Have you ever watched a film or TV show where the actor looks directly into the camera? This is called this breaking the fourth wall, it’s hard to miss, and it changes the viewing experience.
So, what is the fourth wall, how do you break it, and when can you use it in your film projects? In this following guide, we break down the fourth wall in detail. We’ve also included a few examples from popular movies and TV shows.
What is The Fourth Wall?
The fourth wall is the imaginary wall between the audience and the fictional world. The term comes from live theatre, where a set has three walls, with the fourth wall facing the audience.
So, the audience watches a show by looking into the fourth wall. Obviously in film and TV, this wall is where the camera stands. In a typical show, the actors do not interact with the audience.
However, when you break the wall, the actor acknowledges they are in a show. Therefore, the story is now aware of itself, removing the illusion of the story world.
What is Breaking The Fourth Wall?
Well, put simply, by acknowledging the audience or camera, you, in effect, break the fourth wall. In a movie, the actor might speak directly to the audience. The actors also step out of their story world either with narration or by looking into the camera.
The term ‘breaking the fourth wall’ is used in theatre, film, video games, and even books. Most films and TV shows never break it; however, when they do, they typically have a specific purpose in mind.
Examples of Breaking the Fourth Wall
Confused? No problem. Here are a few quick examples from popular films and TV shows with explanations.
Ferris Buellers Day Off (1986)
In this comedy, Ferris often breaks the wall by talking directly to the camera. Ferris lets the audience in on his plans to skip school and even sings to the camera. In the final scene, Ferris tells the audience that the film is over and they should leave the cinema.
The Office (2001)
In this mockumentary, the show pokes fun at the documentary genre with this effect. The characters speak to the audience through interviews. The person behind the camera also talks to the characters creating the illusion that they are real people.
House of Cards (2013)
In this drama, breaking the wall brings the audience inside Frank’s mind and how he sees the world. Using a monologue, Frank reveals his plans, feelings, and secrets. This makes the audience feel closer to him, creating a stronger emotional connection.
Deadpool (2016)
In this comedy, Deadpool addresses the audience many times. In one scene, he winks at the camera and talks about the actors playing the roles. He is aware of the film and his place in the Marvel universe. As such, this is an example of this effect and meta-referencing.
Let’s examine a few more reasons why a filmmaker might want to break the fourth wall.
Why Break The Fourth Wall?
Breaking the fourth wall is a decision the director will make in pre-production unless the screenwriter includes wall breaks in the script. Either way, using this effect takes careful planning because it destroys the audience’s belief in the story.
Even one shot breaking the wall will pull the audience out of the story illusion. However, if done correctly, the audience can feel more engaged with the material. There are many reasons to break the wall, from letting people know vital information to telling a joke.
Here are five main reasons for breaking the fourth wall.
Narration
The main reason for breaking the wall is to talk to the audience. By doing this, the actor can deliver new information or tell the audience an opinion on the story. Typically, the narrator in a film is off-screen, and you hear them as a voiceover. However, having them in the movie can create a more personal connection.
Comedy
Another reason filmmakers break the wall is to tell a joke. You don’t expect a character to know they are in a fictional world. Often, only one actor does this, and the others remain in the story world. This effect is frequently found in mockumentaries with fake interviews. By doing this, you create the illusion that the footage is real.
Documentary
In a documentary, the filmmakers themselves might speak to the audience. Instead of creating a fly-on-the-wall effect, the filmmaker addresses the camera and shares their opinion on the events. By doing this, you show the inner thoughts of your host and can push the story forward. Although, you also run the risk of creating bias.
Drama
You can break the fourth wall in any film genre. In a drama, an actor might speak or look into the camera to create a deeper connection between them and the audience. By doing this, they can share a secret or heighten an emotion. You can also use this effect alongside the point of view shot to show the story world in the eyes of the character.
Meta
Lastly, using this effect is another way of meta-referencing. Doing this draws attention to the universe within which the story world is. You can use this as a flashback or by telling a meta-joke. The act of self-referencing shows a broader awareness of the characters within their world.
How To Use Breaks In Your Own Film
Breaking the fourth wall needs to come across as intentional. Unless the breaks are within your script, you must decide if they will benefit the story. Acknowledging the audience in your project will cause your story to lose a sense of realism.
When deciding to use a break, you need to decide how real you want your story to feel. Consider whether breaking the fourth wall will convey key information to your audience. Is it part of a joke throughout the movie, or will it help create a connection with a character?
When you use this effect, you enter your character’s mind. Because of this, you can find it in scenes with psychopaths or when a character has psychosis. Also, the actor does not need to speak to the audience, as looking into the camera is enough to break the wall.
Wrapping Up
To sum up, you can break the fourth wall in any film genre. This effect instantly gets the viewer’s attention. It’s a bold, creative decision that will require some thinking. So, pick your shots wisely and ensure they add value to your film.
Also, unless you have it in your script, you should plan these shots before filming. We hope this helps you understand the fourth wall and how you can use it in your own short films.
