History Main / FaceFault

Only a handful of comedians can ''successfully'' pull off a full-fledged FaceFault in live action performance; notable examples include Creator/JimCarrey, Creator/SteveMartin, Creator/DickVanDyke, and Chevy Chase. Live action performers are more likely to do ThePratfall instead, which is a similar comedic trick but leaves the character on his rump.

* Kagome's command of "Osuwari!" ("Sit, boy!") causes [[Manga/InuYasha Inu-Yasha]] to do an automatic FaceFault, though that's more of a [[RestrainingBolt mystical means of keeping Inu-Yasha under control]] than a reaction to stupidity.

** Earlier in the Fourth episode Kuwabara and his gang are pressured to pass their next test and if they don't they will all get kicked out of school. The group talks and explains they need to study to get their grades up. When they ask Kuwabara what he got on his last test he sheepishly responds a Seven. Cue FaceFault.

* In ''Manga/BlueExorcist'', someone's mobile phone goes off during the sports lesson. [[InSeriesNickname Bon]] does a FaceFault when the ''teacher'' of all people answers his phone.

* Abruptly cornered by his vindictive boss at a bad moment, whom he earlier insulted and then managed to escape several times throughout the film, Fletcher Reede in ''Film/LiarLiar'' squawks "HOLY HELL!" and pulls off the rare live-action FaceFault as only Jim Carrey can.

* ''Series/KamenRiderDenO'', essentially a live-action {{Anime}}, absolutely adores the face fault, but it happened best in episode 15. When [[YamatoNadeshiko Airi]] learns that her brother is being held hostage, she's totally nonchalant until pressed, at which point she declares her intent to make him some "special hostage snacks", eliciting a FaceFault out of the coffee shop's entire patronage.

When shocked or surprised, often by an absurdity or non sequitur, the listener may fall over onto his face, his limbs in a twisted mass above him. In its typical form, the character in question has just heard someone else say something so incredibly stupid that it, quite literally, ''floors them''. A device usually limited to humorous anime, this may have been imported from a similar trope in [[http://www.lileks.com/comics/jerry/index.html early American comic strips]] called the 'flip-take'. A variation used mainly in films (as falling on one's own face in real life tends to be dangerous) has the characters briefly faint backwards, as opposed to forwards. Often includes, and is confused with, [[WildTake Wild Takes]].

* In episode five of ''[[HarukanaruTokiNoNakaDe Harukanaru Toki no Naka de - Hachiyou Shou]]'' Tenma has this reaction when Akane expresses concern over the possibility of Yorihisa commiting {{seppuku}} after she fell into a river because of him; although Tenma then comments that, [[{{Samurai}} this being Yorihisa]], such outcome ''is'' possible...

* In ''GurrenLagann'', Leeron makes a comment that manages to elicit this response from the aircraft-carrier-sized [[HumongousMecha Dai-Gurren]].

* Happens to Mikan in GakuenAlice with an almost sadistic frequency.
* ''InfiniteStratos'' does this when [[TheHero Ichika]] is about to do something, only for him to declare that, that's it. Cue everyone in the class face-faulting.
* Commonly done early on in ''RosarioToVampire'', most often by [[OnlySaneMan Tsukune]]. A particularly nice one can be found [[http://www.mangareader.net/320-22355-41/rosario-vampire/chapter-6.html here]].

* ''ShinChan'', usually thanks to something stupid Shin has said or done:

* Comes up now and then in ''SDGundamForce''. In the first ClipShow, Shute and Zero pull this when Bakunetsumaru realizes that the 'reporters' they've been talking to are Zako Soldiers in a PaperThinDisguise...''after'' the Zakos reveal themselves. Then at the very end, Zapper Zaku reveals that his singing janitor routine was just an act, and announces that he's ready to do bad again. Cut to him being surrounded by a small army with their blades pointing at him. Zapper panics and does his routine- pan over to his allies, who have face-faulted.
* After driving to Mesa Verdede in search of the Patch Tribe, only to find that it's full of tourists, Yoh and company from ShamanKing take this trope one step further and face fault ''an entire van''.

* In a Chilean comic strip called ''{{Condorito}}'', the punch line would almost inevitably end with the victim of the punch line falling on his/her ass with a loud ¡PLOP!

--> Stooges: [[CrowningMomentOfFunny *faint*]]
* Likely inspired by the Film/TheThreeStooges the Philippines had this as a staplemark in their comedy films during the 80s and 90s, mostly pioneered by (who some can say is the Filipino equivalent of the Stooges) comedy trio ''Tito, Vic & Joey''.
* Psyche-outs in ''BASEketball'' often had this effect on their victims.
* In ''DirtyDancing'', Johnny face faults after Baby teases him while they're dancing to "Love is Strange"

* Happens at least once on ''FamilyFeud''. One question from Fast Money: "Name something people take with them to the bathroom besides soap and a towel." Her answer? A duck. The number of people who agreed with her? [[spoiler:11]]. Dawson seems to faint upon seeing the number.
* One of the bloopers in ''WhoseLineIsItAnyway'' consists of Brad Sherwood starting off a Hoedown with: "I was feeling frisky; I went for a drive./I took all my handguns and shot myself alive...I..." and Brad then slowly face faulted at his own failure to make sense.

* Jack Brothers, one of the possible [[CombinationAttack Combination Attacks]] in ''{{Persona 3}}'', involves Jack Frost and Pyro Jack performing a terrible comedy routine. This causes all affected enemies to FaceFault, opening themselves up to a follow-up attack.

* Happens from time to time in SuperMarioBrosZ. One notable time is when E Gadd concedes that it would make more sense to make another emerald radar rather than a radar radar, but that he just didn't think of it.

* Happens a lot in the anime inspired comic TwoKinds

* Poor [[spoiler: Noah]] of Webcomic/ElGoonishShive does one [[http://egscomics.com/?date=2011-05-27 here,]] while sitting down. Warning: spoilers ahoy.

* Happens occasionally in ''BetterDays'', and the successor comic, ''OriginalLife''.

* {{Deconstructed|Trope}} in ''KappaMikey''; the anime-styled Japanese characters do this frequently while Mikey (who is a cartoon-styled American) tries, but never succeeds.

Only a handful of comedians can ''successfully'' pull off a full-fledged FaceFault in live action performance; notable examples include JimCarrey, SteveMartin, Creator/DickVanDyke, and Chevy Chase. Live action performers are more likely to do ThePratfall instead, which is a similar comedic trick but leaves the character on his rump.

* The [[SonicTheMovie Sonic Anime]] has this when the old owl is explaining that he physically traveled all the way to Sonic's residence to tell him something that could have been much more easily communicated by phone.

* Played with in an episode of ''ZoidsNewCentury''. At the very beginning of a HumongousMecha [[TournamentArc tournament]], the judges refer to the Tigers team as the Fuzzy Pandas team (a RunningGag first started by the main character), which causes their ''zoids'' to face fault. This freezes their combat system, and thus disqualifies them from the tournament.

* Kagome's command of "Osuwari!" ("Sit, boy!") causes [[InuYasha Inu-Yasha]] to do an automatic FaceFault, though that's more of a [[RestrainingBolt mystical means of keeping Inu-Yasha under control]] than a reaction to stupidity.

*** One of the best face faults in DBZ history is when Trunks tells Goku his parentage...Vegeta is his father, and his mother... Bulma. Goku's reaction was not only this trope-but flat out [[CrowningMomentOfFunny LAUGHING HIS ASS OFF]]! Meanwhile, far away from this private conversation, [[TheStoic Piccolo]] with his acute hearing, picks up on the entire conversation, [[CrowningMomentOfFunny and nearly]] [[TheComicallySerious face faults]] [[NotSoAboveItAll himself]] (episode 122).

* ''MagicalGirlLyricalNanoha'' has one of these in the first episode when Nanoha is trying to persuade her family to let her take care of a "ferret" - cough, cough - that she found injured in the woods. Her father asks what a ferret is, and Nanoha face faults...though at a much lesser extreme than expected from this trope.

* Watanuki Kimihiro of ''XxxHoLic'' does this quite often.
* ''SchoolRumble'': Everybody, all the damn time.
* ''KeroroGunsou'' is a living magnet of these. Of special note: the Third Movie, which features the new Dark Keroro, whose design practically screams EvilTwin. And what's Keroro's first assumption? [[LongLostSibling It's his long-lost twin brother.]] His remaining platoonmates nearly flip. [[{{Narm}} Cue the soap-opera parody.]]

* [[RicFlair The Flair Flop.]]

* Frequently occurs in the Bert-and-Ernie sketches on ''SesameStreet''.

* In ''HidamariSketch'', when the tenants of the apartments are in Miyako's room, trying to come up with reasons why the rent on it is so much cheaper than theirs, Hiro brings up some old nicknames for the apartments: "Chidamari" (bloody) and "Odamari" (be quiet). This latter name is followed by an overhead view of Sae's, Miyako's, and Yuno's legs as they've suddenly lain down in reaction to it.

All of 'em, but if you want some specific examples...

Only a handful of comedians can ''successfully'' pull off a full-fledged FaceFault in live action performance; notable examples include JimCarrey, SteveMartin, DickVanDyke, and Chevy Chase. Live action performers are more likely to do ThePratfall instead, which is a similar comedic trick but leaves the character on his rump.

* Abruptly cornered by his vindictive boss at a bad moment, whom he earlier insulted and then managed to escape several times throughout the film, Fletcher Reed in ''Film/LiarLiar'' squawks "HOLY HELL!" and pulls off the rare live-action FaceFault as only Jim Carrey can.

** Done a lot in VideoGame/MarioAndLuigiDreamTeam. And Prince Dreambert does this in the ending and then doesn't end up getting up for about half the cut scene.

* ''{{Kamen Rider Den-O}}'', essentially a live-action {{Anime}}, absolutely adores the face fault, but it happened best in episode 15. When [[YamatoNadeshiko Airi]] learns that her brother is being held hostage, she's totally nonchalant until pressed, at which point she declares her intent to make him some "special hostage snacks", eliciting a FaceFault out of the coffee shop's entire patronage.

** Proving that this is truly universal in anime and manga, Nico Robin, [[TheStoic the only member of the Straw Hat Pirates who does not have extremes of emotion]] (except for the CP9 saga, which focused on her TearJerker past), ''still'' face faults when [[spoiler:captured by the most gullible dwarves in existence]].

** Proving that this is truly universal in anime and manga, Nico Robin, [[TheStoic the only character in the One Piece universe who does not have extremes of emotion]], ''still'' face faults when [[spoiler:captured by the most gullible dwarves in existence]].

** Sometime early on in Dragonball, the gang are all watching in astonishment as Goku gulps down plate after plate of food, with the plates eventually piling up. Eventually, Goku stops after eating 57 full course meals while everyone looks on in disbelief. Afterwards, he asks the waiter "Can I have another bowl please?" Cue everyone face faulting. Roshi says Goku has probably had enough to which Goku casually replies "Yeah. You're right. I probably should save some room for desert!" Cue another face fault by everyone.

** Lots of face faulting in ''Mario & Luigi'' too.

*** He also elicits a second one when he can't figure out what the map means. His final phrase before the face fault was a loud shout of 'I DON'T KNOW'

* ''Series/BuffyTheVampireSlayer'', Season 3. Faith is moping about failing to kill Buffy. The Mayor says:
-->"I have two words to put a smile on that dial: Miniature. Golf." (Faith stares at him for a moment, then cracks up.)

* All of 'em. But if you want some specific examples...

* The second season of ''Manga/RanmaOneHalf'' opens every episode with a brief "blurb" describing the premise, that ends with the entire Tendō family {{facefault}}ing upon witnessing Ranma's transformation. Facefaults are also common sight gags in both the manga and the anime. Rumiko Takahashi does it with the characters' hands usually extended, middle and ring (and index?) fingers folded while the pinkie/index and thumb stick out.

* Played with in an episode of ''ZoidsNewCentury''. At the very beginning of a HumongousMecha [[TournamentArc tournament]], the judges refer to the Tigers team as the Fuzzy Pandas team (a RunningGag first started by the main character), which causes their ''zoids'' to facefault. This freezes their combat system, and thus disqualifies them from the tournament.

* ''Manga/DragonBall'' sometimes had scenes such as this, but there were two notable ones during the Afterlife Tournament filler arc. First, a rather easy foe that Goku is fighting suddenly wraps himself in a cocoon, his trainer bragging that he'll eventually come out stronger than before. Unfortunately, he also says the metamorphosis will complete in 1200 years, causing Goku and the referees to face fault (''Anime/DragonBallZ'' episode 196). Afterwards, Goku wins by default; then, two minor characters, Torbie and Tapikar face off. The latter shows off his blinding speed just before the match, intimidating the former; when the fight begins, Tapikar charges at Torbie, but stops, exhausted, and forfeits. Aside from Tapikar, the only ones who remain standing are West Kai, who states that the ring is biased against short people, and North Kai, who accuses him of being a sore loser. ''Everyone else'' in the arena facefaults. Including ''the audience.'' Who facefaults in ''waves.'' (''Anime/DragonBallZ'' episode 197)

** Sometime early on in Dragonball, the gang are all watching in astonishment as Goku gulps down plate after plate of food, with the plates eventually piling up. Eventually, Goku stops after eating 57 full course meals while everyone looks on in disbelief. Afterwards, he asks the waiter "Can I have another bowl please?"... Cue everyone facefaulting. Roshi says Goku has probably had enough to which Goku casually replies "Yeah. You're right. I probably should save some room for desert!" Cue another facefault by everyone.

** Another one was during the Majin Buu saga (episode 251) when Goten and Trunks first tried to fuse seriously in front of everyone. The first attempt resulted in a very chubby Gotenks. As Gotenks tries to jog in his newly fused body he stops moving for a second... then starts heaving in exhaustion, giving up. ''[[CrowningMomentOfFunny Everyone]]'' facefaults.
*** One of the best face faults in DBZ history is when Trunks tells Goku his parentage...Vegeta is his father, and his mother... Bulma. Goku's reaction was not only this trope-but flat out [[CrowningMomentOfFunny LAUGHING HIS ASS OFF]]! Meanwhile, far away from this private conversation, [[TheStoic Piccolo]] with his acute hearing, picks up on the entire conversation, [[CrowningMomentOfFunny and nearly]] [[TheComicallySerious facefaults]] [[NotSoAboveItAll himself]] (episode 122).

** Earlier in the Fourth episode Kuwabara and his gang are pressured to pass their next test and if they don't they will all get kicked out of school. The group talks and explains they need to study to get their grades up. When they ask Kuwabara what he got on his last test he sheepisly responds a Seven. Cue FaceFault.
* In ''Manga/{{ARIA}}'' the characters' faces often become very deformed when they get emotional - sometimes to the extent of getting creepy.
** Likewise in ''{{Amanchu}}'', but the usage is more here than ''Manga/{{ARIA}}''.
* ''[[LightNovel/BludgeoningAngelDokuroChan Bludgeoning Angel Dokuro-chan]]'' has some of the most humorous (though sometimes they can get creepy as well) facefaults and exaggerated expressions that one will ever find.
* KenAkamatsu seems to be fond of these. ''Manga/MahouSenseiNegima'' tends to have many overly exaggerated facefaults that send characters flying around as if standing next to an explosion of some sort. Especially Ausna.
* ''MagicalGirlLyricalNanoha'' has one of these in the first episode when Nanoha is trying to persuade her family to let her take care of a "ferret" - cough, cough - that she found injured in the woods. Her father asks what a ferret is, and Nanoha Face Faults...though at a much lesser extreme than expected from this trope.
* One episode of ''Anime/{{Pokemon}}'' (The Mandarin Island Miss Match, episode 99) has the Team Rocket trio facefault out of their balloon ''while it was in the air'' after they suggested [[strike:Prima]] Lorelei to record her lectures on tape and sell them and she ''told them the price'' ($18.95, if you're interested). To be fair, Ash, Misty, and Tracey face faulted immediately beforehand.

* There are a lot more of these in ''[[Manga/FullmetalAlchemist Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood]]'' than in [[Anime/FullmetalAlchemist the 2003 anime version]]. Fitting, as it follows the manga's art (and story) much more closely. There are a ''lot'' of facefaults in the manga.

--->'''Ed''' "Is it some weird Xingese culture to facefault at will?!"

''(Tomoya facefaults in front of Nagisa)''\\

** Also one great scene in 23rd (extra) episode of ''VisualNovel/{{Clannad}}'' when Tomoya is having an absurd conversation with Nagisa:

'''Nagisa:''' ''(cheerfully)'' You do? ''(looking elsewhere)'' But I won't let you.\\
''(Tomoya falls onto the ground with the most proper inarticulate sound ever)''
** Fuko goes on the loudspeaker system. ("Those are starfish" * whole school facefaults* )
** Kyou at one point facefaults so hard she knocks a door down in the process.

* In episode 18 of the ''Manga/DGrayMan'' anime, the entire science team of the Black order [[MyFriendsAndZoidberg and Lavi]] does a collective facefault when [[ItMakesSenseInContext Allen pulls the giant octopus off his head, to show a smaller one underneath.]]

* ''{{Kamen Rider Den-O}}'', essentially a live-action {{Anime}}, absolutely adores the facefault, but it happened best in episode 15. When [[YamatoNadeshiko Airi]] learns that her brother is being held hostage, she's totally nonchalant until pressed, at which point she declares her intent to make him some "special hostage snacks", eliciting a FaceFault out of the coffee shop's entire patronage.
* One of the bloopers in ''WhoseLineIsItAnyway'' consists of Brad Sherwood starting off a Hoedown with: "I was feeling frisky; I went for a drive./I took all my handguns and shot myself alive...I..." and Brad then slowly facefaulted at his own failure to make sense.

* Mario and his friends do a lot of facefaulting in ''VideoGame/SuperMarioRPG: Legend of the Seven Stars''.
** Lots of facefaulting in ''Mario & Luigi'' too.

* In ''VideoGame/EdEddnEddyTheMisEdventures,'' Edd explains the Tower of Eddy maneuver. After a beat, Ed exclaims, "HUH?!" causing Eddy to facefault.

* in ''UltimateTeacher'' Ganbachi and Karima do this when they're charging against each other and get interrupted by Hinako.

* Anything that startles ANYONE in AceAttorney becomes this.

* Occurs after every punchline in paleolithic newspaper comic ''[[http://www.lileks.com/comics/jerry/index.html Jerry on the Job,]]'' making this one OlderThanRadio.

** ''Epic'' one by [[spoiler: Trixie]] in "Magic Duel".

** Earlier in the Fourth episode Kuwabara and his gang are pressured to pass their next test and they will all get kicked out of school. The group talks and explains they need to study to get their grades up. When they ask Kuwabara what he got on his last test he sheepisly responds a Seven. Cue FaceFault.

* ''Manga/DragonBall'' sometimes had scenes such as this, but there were two notable ones during the Afterlife Tournament filler arc. First, a rather easy foe that Goku is fighting suddenly wraps himself in a cocoon, his trainer bragging that he'll eventually come out stronger than before. Unfortunately, he also says the metamorphosis will complete in 1200 years, causing Goku and the referees to face fault (DragonBallZ episode 196). Afterwards, Goku wins by default; then, two minor characters, Torbie and Tapikar face off. The latter shows off his blinding speed just before the match, intimidating the former; when the fight begins, Tapikar charges at Torbie, but stops, exhausted, and forfeits. Aside from Tapikar, the only ones who remain standing are West Kai, who states that the ring is biased against short people, and North Kai, who accuses him of being a sore loser. ''Everyone else'' in the arena facefaults. Including ''the audience.'' Who facefaults in ''waves.'' (DragonBallZ episode 197)
** The very first audience-wide face fault occurs in the first tournament arc (DragonBall episode 21, about halfway through). Just before the main matches begin, the master monk of the temple hosting the tournament (Who is a dog) steps up for a few choice words. He takes the mic...