'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Tearing down the fourth wall is considered a technique in filmmaking where a character directs their attention to either the audience or the author, directly or indirectly. This type of editing is frequently used for comedic effect, but can also be used to increase the viewer's involvement with the characters and showcase the subtle details of a character's personality that would otherwise go unnoticed.
Some of the best-known scenes where characters break the fourth wall include Ferris Bueller with the audience in Ferris Bueller's Day Off or the character played by Edward Norton speaking to the camera in Fight Club. Enola Holmes, on the other hand, employs breaking the fourth wall where the main character tells the viewers her character's backstory and makes the audience feel more involved in the tale.
In mockumentaries like Modern Family and The Office, the characters directly address the camera, making them seem like real people. The characters turn out to be conscious of the fact that they are either in a movie or a TV show and therefore feel free to talk directly to the viewers, contributing to an engaging and enjoyable viewer experience.
Movies that break the fourth wall
1) Deadpool
Deadpool is known for breaking the fourth wall. The protagonist, played by Ryan Reynolds, often speaks directly to the audience. He constantly makes jokes, comments, or recaps on what's going on in the film.
One of the funniest moments is when Deadpool introduces his roommate, Al, getting out of character to directly talk to the audience.
2) Fight Club
Edward Norton's character in Fight Club breaks the fourth wall and addresses the camera, speaking to the audience about the daily life of a mysterious future villain - Tyler Durden.
What makes the moment remarkable is that it creates a breather from the tension. As a result, it reminds the watcher that they are not involved in something like this in real life.
3) Ferris Bueller’s Day Off
The fourth wall repeatedly breaks when Matthew Broderick's character, Ferris Bueller, takes center stage in Ferris Bueller's Day Off. He talks to his audience to highlight his plans and aims, in this way, the audience feels like they are part of the action.
Probably the most vivid of all the events is when Ferris looks directly at the camera and smiles when he escapes a cop who is chasing him.
4) American Psycho
In the movie American Psycho, a noteworthy fourth-wall-breaking scene is when Christian Bale's character, Patrick Bateman, stares at the camera and talks to the audience. He describes his business card as a material symbol of his success and identity as a banker on Wall Street.
5) Psycho
Psycho is a classic movie that features a memorable fourth wall break. Anthony Perkins' character, Norman Bates, talks to the camera while cleaning up after a murder.
Such a moment is impactful because it evokes the viewers' feeling of being a part of the crime that he committed.
6) A Clockwork Orange
A Clockwork Orange is a movie with an easily identifiable fourth wall break when actor Malcolm McDowell, who plays the role of Alex, turns to the camera and directly addresses the audience.
He goes on about his special relation to music and violence, which makes one feel personally connected to his crazy world.
7) The Wolf of Wall Street
In The Wolf of Wall Street, Leonardo DiCaprio's portrayal of Jordan Belfort is remembered by many because there is a scene where he breaks the fourth wall.
He talks about himself, his life as a stockbroker, and how drugs and s*x have enslaved him, which makes people watching feel like they are right there with him.
8) The Big Short
Anthony Bourdain, in one of the scenes of The Big Short, breaks the fourth wall with a fish analogy to explain the Collateralized Debt Obligation. Margot Robbie also educates the audience on the subject in a bathtub.
This section is powerful because it provides some comic relief to the tension of the movie and breaks down difficult financial concepts for the audience.
9) Amélie
In Amélie, there is the well-known fourth wall break when the main character, portrayed by Audrey Tautou, looks at the camera and talks directly to the audience.
She shares her views and emotions, which creates the impression that the audience members get to look through the same set of lenses she does.
10) Enola Holmes
The Enola Holmes film also had a fourth wall break when its protagonist, played by Millie Bobby Brown, looks at the camera and speaks to the viewers.
She speaks about her thoughts and emotions that make people feel like they are a part of her life.
11) Annie Hall
In Annie Hall, Woody Allen's character, Alvy Singer, looks at the camera and directly addresses the audience. He talks about his relationship with Annie Hall, making people feel like they are part of his world.
TV shows and series that break the fourth wall
1) Fleabag
Fleabag is full of powerful scenes that break the fourth wall. One of the most iconic moments is when the lead character, played by Phoebe Waller-Bridge, connects with the audience by looking into their eyes.
Through her words, she tells viewers what goes on in her head and heart, thus, giving the illusion that they are living at the same time with her.
2) House of Cards
House of Cards features a memorable fourth wall break when Kevin Spacey's character, Frank Underwood, looks at the camera and directly addresses the audience.
He explicitly refers to his plans and why he is doing so, making the audience feel like they are an important part of his world.
3) The Serpent Queen
The Serpent Queen features a memorable fourth wall break when the main character, played by Samantha Morton, looks at the camera and directly addresses the audience.
She confides in and shares about what she is thinking and feeling. This is a process that makes them feel like they exist in her universe.
4) The Office
The Office is a mockumentary that documents the lives of workers in a paper supply company. Steve Carell's character, Michael Scott, exhibits a characteristic fourth wall break and stares at the camera, looking everyone in the eyes. He shares his thoughts and feelings with the audience, giving them the impression that he is a real person sharing things about his world and workplace.
What's even more iconic is Jim Halpert's (John Krasinski) expression when he looks at the camera, known as the "Jim face." He often makes the face during times of awkward tension, making the character's stare into the omnipresent camera even more iconic.
5) Sex and the City
Sex and the City features an iconic scene where Sarah Jessica Parker, as Carrie Bradshaw, addresses the viewers and looks at the camera. She says what is on her mind and is honest about her feelings. Fans live in her world with her.
6) She-Hulk: Attorney At Law
She-Hulk: Attorney At Law features a fourth wall break when Tatiana Maslany's character, Jennifer Walters, looks at the camera and directly addresses the audience. She brings up her inner world, sometimes her emotions or thoughts, putting those watching in her shoes.
7) Modern Family
Modern Family is a mockumentary following the lives of three modern families in California as they navigate the many challenges of life. It features many memorable fourth wall breaks where the characters look at the camera and directly address the audience.
The lives of the main characters are "documented," and from time to time they sit down facing the camera to share their thoughts and feelings. It makes the audience believe the characters are real and relatable and that they know them in a personal way.
8) Malcolm in the Middle
Malcolm in the Middle features a memorable fourth wall break when the main character, played by Frankie Muniz, looks at the camera and directly addresses the audience. He talks about his thoughts and feelings, making fans feel like they are part of his world.
9) Gilmore Girls
Lorelai Gilmore is self-aware, likable, and capable of creating a strong bond with the audience. The fourth wall is never overtly broken in the traditional sense, but Lorelai's character and interactions with the audience give the impression that she is speaking directly to them.
Directly talking to or addressing the audience has been a method employed in many forms of media and helps the audience forge a personal connection with the characters they watch on screen.
