Coursework Research - Breaking fourth wall

RESEARCH: BREAKING THE FOURTH WALL

What is it?

Definition: A dramatic technique in a work of fiction where characters display an awareness that they are in such a work.

Breaking the fourth wall is a unique thematic device at the disposal of the filmmaker. Most cinematic techniques pull us into the story and forget we're watching the film but breaking the fourth wall does the opposite: it reminds us that we're actually an audience member watching whats happening on screen. We love when characters in films break the fourth wall and talk to us, meaning they ignore the imaginary “wall” that keeps the actors from the audience. Whether they do this through expressing inner thoughts, acknowledging they’re in a film, or venting to the camera (and in turn, the audience).  In the opening two minutes of a film, it's normally the part of the film getting the audience into the film, yet using this technique, it adds a dynamic to the opening, catching the attention of the audience and makes sure that we are drawn to this character and their thoughts and intentions. The following films break the ever-so-sacred fourth wall, but only 'Ferris Bueller's day off' breaks it in the opening.

Examples:

'Annie Hall'
A classic breaking of the fourth wall comes from Woody Allen’s classic romantic comedy, “Annie Hall.” Allen’s character Alvy Singer often breaks the fourth wall to comment on details of his relationship with Diane Keaton’s character. The video to the right shows Woody Allen breaking the fourth wall to complain about queues outside movies when the man behind him interrupts.

'High Fidelity'
In the 2000 film, “High Fidelty” John Cusack’s character Rob Gordon famously breaks the fourth wall to tell the audience the top five things he misses about Laura. Watch below.

'Ferris Bueller’s Day Off'
The lovable Ferris Bueller (played by Matthew Broderick) is constantly talking to the audience like they’re his best friends. The film makes it clear in the very beginning that it’ll be ignoring the rule of audience movie separation. Bueller continues in the film to offer to the audience some great advice on how to trick your parents into think you’re too sick for school.

Is it something I would contemplate in my own coursework?

Breaking the fourth wall is definatly something I would consider trying in my coursework. Whether it would work effectively is another matter. Deepending on the plot, setting, genre, characters and the cast i think it could work. It is something that interests me but i think for it to work effectively, I would need a cast member that feels comfortable doing it and knows how and what to do so that it would be easier to complete.

- Lily Ray