Analyzing The First Kiss
I watched that cool (and likely fake) video/clothing ad that had pretty strangers kissing.
I really enjoy analyzing the body language. As a romance writer, it was a fun exercise. And as the Veronica Mars movie is tonight, I thought I’d take a moment to analyze Logan and Veronica’s first kiss. Yes, I know it’s fiction. Yes, I know this level of scrutiny is unhealthy. Hush. Don’t spoil my fun.
For seventeen episodes, we watched Logan and Veronica circle each other, getting closer with every circuit. Their hatred gave way to a self-serving truce , developed into a begrudging trust in each other. Enough trust that Logan asked her to help him find his mom, and even more trust when he sobbed in Veronica’s arms as he faced the reality of his mother’s death.
Then, when Veronica was in trouble, he didn’t hesitate. He came running and punched a federal agent in the face to save her. And then. Then. THEN. THE KISS. I know I’ve posted this video before, but I’m a romance junkie and this is one of the best first kisses on television. I don’t fully know why I love it so much, or why I feel the need to watch this scene over and over again, but I suspect it’s their body language. Both actors are excellent at conveying a lot with only a little. Very few words are spoken, but much is said in the two minutes of screen time that leads to their kiss.
You’ve got Veronica’s hesitance in stepping out of the hotel room, like she doesn’t want to deal with what just happened. She says she’s okay, but the set of her shoulders and tight jaw speak to just how not-okay she is. He keeps a little distance between them but turns toward her, giving her his attention, because he knows she’s not alright. Almost reluctantly, she gives him a tiny smooch. Maybe to show how grateful she is. He’s still while she does it, clearly surprised. But what really sells the scene for me—what speaks to exactly who Logan is and what his heart is like under the layers of cynicism he’s hidden it in—is the gobsmacked look he gives. How he straightens up and studies her, eyes darting all over, as every Tetris piece falls into place for him. But Veronica doesn’t know how to interpret his reaction, so she shakes her head and turns away, regretful and embarrassed at showing vulnerability to Logan.
But for Logan, the bell was rung. This thing had always been there, and now that it was exposed, there was no point in holding back. Because that’s who he is. Impulsive. Emotional. Dramatic. So, he swings her around and kisses the snark right out of her. Just… swoooooooon. Then they have their moment of sanity. She stares at him in disbelief and he’s looking intensely into her eyes, like he’s wondering if she had the same pieces fall that he did. Then, reaches for her waist, almost as if he wants to pull her back to him, but he hesitates. And her silence makes him pull away just as she does. These two have a lot of ego (and baggage) and they both need to have a sense of control over every situation, so that kiss shook them both. She rushes away. He watched her head downstairs, and takes a step, like he’s going to follow her, but holds himself back. She gets to her car and looks up at him and they lock eyes. So many emotions. Veronica looks horrified and sad, like this absolutely cannot be a thing, ever. But he’s still studying her. Is she feeling what he’s feeling? What does this mean? Then he watches her drive away. It’s just a master class in how to express emotions without lots of blah blah blah. And don’t get me wrong, I love a good blah blah blah. But you don’t always need it.
Anyway, I digress. Tonight, I’ll be watching the movie and I hope to fuck Veronica and Logan end up together. Those two have been through it. I don’t care that he’s a complete jackass. They’re both amoral jerks who love fiercely and they’re perfect together. I love him. I love her. So be prepared to put in some ear plugs around 7pm, because if I see those two kiss again, my squees of joy will be heard at least three states away.
