The present research investigates the effects of gaze direction on the perceived duration of the presentation of angry and happy expressions. When the facial expression was angry, a straight gaze elongated the perceived duration of the expression compared with an averted gaze. However, there was no effect of gaze direction when the facial expression was happy. These findings indicate that the subjective estimation of time is elongated when the observer encounters a socially important survival signal, considering that an angry face with a straight gaze may be perceived as a threat requiring a fight-or-flight response. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.