on Amber Heard and her behavioral changes throughout the trial.
Changes throughout the Trial
Opening Day
During the opening statements, when Depp’s counsel, Miss Vasquez, was presenting their case, we can very evidently see Amber Heard’s resistance towards the things being said from the multiple facial cues that she lead out. From there being a constant asymmetry on her face to her pursed lips and a side smile, the subtly of dislike was completely lost on Miss Heard. On many occasions, we can even see her face thrusted backwards with her eyes bent down almost as if they are shut, a clear indication of an attempt to block out the information being said. All of these plethora of nonverbal cues point towards Amber Heard’s sense of contempt, resistance and superiority for the trial.
In addition, we can even see multiple attempts at avoiding eye contact in forms of constant eye flutters, looking upwards or looking here and there. All of these appear when her counsel, Mr Rottenborn, speaks about her having videos and images of Johnny incurring violence on her.
Days After
While during the initial days of the trial, Amber is seen making a very bleak attempt at hiding her facial expressions and with it, maybe her true feelings, something changes as the trial progresses. It’s almost as if, her team of lawyers guided her with strict instructions on how to portray herself in court. Being a public trial and a celebrity face, she is in constant scrutiny not just by the jury but also the fans. Therefore, giving out any such minor mistakes can lead to grave consequences and we can see these warnings ben given to Miss Heard as her behavior takes a drastic turn. As the trial progresses, and more witnesses take the stand, we can see her maintaining a grieving face. However, while she might have perfected a winning grieving face, she failed to control her discomfort through other nonverbal behaviors. For example, when her ex personal assistant, Kate James, takes the stand, we can see Amber, on multiple occasions, constantly fidget and be restless. We also see her engaging in pacifying behaviours, like scratching her forehead, touching her ears, adjusting her suit. All of which indicates her trying to soothe her discomfort in the situation.
Dressing
Throughout the six weeks trial, Amber Heard has been seen immitating Johnny Depp’s clothing. The colour, style and even the jewellery worn by Mr Depp was followed by Miss Heard the next day. This was so prominent that it was even highlighted and pointed out by various news channels. However, what struck to us the most was the one particular style of hers when Johnny Depp takes the stand. Amber Heard, throughout her trial has been seen wearing darker shades of suits somewhere on the coour palate of black, blue and grey. However, only when Johnny Depp takes the stand, is when she chooses to appear in lighter shades of beige and yellow. It’s almost as if they were very strategically picked out by her PR and image consultant.
Another thing that stood out to us was her hair. While throughout the court appearings, Miss Heard carried a pulled up, tied hair look, on this one particular appearance, she preferred to leave her hair open and down. Why is this important? Tied hair provides a look of more seriousness. It makes the person look composed and clean. Hair left open gives a sense of informalness to the look. It was almost as if, Miss Heard wanted to portray a look of damsel. However, a similar thing is seen with Johnny Depp during the earlier days where he appeared to court with his hair open and haphazard. So could this be just another nonverbal trick used by them both to engage in some kind of mind game?
Conclusion
The jury has sided in the favor of Johnny Depp, ordering Miss Heard to pay a compensation of $ 15 millions. What do you think about this decision? Do you think Johnny Depp was entirely innocent in all this?
