In TV and movies where it is required that a character cries, glycerin is often used. My question is: why does it always seem to be the right eye? and why does the “tear” appear to come out the center of the eye as opposed the corner where the tear duct are? AND why only yhe one eye and not both?
(OK, smartypants, that was THREE questions)
Boo hoo hoo…
Glycerin is used a lot less than you think. Often the performer is talented enough eo make themselves cry, usually by recalling some emotional memory.
As to which side, the right side is probably the “good” side of the actor. You only need one tear because it’s subtle, and because you only have a few seconds to set up the shot before the fake tear rolls off the face.
Years ago I saw some actress on Carson and she said the way she was able to cry on cue was that she yanked a nostril hair out right when the tear was needed. I want to say it was Bette Davis who told the story but I’m probably wrong.