double-takes
Second surprised glances
A double-take is a delayed reaction where someone looks at something, looks away, then looks back sharply upon realizing what they saw.
The humor or drama comes from the gap between seeing and comprehending: He did a double-take when he noticed his ex at the party.
The term comes from film acting technique.
Abruptly surprised or alarmed
- surprisedCaught unawares
- disbeliefRejection of truth claims
- shockViolent sudden disturbance
- astonishmentIntense sudden wonder
stunned · wide-eyed · freeze · hesitation · recoil · blink · stare · confusion
Exaggerated physical humor
- timingArt of choosing moments
- pratfallComedic fall on buttocks
- gagMouth restraint or jest
- punchlineHumor's final delivery
sitcom · vaudeville · farce · mugging · deadpan · comedic · exaggeration · hamming
View with exterior removed
- close-upNear-range photograph
- editingRefining content for clarity
- cameraImage capturing device
- sceneDramatic unit or locale
director · actor · performance · blocking · coverage · continuity · framing · cinematography
startled
Abruptly surprised or alarmed
astonishment · stunned · wide-eyed · freeze · hesitation · recoil · blink · stare · confusion · bewilderment
slapstick
Exaggerated physical humor
punchline · sitcom · vaudeville · farce · mugging · deadpan · comedic · exaggeration · hamming · setup
cutaway
View with exterior removed
scene · director · actor · performance · blocking · coverage · continuity · framing · cinematography · sequence
double-takesnonchalance
Calm, casual composure
indifference · poker faces · impassivity · composure · equanimity
double-takesglances
Swift, passing looks
overlooking · obliviousness · inattention · first impressions
double-take, double, take, doubles, doubled, doubling, doubly, redouble, redoubled