yeah, preview isn't very informative, so it might seem like there is a head only 
thank you for your kind words! your idea of combining two states of character sounds great :)
Really well made! The dithered gradient looks great.
Oh, and...
† MORTIS †
Based on the thumbnail, I was sure it was a floating severed head. 
This piece has very cool atmosphere and transitions are very nice.
It would be a great surprise if you made another normal to crying faceless transition, and randomly combine them, while keeping the rest of the animation the same, in a slightly longer gif.
thank you!