[mturmon]

The symmetry of the staging adds another uncanny element: the frontal camera angles and the identical chairs add on top of the similarity in dress.

And you're right, the similar affect of the two -- the earnestness, the forward posture telegraphing intensity, the lack of humor -- all together, it is off-putting. Later in the interview, Sam leans back which seems to break this unpleasant symmetry.

[Gargoyle]

The poor staging and lighting are responsible for most of what people are reacting negatively to in terms of body language and appearance. Terrible location for an interview for a number of reasons.

They do seem intensely earnest, but both of them always do in the interviews I've seen. I personally don't see that as a negative in this sort of context, however.