Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Changed line(s) 33,34 (click to see context) from:
Compare the FatalFamilyPhoto, which is a happy photograph that characterizes someone as a loving spouse, parent, or partner...before they're killed off. Such a family portrait may also be a PreciousPhoto. Compare also FormerFriendsPhoto and HappierHomeMovie.
to:
Compare the FatalFamilyPhoto, which is a happy photograph that characterizes someone as a loving spouse, parent, or partner...before they're killed off. Such a family portrait may also be a PreciousPhoto. Compare also FormerFriendsPhoto and HappierHomeMovie. \n Compare FunnyPhotoPhrase for another photography gag trope.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Changed line(s) 111,112 (click to see context) from:
* ''WesternAnimation/BojackHorseman'': The Horsemans were ''not'' a functional family unit. After [=BoJack=] was born, his parents Beatrice and Butterscotch couldn't hide their distaste for the situation from the photographers. [[spoiler:However, in pictures dating prior to his birth they looked like a happy couple.]]
** The Sugarman's - [=BoJack's=] maternal grandparents - are a happy family until [[spoiler: Crackerjack's death]], but were given a specific instruction when posing.
** The Sugarman's - [=BoJack's=] maternal grandparents - are a happy family until [[spoiler: Crackerjack's death]], but were given a specific instruction when posing.
to:
* ''WesternAnimation/BojackHorseman'': ''WesternAnimation/BojackHorseman'':
** The Horsemans were ''not'' a functional family unit. After [=BoJack=] was born, his parents Beatrice and Butterscotch couldn't hide their distaste for the situation from the photographers. [[spoiler:However, in pictures dating prior to hisbirth birth, they looked like a happy couple.]]
** TheSugarman's Sugarmans - the part of [=BoJack's=] maternal grandparents extended family from Beatrice's side - are used to be a happy family until [[spoiler: Crackerjack's death]], but were given a specific instruction when posing.
** The Horsemans were ''not'' a functional family unit. After [=BoJack=] was born, his parents Beatrice and Butterscotch couldn't hide their distaste for the situation from the photographers. [[spoiler:However, in pictures dating prior to his
** The
Changed line(s) 116 (click to see context) from:
* ''WesternAnimation/TheLoudHouse'' episode "Picture Perfect" has Lincoln trying to get a tidy family photo of him, his sisters, and the pets, but the impatient sisters act as they usually would when the camera takes to long to shoot. The end result is the picture depicting the unwinding chaos that are the Loud Siblings.
to:
* The ''WesternAnimation/TheLoudHouse'' episode "Picture Perfect" has Lincoln trying to get a tidy family photo of him, his sisters, and the pets, but the impatient sisters act as they usually would when the camera takes to long to shoot. The end result is the picture depicting the unwinding chaos that are the Loud Siblings.siblings, which their parents appreciate since they think it sums up the family well.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Added DiffLines:
* The Blight family [[http://static.wikia.nocookie.net/the-owl-house/images/e/e6/The_Blight_Family.png/revision/latest/scale-to-width-down/1000?cb=20210906151520 portrait]] from ''WesternAnimation/TheOwlHouse'' establishes that their family is strained, controlling, and unhappy. The only one who actually looks like they want to be there is [[AbusiveParents Odalia]]. This contrasts all the [[http://64.media.tumblr.com/3f321ed4ddc94b29bfc57b6adeea2aa2/b24b25f4d9fbbea3-f7/s1280x1920/d7568d80f060eb5574b15a8f121049a52b5ed37b.jpg photos]] we've seen of Luz and Camila which show their relationship to be happy and loving.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Added DiffLines:
* ''VideoGame/TeamFortress2'' has the Mann Family, with both [[CainAndAbel Redmond and Blutarch]] having their own portraits of standing as fit and strapping young men while their twin is a sickly and conniving little gremlin beside their father Zepheniah Mann shown as young and noble. In-truth, these portraits are seen as SelfServingMemory as in-reality the brothers [[UpperClassTwit are equally-detestable, idiots that had no idea how the world really works]] [[TheUnfavorite that their father had hated with his dying breath]]; and the entire events of the game were caused by Zepheniah having grown sick of their constant bickering with one-another that he deeded each of them half of the worthless gravel pits in New Mexico that they had somehow convinced him to purchase under the curse of "Equal Partnership".
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Added DiffLines:
* ''WesternAnimation/{{Encanto}}'': Mirabel, the only one of Abuela Alma's descendants to not receive a gift (ie. superpower) on her fifth birthday, has a testy relationship with Alma because of this and is implicitly excluded from the family photo that celebrates Antonio's gift. [[spoiler:In the end, after the family has rebuilt their home and resolved some long-simmering emotional issues, both Mirabel and her outcast uncle Bruno are included in the photo commemorating it. The photo is also less poised than the previous one, showing how the family will be more open about their emotions from now on.]]
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Changed line(s) 117 (click to see context) from:
** ''Series/TheTraceyUllmanShow'' short "Family Portrait" has the Simpsons' attempts at taking a family portrait be ruined, usually by Homer's incompetence or Bart making faces. The final portrait shows Homer strangling Bart, Marge taken aback, and Lisa and Maggie making faces at the camera. Fitting for a wacky sitcom family. ''Treehouse of Horror XXV'' eventually revisits the gag, and uses it to play up how much CharacterDevelopment [[https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/simpsons/images/c/ce/Photo1987and2014.png/revision/latest/scale-to-width-down/556?cb=20141021083212 the family has gone through between]] [[LongRunner 1988 and 2014]].
to:
** ''Series/TheTraceyUllmanShow'' short "Family Portrait" has the Simpsons' attempts at taking a family portrait be ruined, usually by Homer's incompetence or Bart making faces. The final portrait shows Homer strangling Bart, Marge taken aback, and Lisa and Maggie making faces at the camera. Fitting for a wacky sitcom family. ''Treehouse of Horror XXV'' eventually revisits the gag, and uses it to play up how much CharacterDevelopment [[https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/simpsons/images/c/ce/Photo1987and2014.png/revision/latest/scale-to-width-down/556?cb=20141021083212 [[https://i.ytimg.com/vi/kw6cHpQ9a44/maxresdefault.jpg the family has gone through between]] [[LongRunner 1988 and 2014]].
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Changed line(s) 117 (click to see context) from:
** ''Series/TheTraceyUllmanShow'' short "Family Portrait" has the Simpsons' attempts at taking a family portrait be ruined, usually by Homer's incompetence or Bart making faces. The final portrait shows Homer strangling Bart, Marge taken aback, and Lisa and Maggie making faces at the camera. Fitting for a wacky sitcom family.
to:
** ''Series/TheTraceyUllmanShow'' short "Family Portrait" has the Simpsons' attempts at taking a family portrait be ruined, usually by Homer's incompetence or Bart making faces. The final portrait shows Homer strangling Bart, Marge taken aback, and Lisa and Maggie making faces at the camera. Fitting for a wacky sitcom family. ''Treehouse of Horror XXV'' eventually revisits the gag, and uses it to play up how much CharacterDevelopment [[https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/simpsons/images/c/ce/Photo1987and2014.png/revision/latest/scale-to-width-down/556?cb=20141021083212 the family has gone through between]] [[LongRunner 1988 and 2014]].
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Changed line(s) 103 (click to see context) from:
* In ''WebAnimation/{{RWBY}}'', a portrait in the Schnee family's mansion from several years prior shows Jacques Schnee's wife and daughters looking sad/unhappy (in the present day, his wife is an alcoholic because of him, and his daughters Winter and Weiss have both made efforts to escape his emotionally abusive hold over them). Whitley (his son, whom he favors), on the other hand, is smiling.
to:
* In ''WebAnimation/{{RWBY}}'', a ''WebAnimation/{{RWBY}}'':
** A portrait in the Schnee family's mansion from several years prior shows Jacques Schnee's wife and daughters looking sad/unhappy (in the present day, his wife is an alcoholic because of him, and his daughters Winter and Weiss have both made efforts to escape his emotionally abusive hold over them). Whitley (his son, whom he favors), on the other hand, is smiling.
** When introduced to one of Jaune's sisters, a sibling portrait in her home shows all the sisters happily smiling or posing for the photo, with Jaune (sitting in the center and his hair in ponytails) looking irked and holding a sign that says "HELP!". The various poses and antics the Arc sisters display can give a viewer an impression of their actual personality -- one has big round glasses and is standing straight and proper, another is posing like a sailor in a lookout position, and twins making funny faces (one stretching her mouth open and the other doing an ''akanbe'').
** A portrait in the Schnee family's mansion from several years prior shows Jacques Schnee's wife and daughters looking sad/unhappy (in the present day, his wife is an alcoholic because of him, and his daughters Winter and Weiss have both made efforts to escape his emotionally abusive hold over them). Whitley (his son, whom he favors), on the other hand, is smiling.
** When introduced to one of Jaune's sisters, a sibling portrait in her home shows all the sisters happily smiling or posing for the photo, with Jaune (sitting in the center and his hair in ponytails) looking irked and holding a sign that says "HELP!". The various poses and antics the Arc sisters display can give a viewer an impression of their actual personality -- one has big round glasses and is standing straight and proper, another is posing like a sailor in a lookout position, and twins making funny faces (one stretching her mouth open and the other doing an ''akanbe'').
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Changed line(s) 61 (click to see context) from:
* In ''Film/BeautyAndTheBeast2017'', Belle finds a portrait of the human Beast and his parents. The faces of the Beast and his father have been torn up but his mother's face is left untouched. Belle subsequently learns that the Beast's father was a cruel man who helped shape his son into selfish and entitled man he was before being cursed, while the Beast's mother was loving and kind but tragically died when he was young. More subtly, it indicates that the Beast hates his father and himself for his behaviour but still loves his mother, hinting he can change for the better.
to:
* In ''Film/BeautyAndTheBeast2017'', Belle finds a portrait of the human Beast and his parents. The faces of the Beast and his father have been torn up but his mother's face is left untouched. Belle subsequently learns that the Beast's father was a cruel man who helped shape his son into the selfish and entitled man prince he was before being cursed, while the Beast's mother was loving and kind but tragically died when he was young. More subtly, it indicates that the Beast hates his father and himself for his their behaviour but still loves his mother, hinting he can change for the better.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Added DiffLines:
* In ''Film/BeautyAndTheBeast2017'', Belle finds a portrait of the human Beast and his parents. The faces of the Beast and his father have been torn up but his mother's face is left untouched. Belle subsequently learns that the Beast's father was a cruel man who helped shape his son into selfish and entitled man he was before being cursed, while the Beast's mother was loving and kind but tragically died when he was young. More subtly, it indicates that the Beast hates his father and himself for his behaviour but still loves his mother, hinting he can change for the better.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Added DiffLines:
[[folder:Comic Books]]
* [[ComicBook Batman]] often shows the Wayne family portrait as a loving family before tragedy struck young Bruce.
** In the ''Batman/Scarecrow: Year One'' miniseries, there's a small picture on a vanity that shows an old woman with a smug smile on her face, and a little boy beside her who looks stiff and grim. These characters are Mary Keeny and her great-grandson, Jonathan Crane -- who grows up to become the Scarecrow. Mary used fear and control to raise him, while Jonathan resented her. [[AssholeVictim Mary's fate]] in the comic shows ''just'' how much [[TheDogBitesBack that]] [[ATasteOfTheirOwnMedicine resentment]] [[CruelAndUnusualDeath grew]].
[[/folder]]
* [[ComicBook Batman]] often shows the Wayne family portrait as a loving family before tragedy struck young Bruce.
** In the ''Batman/Scarecrow: Year One'' miniseries, there's a small picture on a vanity that shows an old woman with a smug smile on her face, and a little boy beside her who looks stiff and grim. These characters are Mary Keeny and her great-grandson, Jonathan Crane -- who grows up to become the Scarecrow. Mary used fear and control to raise him, while Jonathan resented her. [[AssholeVictim Mary's fate]] in the comic shows ''just'' how much [[TheDogBitesBack that]] [[ATasteOfTheirOwnMedicine resentment]] [[CruelAndUnusualDeath grew]].
[[/folder]]
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Changed line(s) 46 (click to see context) from:
* The Norman Rockwell painting "Gillis Family Heritage" displays a series of paintings and photographs, showing a series of {{Identical Grandson}}s in different military uniforms from the Revolutionary War to WWII, showing a family history of military service.
to:
* The Norman Rockwell Creator/NormanRockwell painting "Gillis Family Heritage" displays a series of paintings and photographs, showing a series of {{Identical Grandson}}s in different military uniforms from the Revolutionary War to WWII, showing a family history of military service.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Added DiffLines:
* ''Series/CriminalMinds'': In "The Fox," they profile the unsub's family portrait. Supposedly from "when they were happy," before his wife left him, the picture shows that the wife's smile is forced and that she's set herself and the children away from her husband, highlighting that there were cracks in the marriage even then.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
Alphabetizing Live Action Film Section
* ''Film/Desperados2020'': In Wesley's house, we see various portraits of her with Kaylie and Brooke, with Brooke's husband being [[SnubByOmission scribbled out]] since he cheated on her.
* Weaponized in ''Film/SawVI'', when health-insurance executive William has to choose between saving his secretary and his intern. Although his company's policies would dictate saving the intern, a healthy young man, over the older diabetic secretary, the montage of photos with which William is confronted shows that the latter has a ''lot'' of loving relatives who'd be devastated to lose her, whereas the former is a kinless loner for whom no one is likely to grieve. [[spoiler: William saves the secretary.]]
Deleted line(s) 58 (click to see context) :
* Weaponized in ''Film/SawVI'', when health-insurance executive William has to choose between saving his secretary and his intern. Although his company's policies would dictate saving the intern, a healthy young man, over the older diabetic secretary, the montage of photos with which William is confronted shows that the latter has a ''lot'' of loving relatives who'd be devastated to lose her, whereas the former is a kinless loner for whom no one is likely to grieve. [[spoiler: William saves the secretary.]]
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Changed line(s) 58 (click to see context) from:
* Weaponized in ''Film/SawVI'', when health-insurance executive William has to choose between saving his secretary and his intern. Although his company's policies would dictate saving the intern, a healthy young man, over the older diabetic secretary, the montage of family photos with which William is confronted shows that the latter has a ''lot'' of loving relatives who'd be devastated to lose her, whereas the former is a kinless loner for whom no one is likely to grieve. [[spoiler: William saves the secretary.]]
to:
* Weaponized in ''Film/SawVI'', when health-insurance executive William has to choose between saving his secretary and his intern. Although his company's policies would dictate saving the intern, a healthy young man, over the older diabetic secretary, the montage of family photos with which William is confronted shows that the latter has a ''lot'' of loving relatives who'd be devastated to lose her, whereas the former is a kinless loner for whom no one is likely to grieve. [[spoiler: William saves the secretary.]]
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Added DiffLines:
* Weaponized in ''Film/SawVI'', when health-insurance executive William has to choose between saving his secretary and his intern. Although his company's policies would dictate saving the intern, a healthy young man, over the older diabetic secretary, the montage of family photos with which William is confronted shows that the latter has a ''lot'' of loving relatives who'd be devastated to lose her, whereas the former is a kinless loner for whom no one is likely to grieve. [[spoiler: William saves the secretary.]]
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Changed line(s) 103 (click to see context) from:
* In ''WesternAnimation/MiraculousLadybug'', the Agreste family portrait shows their dynamic perfectly. Although it looks beautiful you can see both Adrien and Gabriel aren't looking at each other or interacting at all, Adrien doesn't even seem to be happy but is just doing what his dad told him too. We later see another, happier portrait of the family this time with MissingMom Emilie.
to:
* In ''WesternAnimation/MiraculousLadybug'', the Agreste family portrait shows their dynamic perfectly. Although it looks beautiful you can see both Adrien and Gabriel aren't looking at each other or interacting at all, all; Adrien doesn't even seem to be happy but is just doing what his dad told him too.him. We later see another, happier portrait of the family this time with MissingMom Emilie.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Changed line(s) 17 (click to see context) from:
** The family looks serious or unhappy: A sign that the family was distant or {{dysfunctional|family}}.
to:
** The family looks serious or unhappy: A sign that the family was distant or {{dysfunctional|family}}. Serious expressions could also mean that the family members have no-nonsense personalities.
Added DiffLines:
** Characters are doing things related to their personalities in the photo-- for instance, the {{Bookworm}} is reading, the ProneToTears character is crying, the BigEater is eating, etc. If the photo is from the past, it may serve as EarlyPersonalitySigns.
** Everyone is wearing matching clothes: Might signify a close-knit family.
** Everyone is wearing matching clothes: Might signify a close-knit family.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Changed line(s) 48 (click to see context) from:
* In ''Disney/LiloAndStitch'' Lilo has a PreciousPhoto of her family before her parents died in a car crash. In the present she's aggressive and resentful about their deaths. By the end of the film she has tacked on a photo of Stitch, signifying his inclusion in her "ohana" and her slowly growing new family.
to:
* In ''Disney/LiloAndStitch'' ''WesternAnimation/LiloAndStitch'' Lilo has a PreciousPhoto of her family before her parents died in a car crash. In the present she's aggressive and resentful about their deaths. By the end of the film she has tacked on a photo of Stitch, signifying his inclusion in her "ohana" and her slowly growing new family.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Changed line(s) 23 (click to see context) from:
** Someone is deliberately excluded from the family photo: It means whoever's in charge of the photo didn't want this relative noted as part of the family, possibly contextualizing them as TheUnfavorite or an embarrassment to the family legacy. See also {{Unperson}}. Alternatively, they have been RemovedFromThePicture.
to:
** Someone is [[SnubByOmission deliberately excluded from the family photo: photo]]: It means whoever's in charge of the photo didn't want this relative noted as part of the family, possibly contextualizing them as TheUnfavorite or an embarrassment to the family legacy. See also {{Unperson}}. Alternatively, they have been RemovedFromThePicture.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Added DiffLines:
* ''Literature/WingsOfFire'': Clearsight sees a portrait drawn by Whiteout of her family - her parents, Arctic and Foeslayer, and her brother Darkstalker, where they all look happy, showing her overly idealistic views of her family (given how messed-up it is and how cruel [[AbusiveParents Arctic]] is). It also has them all drawn in shades of blue that make them look more related than they look in real life, downplaying how her parents are [[MalignedMixedMarriage from different tribes]] and all of the conflict that has caused.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Changed line(s) 37 (click to see context) from:
[[folder:Anime and Manga]]
to:
[[folder:Anime and & Manga]]
Changed line(s) 42 (click to see context) from:
[[folder:Art]]
to:
Changed line(s) 46 (click to see context) from:
[[folder:Films -- Animated]]
to:
[[folder:Films -- Animated]]Animation]]
Changed line(s) 50 (click to see context) from:
[[folder:Films -- Live Action]]
to:
[[folder:Films -- Live Action]]Live-Action]]
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Added DiffLines:
* As ''VideoGame/WhatRemainsOfEdithFinch'' is about the history of the Finch family, there are naturally several pictures scattered around the house that add to the atmosphere about how they lived their lives. Also, after each family member's death, Edie painted a portrait of them on a piece of wood that shows something of their story. After the sequence of said characters, Edith makes a copy of them into her own notebook.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Added DiffLines:
%%Image chosen via crowner in the Image Suggestion thread: https://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/crowner.php/ImagePickin/ImageSuggestions104
%%https://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/posts.php?discussion=1452266899092104700
%%Please do not change or remove without starting a new thread.
[[quoteright:350:[[WesternAnimation/MiraculousLadybug https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/mlfamily.png]]]]
[[caption-width-right:350:Can you guess which family is unhappy and distant, and which one is close-knit and loving?]]
%%Caption selected via above crowner. Please see the Caption Repair thread to change or remove.
%%https://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/posts.php?discussion=1452266899092104700
%%Please do not change or remove without starting a new thread.
[[quoteright:350:[[WesternAnimation/MiraculousLadybug https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/mlfamily.png]]]]
[[caption-width-right:350:Can you guess which family is unhappy and distant, and which one is close-knit and loving?]]
%%Caption selected via above crowner. Please see the Caption Repair thread to change or remove.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Changed line(s) 70 (click to see context) from:
* In ''VideoGame/LifeIsStrange'' Kate's family photo shows them as a Proper Family. Max dubs it "the All-American Zombie Family".
to:
* In ''VideoGame/LifeIsStrange'' ''VideoGame/LifeIsStrange'':
** Kate's family photo shows them as a ProperFamily. Family, with all of them sharply dressed in black and white. Max dubs it "the All-American Zombie Family".Family".
** The photos in Chloe's house show her relationship with her family. In one photo, she is happy with her parents Joyce and William. In another one, Joyce looks happy with David, Joyce's new husband after William died, but Chloe is unhappy.
** There is one photo of a child Nathan with his father Sean. Sean has a broad smile, while Nathan is crying. This emphasizes Nathan's family background as his FreudianExcuse for being the bully he is.
* ''VideoGame/LifeIsStrangeBeforeTheStorm'':
** There are several old photos of Chloe being happy with her father William, who'd died a few years ago. One of them is tucked in the drawer. Chloe is not happy that her mother would forget William so fast for her new boyfriend, David.
** Rachel's family photos emphasize the contrast between Chloe's and Rachel's family. One picture shows them travelling to Paris, something Chloe could never even dream to do. Rachel's is also seemingly a happy family, but her father's dark secret coming to the surface is just about to ruin it.
** Kate's family photo shows them as a Proper
** The photos in Chloe's house show her relationship with her family. In one photo, she is happy with her parents Joyce and William. In another one, Joyce looks happy with David, Joyce's new husband after William died, but Chloe is unhappy.
** There is one photo of a child Nathan with his father Sean. Sean has a broad smile, while Nathan is crying. This emphasizes Nathan's family background as his FreudianExcuse for being the bully he is.
* ''VideoGame/LifeIsStrangeBeforeTheStorm'':
** There are several old photos of Chloe being happy with her father William, who'd died a few years ago. One of them is tucked in the drawer. Chloe is not happy that her mother would forget William so fast for her new boyfriend, David.
** Rachel's family photos emphasize the contrast between Chloe's and Rachel's family. One picture shows them travelling to Paris, something Chloe could never even dream to do. Rachel's is also seemingly a happy family, but her father's dark secret coming to the surface is just about to ruin it.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Added DiffLines:
* In ''VideoGame/LifeIsStrange'' Kate's family photo shows them as a Proper Family. Max dubs it "the All-American Zombie Family".
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Added DiffLines:
* ''Film/AllMyLovedOnes'': David gets a camera from his uncle and they take many photos at his birthday party. One of them is shown and there are his parents, his sister Hedvika, aunt Angelika and uncle Marcel, uncles Sam and Leo and his best friend Sosha. David holds a huge birthday cake. They are very tight and look happy in the picture. The film is narrated by old David [[spoiler: who is the only one from their family who survived WWII.]]
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Changed line(s) 77 (click to see context) from:
** The Sugarman's - [=BoJack's=] maternal grandparents - lampshade this with their portrait.
to:
** The Sugarman's - [=BoJack's=] maternal grandparents - lampshade this with their portrait.are a happy family until [[spoiler: Crackerjack's death]], but were given a specific instruction when posing.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Added DiffLines:
** The Sugarman's - [=BoJack's=] maternal grandparents - lampshade this with their portrait.
--->'''Photographer''': All right folks, this is for posterity, so don't forget to look faraway sad!
--->'''Photographer''': All right folks, this is for posterity, so don't forget to look faraway sad!
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
Created from YKTTW
Added DiffLines:
When someone chances upon a family portrait in fiction, it usually says something about the subjects. Everything from the facial expressions to the BodyLanguage to the staging to who was even invited to be in it to how, when, and where the portrait was created says something about the family dynamic.
There are several aspects characteristics of the portrait that can be used.
* The expressions of the members:
** The family looks happy:
*** May be used as irony -- they might look good in the photo, but are the furthest thing from it in real life (see PhotosLie).
*** If the photo is older and the family is no longer that happy, characters will be wistful about it and long for the better times before someone's death, a falling-out, or the members growing apart. It can also be used to contextualize a villain as formerly [[UsedToBeASweetKid a sweet kid]].
*** Alternatively, the family really ''is'' that happy in the present. The walls of their home may be filled with happy photographs, emphasizing that it's a house full of love and laughter.
** The family looks serious or unhappy: A sign that the family was distant or {{dysfunctional|family}}.
* The BodyLanguage: "Proper" family portraits will usually have the family well-dressed and poised, often standing or sitting, and looking at least a little happy. If the photo deviates from this, it will be significant characterization-wise.
** The postures are awkward: Might be a sign of distance or tension between members.
** "Wackier" family members will stand out by being more informal.
* Who is in the portrait to begin with:
** The photo is [[CrowdedCastShot full of people]]: Straightforwardly means that the extended family is large and tight-knit. It can also denote TheClan, which is big and notable, but not necessarily close.
** Someone is deliberately excluded from the family photo: It means whoever's in charge of the photo didn't want this relative noted as part of the family, possibly contextualizing them as TheUnfavorite or an embarrassment to the family legacy. See also {{Unperson}}. Alternatively, they have been RemovedFromThePicture.
* The conditions of the portrait:
** The portrait is huge or otherwise expensive (eg. the family hired a famous painter or photographer): Characterizes the family as high-status -- they might be currently or [[RichesToRags formerly]] wealthy, {{narcissist}}ic, have a BigFancyHouse large enough to tastefully hold such a photo, or the [[TheClan family name is old and well-known]]. Compare ShrineToSelf.
** The portrait is torn, damaged, or mutilated: Now ''this'' is a real sign of dysfunction -- someone hated the family enough to physically destroy or vandalize a photo of them. May overlap with SymbolicallyBrokenObject for when its ruined state represents the family's situation or relationships.
* The ''lack'' of a family picture might also be notable. It could mean someone grew up alone without a family, isn't attached enough to them to have photos, or has otherwise lost all remembrances of them. ThePictureCameWithTheFrame might be a humorous variant.
This trope [[Administrivia/TropesAreFlexible goes beyond]] plain family photos; it can also cover individual photos put up on the walls of a home (for example, a disliked or disowned family member might not have any photos of them displayed, or the [[ParentalFavoritism favorite child]] gets much more exposure than the others). It can also cover other ways of displaying the family heritage, such as a family tree or portraits of ancestors that line the hallways. What's important is ''how'' the family heritage is displayed and what the audience can infer about the characters from it.
Compare the FatalFamilyPhoto, which is a happy photograph that characterizes someone as a loving spouse, parent, or partner...before they're killed off. Such a family portrait may also be a PreciousPhoto. Compare also FormerFriendsPhoto and HappierHomeMovie.
----
!!Examples:
[[foldercontrol]]
[[folder:Anime and Manga]]
* ''Manga/FullmetalAlchemist'': Although the Elric brothers and their beloved mother look happy in their family portrait, their father Hohenheim's face is [[PlotBasedPhotographObfuscation initially obscured]] by the light when the photo is seen. When his face in the portrait is shown, it's revealed that he [[spoiler:was crying because he knew he had to leave to stop Father's plan]]. At the end of the manga, this is contrasted with [[spoiler:Ed and Winry's family photos -- although they are posed similarly, they and their two children are all smiles]].
* In ''Anime/{{Steamboy}}'', a portrait of the Steam family is shown; Ray is shown hunched over in one corner looking unhappy and overshadowed by his father and grandfather.
[[/folder]]
[[folder:Art]]
* The Norman Rockwell painting "Gillis Family Heritage" displays a series of paintings and photographs, showing a series of {{Identical Grandson}}s in different military uniforms from the Revolutionary War to WWII, showing a family history of military service.
[[/folder]]
[[folder:Films -- Animated]]
* In ''Disney/LiloAndStitch'' Lilo has a PreciousPhoto of her family before her parents died in a car crash. In the present she's aggressive and resentful about their deaths. By the end of the film she has tacked on a photo of Stitch, signifying his inclusion in her "ohana" and her slowly growing new family.
[[/folder]]
[[folder:Films -- Live Action]]
* In ''Film/{{Gattaca}}'', Vincent rips ''himself'' out of the family portrait when he runs away.
* ''Film/UncleBuck'': The title character is the BlackSheep of his family, who only reluctantly call him to cover in an emergency. He's mostly a goofy {{Manchild}}, but has a moment of quiet sadness when he sees that he's been [[RemovedFromThePicture removed]] from his brother's wedding photo.
* In one scene of ''Film/WelcomeToTheDollhouse'', a portrait of the Wiener family where they are posed properly (if with an artificial air) is shown. In the background we can hear Dawn arguing with her parents; in contrast to their well-dressed selves in the portrait, they are dressed in gaudy clothes.
[[/folder]]
[[folder:Literature]]
* ''Literature/HarryPotter'':
** Family ''tree'' variation with the House of Black. 12 Grimmauld Place hosts a lovely, intricate tapestry where the names Black family members are magically cataloged...but if you're considered a blood traitor (ie. someone who associates with Muggles) or otherwise disowned, your name is blasted off the tree. Definitely fitting for a clan of pureblood supremacists.
** The Dursleys don't keep any photos of Harry in their home. One of the books mentions this detail when building up to their abuse and neglect of him.
[[/folder]]
[[folder:Live-Action TV]]
* ''Film/JaneEyre'' (2006):
** The first episode of the miniseries starts with Jane's foster family (her aunt and cousins) being painted for a family portrait. Jane is excluded.
** The miniseries {{bookends}} with Jane's family sitting outside of their house being portrayed. Jane wants Adele who is her husband's ward in the picture.
* ''Series/MalcolmInTheMiddle'': at a family reunion Hal's relatives mislead TheUnfavorite Lois when she asks where to find a pair of dress shoes; this lets the family get their group picture taken without her.
* In ''Series/Maniac2018'' the Milgrims excluded their BlackSheep son Owen from a family portrait.
* ''Series/ModernFamily'': The episode "Family Portrait" features Claire trying to get the titular large mixed family together for a posed portrait. Her perfectionism starts to annoy their father, however, which results in a mud fight that stains their clean white outfits. In the end, they just take a series of fun photos that are truer to the family's wacky spirit instead of trying to get in a "proper" family shot, which Claire admits that she likes more.
* In the first episode of ''Series/ThePolitician'', James mentions that famous photographer Annie Leibovitz took Peyton's wealthy family's Christmas photo, and notes it as one reason he's not considered an "accessible" presidential candidate.
* In one episode of ''Series/SchittsCreek'' the Roses receive an oversized family portrait from when they were still very rich. Although the painting makes them look like the ideal uppercrust NuclearFamily (and the size characterizes them as narcissistic ''and'' uppercrust), it also reminds them that they were more distant then (Alexis didn't even show up and they painted her face over a body double) and that they created a much happier and healthier dynamic after they lost all their money.
* In the first episode of ''Series/{{Sherlock}}'', Sherlock Holmes notes the missing face in the cabbie's family picture and deduces since the cabbie ripped the face out, he must have left his wife instead of his wife leaving him.
* In ''Series/TheUmbrellaAcademy2019'', patriarch Sir Reginald disallowed Vanya from joining the official family portrait because she had no powers and thus didn't officially partake in superheroics with the rest of her adoptive siblings. This is one of the flashbacks that establishes her as TheUnfavorite.
[[/folder]]
[[folder:Video Games]]
* ''VideoGame/MegaManLegends'': It's blink and you'll miss it, but Teisel's introductory scene after defeating Bon Bonne shows a massive portrait on one wall of his room, depicting a younger Teisel with his parents. From their formal wear and posture it could be implied that the Bonnes had a much more opulent past before something lead Teisel into the pirating business (presumably the parents passing away).
[[/folder]]
[[folder:Web Animation]]
* In ''WebAnimation/{{RWBY}}'', a portrait in the Schnee family's mansion from several years prior shows Jacques Schnee's wife and daughters looking sad/unhappy (in the present day, his wife is an alcoholic because of him, and his daughters Winter and Weiss have both made efforts to escape his emotionally abusive hold over them). Whitley (his son, whom he favors), on the other hand, is smiling.
[[/folder]]
[[folder:Western Animation]]
* ''WesternAnimation/BojackHorseman'': The Horsemans were ''not'' a functional family unit. After [=BoJack=] was born, his parents Beatrice and Butterscotch couldn't hide their distaste for the situation from the photographers. [[spoiler:However, in pictures dating prior to his birth they looked like a happy couple.]]
* ''WesternAnimation/Castlevania2017'': Dracula's mansion holds an old family portrait from when his wife Lisa was still alive and their son Adrian/Alucard was just a baby, signifying (among other things) how much he cared for his wife, and contrasting [[AntagonisticOffspring the current state of his relationship]] with {{Alucard}}.
* ''WesternAnimation/TheLegendOfKorra'': The photo Mako and Bolin have of their family. Not only does its existence show that they had two loving parents before they ended up orphaned, but it also emphasizes their contrasting personalities -- outgoing and extroverted Bolin is fidgeting, while the serious and introverted Mako is posing properly.
* ''WesternAnimation/TheLoudHouse'' episode "Picture Perfect" has Lincoln trying to get a tidy family photo of him, his sisters, and the pets, but the impatient sisters act as they usually would when the camera takes to long to shoot. The end result is the picture depicting the unwinding chaos that are the Loud Siblings.
* In ''WesternAnimation/MiraculousLadybug'', the Agreste family portrait shows their dynamic perfectly. Although it looks beautiful you can see both Adrien and Gabriel aren't looking at each other or interacting at all, Adrien doesn't even seem to be happy but is just doing what his dad told him too. We later see another, happier portrait of the family this time with MissingMom Emilie.
* ''WesternAnimation/TheSimpsons''
** ''Series/TheTraceyUllmanShow'' short "Family Portrait" has the Simpsons' attempts at taking a family portrait be ruined, usually by Homer's incompetence or Bart making faces. The final portrait shows Homer strangling Bart, Marge taken aback, and Lisa and Maggie making faces at the camera. Fitting for a wacky sitcom family.
** "And Maggie Makes Three" begins with the kids noticing that there are no pictures of Maggie in the family album. Homer tells the story of how he had to give up his dream job of running a bowling alley when Maggie was born and beg for his job back at the power plant. [[spoiler:The photos of Maggie are all in Homer's work station where he needs the most cheering up; they cover up a sign that reads "Don't forget, you're here forever" so that it reads "Do it for her".]]
[[/folder]]
----
There are several aspects characteristics of the portrait that can be used.
* The expressions of the members:
** The family looks happy:
*** May be used as irony -- they might look good in the photo, but are the furthest thing from it in real life (see PhotosLie).
*** If the photo is older and the family is no longer that happy, characters will be wistful about it and long for the better times before someone's death, a falling-out, or the members growing apart. It can also be used to contextualize a villain as formerly [[UsedToBeASweetKid a sweet kid]].
*** Alternatively, the family really ''is'' that happy in the present. The walls of their home may be filled with happy photographs, emphasizing that it's a house full of love and laughter.
** The family looks serious or unhappy: A sign that the family was distant or {{dysfunctional|family}}.
* The BodyLanguage: "Proper" family portraits will usually have the family well-dressed and poised, often standing or sitting, and looking at least a little happy. If the photo deviates from this, it will be significant characterization-wise.
** The postures are awkward: Might be a sign of distance or tension between members.
** "Wackier" family members will stand out by being more informal.
* Who is in the portrait to begin with:
** The photo is [[CrowdedCastShot full of people]]: Straightforwardly means that the extended family is large and tight-knit. It can also denote TheClan, which is big and notable, but not necessarily close.
** Someone is deliberately excluded from the family photo: It means whoever's in charge of the photo didn't want this relative noted as part of the family, possibly contextualizing them as TheUnfavorite or an embarrassment to the family legacy. See also {{Unperson}}. Alternatively, they have been RemovedFromThePicture.
* The conditions of the portrait:
** The portrait is huge or otherwise expensive (eg. the family hired a famous painter or photographer): Characterizes the family as high-status -- they might be currently or [[RichesToRags formerly]] wealthy, {{narcissist}}ic, have a BigFancyHouse large enough to tastefully hold such a photo, or the [[TheClan family name is old and well-known]]. Compare ShrineToSelf.
** The portrait is torn, damaged, or mutilated: Now ''this'' is a real sign of dysfunction -- someone hated the family enough to physically destroy or vandalize a photo of them. May overlap with SymbolicallyBrokenObject for when its ruined state represents the family's situation or relationships.
* The ''lack'' of a family picture might also be notable. It could mean someone grew up alone without a family, isn't attached enough to them to have photos, or has otherwise lost all remembrances of them. ThePictureCameWithTheFrame might be a humorous variant.
This trope [[Administrivia/TropesAreFlexible goes beyond]] plain family photos; it can also cover individual photos put up on the walls of a home (for example, a disliked or disowned family member might not have any photos of them displayed, or the [[ParentalFavoritism favorite child]] gets much more exposure than the others). It can also cover other ways of displaying the family heritage, such as a family tree or portraits of ancestors that line the hallways. What's important is ''how'' the family heritage is displayed and what the audience can infer about the characters from it.
Compare the FatalFamilyPhoto, which is a happy photograph that characterizes someone as a loving spouse, parent, or partner...before they're killed off. Such a family portrait may also be a PreciousPhoto. Compare also FormerFriendsPhoto and HappierHomeMovie.
----
!!Examples:
[[foldercontrol]]
[[folder:Anime and Manga]]
* ''Manga/FullmetalAlchemist'': Although the Elric brothers and their beloved mother look happy in their family portrait, their father Hohenheim's face is [[PlotBasedPhotographObfuscation initially obscured]] by the light when the photo is seen. When his face in the portrait is shown, it's revealed that he [[spoiler:was crying because he knew he had to leave to stop Father's plan]]. At the end of the manga, this is contrasted with [[spoiler:Ed and Winry's family photos -- although they are posed similarly, they and their two children are all smiles]].
* In ''Anime/{{Steamboy}}'', a portrait of the Steam family is shown; Ray is shown hunched over in one corner looking unhappy and overshadowed by his father and grandfather.
[[/folder]]
[[folder:Art]]
* The Norman Rockwell painting "Gillis Family Heritage" displays a series of paintings and photographs, showing a series of {{Identical Grandson}}s in different military uniforms from the Revolutionary War to WWII, showing a family history of military service.
[[/folder]]
[[folder:Films -- Animated]]
* In ''Disney/LiloAndStitch'' Lilo has a PreciousPhoto of her family before her parents died in a car crash. In the present she's aggressive and resentful about their deaths. By the end of the film she has tacked on a photo of Stitch, signifying his inclusion in her "ohana" and her slowly growing new family.
[[/folder]]
[[folder:Films -- Live Action]]
* In ''Film/{{Gattaca}}'', Vincent rips ''himself'' out of the family portrait when he runs away.
* ''Film/UncleBuck'': The title character is the BlackSheep of his family, who only reluctantly call him to cover in an emergency. He's mostly a goofy {{Manchild}}, but has a moment of quiet sadness when he sees that he's been [[RemovedFromThePicture removed]] from his brother's wedding photo.
* In one scene of ''Film/WelcomeToTheDollhouse'', a portrait of the Wiener family where they are posed properly (if with an artificial air) is shown. In the background we can hear Dawn arguing with her parents; in contrast to their well-dressed selves in the portrait, they are dressed in gaudy clothes.
[[/folder]]
[[folder:Literature]]
* ''Literature/HarryPotter'':
** Family ''tree'' variation with the House of Black. 12 Grimmauld Place hosts a lovely, intricate tapestry where the names Black family members are magically cataloged...but if you're considered a blood traitor (ie. someone who associates with Muggles) or otherwise disowned, your name is blasted off the tree. Definitely fitting for a clan of pureblood supremacists.
** The Dursleys don't keep any photos of Harry in their home. One of the books mentions this detail when building up to their abuse and neglect of him.
[[/folder]]
[[folder:Live-Action TV]]
* ''Film/JaneEyre'' (2006):
** The first episode of the miniseries starts with Jane's foster family (her aunt and cousins) being painted for a family portrait. Jane is excluded.
** The miniseries {{bookends}} with Jane's family sitting outside of their house being portrayed. Jane wants Adele who is her husband's ward in the picture.
* ''Series/MalcolmInTheMiddle'': at a family reunion Hal's relatives mislead TheUnfavorite Lois when she asks where to find a pair of dress shoes; this lets the family get their group picture taken without her.
* In ''Series/Maniac2018'' the Milgrims excluded their BlackSheep son Owen from a family portrait.
* ''Series/ModernFamily'': The episode "Family Portrait" features Claire trying to get the titular large mixed family together for a posed portrait. Her perfectionism starts to annoy their father, however, which results in a mud fight that stains their clean white outfits. In the end, they just take a series of fun photos that are truer to the family's wacky spirit instead of trying to get in a "proper" family shot, which Claire admits that she likes more.
* In the first episode of ''Series/ThePolitician'', James mentions that famous photographer Annie Leibovitz took Peyton's wealthy family's Christmas photo, and notes it as one reason he's not considered an "accessible" presidential candidate.
* In one episode of ''Series/SchittsCreek'' the Roses receive an oversized family portrait from when they were still very rich. Although the painting makes them look like the ideal uppercrust NuclearFamily (and the size characterizes them as narcissistic ''and'' uppercrust), it also reminds them that they were more distant then (Alexis didn't even show up and they painted her face over a body double) and that they created a much happier and healthier dynamic after they lost all their money.
* In the first episode of ''Series/{{Sherlock}}'', Sherlock Holmes notes the missing face in the cabbie's family picture and deduces since the cabbie ripped the face out, he must have left his wife instead of his wife leaving him.
* In ''Series/TheUmbrellaAcademy2019'', patriarch Sir Reginald disallowed Vanya from joining the official family portrait because she had no powers and thus didn't officially partake in superheroics with the rest of her adoptive siblings. This is one of the flashbacks that establishes her as TheUnfavorite.
[[/folder]]
[[folder:Video Games]]
* ''VideoGame/MegaManLegends'': It's blink and you'll miss it, but Teisel's introductory scene after defeating Bon Bonne shows a massive portrait on one wall of his room, depicting a younger Teisel with his parents. From their formal wear and posture it could be implied that the Bonnes had a much more opulent past before something lead Teisel into the pirating business (presumably the parents passing away).
[[/folder]]
[[folder:Web Animation]]
* In ''WebAnimation/{{RWBY}}'', a portrait in the Schnee family's mansion from several years prior shows Jacques Schnee's wife and daughters looking sad/unhappy (in the present day, his wife is an alcoholic because of him, and his daughters Winter and Weiss have both made efforts to escape his emotionally abusive hold over them). Whitley (his son, whom he favors), on the other hand, is smiling.
[[/folder]]
[[folder:Western Animation]]
* ''WesternAnimation/BojackHorseman'': The Horsemans were ''not'' a functional family unit. After [=BoJack=] was born, his parents Beatrice and Butterscotch couldn't hide their distaste for the situation from the photographers. [[spoiler:However, in pictures dating prior to his birth they looked like a happy couple.]]
* ''WesternAnimation/Castlevania2017'': Dracula's mansion holds an old family portrait from when his wife Lisa was still alive and their son Adrian/Alucard was just a baby, signifying (among other things) how much he cared for his wife, and contrasting [[AntagonisticOffspring the current state of his relationship]] with {{Alucard}}.
* ''WesternAnimation/TheLegendOfKorra'': The photo Mako and Bolin have of their family. Not only does its existence show that they had two loving parents before they ended up orphaned, but it also emphasizes their contrasting personalities -- outgoing and extroverted Bolin is fidgeting, while the serious and introverted Mako is posing properly.
* ''WesternAnimation/TheLoudHouse'' episode "Picture Perfect" has Lincoln trying to get a tidy family photo of him, his sisters, and the pets, but the impatient sisters act as they usually would when the camera takes to long to shoot. The end result is the picture depicting the unwinding chaos that are the Loud Siblings.
* In ''WesternAnimation/MiraculousLadybug'', the Agreste family portrait shows their dynamic perfectly. Although it looks beautiful you can see both Adrien and Gabriel aren't looking at each other or interacting at all, Adrien doesn't even seem to be happy but is just doing what his dad told him too. We later see another, happier portrait of the family this time with MissingMom Emilie.
* ''WesternAnimation/TheSimpsons''
** ''Series/TheTraceyUllmanShow'' short "Family Portrait" has the Simpsons' attempts at taking a family portrait be ruined, usually by Homer's incompetence or Bart making faces. The final portrait shows Homer strangling Bart, Marge taken aback, and Lisa and Maggie making faces at the camera. Fitting for a wacky sitcom family.
** "And Maggie Makes Three" begins with the kids noticing that there are no pictures of Maggie in the family album. Homer tells the story of how he had to give up his dream job of running a bowling alley when Maggie was born and beg for his job back at the power plant. [[spoiler:The photos of Maggie are all in Homer's work station where he needs the most cheering up; they cover up a sign that reads "Don't forget, you're here forever" so that it reads "Do it for her".]]
[[/folder]]
----
