One of my absolute favorite cinematic techniques is when a character breaks the fourth wall, essentially stepping out of the film to bring the audience in on a secret or an inside joke. Though this technique has a storied history, being used in many films over the years, it could be argued that none have been more prolific and well known as Mel Brooks use of the fourth wall. Since Blazing Saddles and Young Frankenstein and both on the list for week four, I thought it was entirely appropriate to refresh my memory on the subject ahead of time.

The use of the phrase “fourth wall” comes from the theater, when three sided box-sets were mainly in use. An actor could be said to be “breaking the fourth wall” when he turned toward and addressed the audience, thus breaking through the imaginary “fourth wall” to reach them. This technique, having graduated from theater to film, serves to pull the audience in and create intimacy with a character that may have been previously lacking. In my opinion, nothing makes a film feel more inclusive than when an actor turns to the camera and admits his private motivations or makes an inside joke that he shares only with the audience. Though it is not always an appropriate technique, breaking the fourth wall works very well in the comedy genre.

One very well known example, at least to my generation, is the classic “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off,” where Matthew Broderick narrates much of his backstory, motivation, and private musings directly to the camera. The movie would not be anything close to the same without the use of this technique.

This YouTube video is a great resource to learn more about the technique of breaking the fourth wall.