Most people feel that Johnny Depp is a fantastic actor. I certainly do. But he is still only human. The remake of "The Lone Ranger" will be released soon (3 July 2013) and Depp recently appeared on Late Night with David Letterman to promote the movie.
Depp really did not want to be there that night. Moreover his body language demonstrates that - at that moment - he did not like Letterman. When he sits down he crosses his left leg (closet to Letterman) over his right and his legs and feet are pointed away from his host. Ninety-five plus % of the time a guest will cross his or her leg the opposite way - the right over the left (towards host). And when the exception occurs, the guest will almost always compensate by shifting his/her torso, legs and feet so that they are pointed towards the host - but not in this case. In addition Captain Jack Sparrow's torso is only rotated slightly in David's direction. Letterman's desk (and chair on wheels) and the guest chairs are even configured in a mild arc to facilitate a natural "turning towards one another" posture (typical for any talk-show). We subconsciously turn our feet & legs towards those we respect or like (or in the context of romance, towards someone to whom we are sexually attracted). A big part of Depp's psyche did not want to be there - or did not like Letterman/something he had recently done.
Later in the night, after his friend and a second guest Bill Carter joins him on the set, Depp has grown more emotionally comfortable and crosses his legs the opposite way (towards Letterman) allowing a more natural and rapport facilitating positioning. This change is initiated by an increase in Johnny's emotional comfort - not his physical comfort.
Another telling nonverbal is revealed in this video just after David says, "...Thank you so much for being on the program. This is an exciting night ..." Immediately after this is spoken, Johnny shows us a partial mouth cover/mustache rub (0:31). This MAP (Manipulator, Adaptor, Pacifier) is an anxiety signal and in this context it signals us that Letterman's statement of the "night's excitement" does not at all hold true in Depp's mind. Indeed he probably believes that Letterman is outright lying.
See also:
Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2284: LeBron James in The White House - A Fundamental Body Language Mistake
Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2150: Body Language Advice for President Obama and Governor Romney in Tonight's Debate
Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2152: Second Presidential Debate - 16 October 2012 - Barack Obama's Duping Delight - Benghazi, Libya Attack was an "Act of Terror" - Alpha, Beta, Confidence & Acquiescence ....
Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2195: Sen. John McCain's Body Language when Comparisons made between Condoleezza Rice to Susan Rice & War with Iraq to Benghazi, Libya Attack
Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2369: Pat Toomey Announces Boston Marathon Bombings on Senate Floor - Body Language of Sincerity and Empathy
Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2176: James Carville's Body Language - Pennsylvania & Swing States
Nonverbal Communication Analysis # 2156: Barack Obama's Body Language at Al Smith Charity Dinner - Comedy, White Lies and Facial Touching MAPs
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