61809


When a character is unconcious or possessed by some supernatural entity, it
often loses their highlights in their eyes.  
Here is an example from the Sailor Moon R movie.

[![enter image description
here](https://i.stack.imgur.com/zwJI5.jpg)](https://i.stack.imgur.com/zwJI5.jpg)[![enter
image description
here](https://i.stack.imgur.com/tZtEl.jpg)](https://i.stack.imgur.com/tZtEl.jpg)

Where does this trope originate from?


CC BY-SA 4.0
2021-02-01T16:01:40.143
61807
2021-02-01T17:53:56.620
33393
question
tropes
Where does the "No highlights on the eyes" trope come from?


This trope is called [Reflectionless Useless
Eyes](https://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/ReflectionlessUselessEyes),
and the origin can be found in its parallel/sister trope [Mind Control
Eyes](https://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/MindControlEyes).

Outside of films and animation, a common "symptom" of hypnotism (a mental
state in which somebody is entranced, such as mind control or under a spell)
is enlarged/dilated pupils. This condition would generally off an appearance
of the individuals eyes being completely black. In some cases, they could also
have a completely white appearance indicating their eyes-rolling to the back
of their head.

Within films and animation, this is replicated for a visual benefit for the
audience. This can be seen in dull-blank eyes, as in your example, or swirling
spiraled pupils.


CC BY-SA 4.0
2021-02-01T17:53:56.620
61809
2021-02-01T17:53:56.620
20275
61807
answer