'Atlanta' Director Hiro Murai Breaks Down the Teddy Perkins Episode | Vanity Fair

On this episode of "Notes on a Scene," Atlanta's director Hiro Murai breaks down season two, episode six, "Teddy Perkins."
Footage of Atlanta courtesy of FX. See more of Atlanta on FX Now.
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[@chrstphrluis2206]

Darius is probably my favorite character in the show, so I’m glad he had kind of a solo episode. It wouldn’t have been as dope if it was any other character in the show in this situation.

[@shavontaewallace8330]

100%

[@quietmenace]

Darius should’ve been nominated for best supportive actor...

[@karabomokobedi141]

erick ramos he did

[@gunswordfist]

Sweet! Did Lakeith win anything?@@karabomokobedi141

[@heydumbass758]

erick ramos the guys hilarious tho

[@jarodhardcastle1350]

He is very supportuve tbf

[@therealrmac]

He's the most interesting character on the show imo. He seems to have a lot going on with his character.

[@quimenga]

i think this was the 1st or 2nd ep I'd ever watched of Atlanta and it FREAKED ME TF OUT. I could barely get myself to watch more of ATL bc I was so scared lmaooo, this sht gave me nightmares, so props to Hiro and donald for making something so unique/harrowing that really GETS to the audience

[@insertcolorfulmetaphor8520]

This was one of the finest episodes of the series, episode 6 season 2. Brilliant and haunting!

[@thedocshlaett5960]

I loved this episode.

[@rblev]

How do none of you know this is Michael Jackson??

[@rustecohle591]

Loved this. Thanks

[@TheStoenk]

I love these videos

[@kdgurl94]

His episode of Barry was amazing as well! Big fan

[@shanjayaweera3036]

Hiro is amazing

[@JessieKhoo]

the most terrifying ep of the season

[@omarjaljouli6771]

This movie reminded me of get out

[@KulturanCov]

Can someone explain the motives and reasoning of Teddy Perkins and his brother? I really didn't quite get it. Why did he want Darius to be framed for killing his brother? What did his brother actually have, what's up with him? Why was Teddy white? Why did Teddy's brother kill himself?

[@0zymanndias773]

No lie. This episode gave me anxiety lmao teddy gave me the craziest creepy vibes like bruh he was really about to abduct my man lmao

[@DeidreLanice]

Yep I concur

[@heydumbass758]

I thot it was some KKK stuff when he said," I chose you"

[@li1man00]

I couldn't finish it in one sitting, it was stressful.

[@groyperfuhr4871]

I thought in the episode teddy said he would kill him and tell the cops it was a forced entry. Close to abduct, and probably just nearly as scary what with how loopy teddy is/was.

[@luciferg12]

I got some “Get Out” vibes.

[@ApoMelon]

this dude also directed Childish Gambino's "This is America"! Hiro Murai is clearly a fitting director of anything donald glover does

[@wruwithtilde]

theyve been working together for years so yeah, do check out 'clapping for the wrong reasons' if you havent already

[@wruwithtilde]

+FBI thanks fbi lol but seriously i like earl hes great, i think i rrevisited Doris like a week ago or so

[@arniemarnie]

@FBI He also directed the Flying Lotus and Kendrick Lamar video "Never Catch Me"

[@zzdesolatezz]

@@arniemarnie that video made me cry lol

[@wanderingoryx3710]

Working together for years and star wars will be the only thing he's remembered for.

[@ForeverGambino3]

hiro is just as much a genius as donald glover. he deserves his credit.

[@kaguth]

For sure. Donald seems to get all the credit, and granted he deserves a ton of credit, but he gets his results by collaborating with some very talented people like Hiro, Ludwig Göransson and others. The art of collaborating is an art in itself.

[@MJM8715]

He deserves an Emmy for this episode!!🤗

[@Stoney-Jacksman]

Actually a lot of the episodes are written by his brother. Having the privilege of money and opportunity makes it 'easy' to create other opportunities and collab. And people..the masses always need ONE face/person to adore or idolize..since people dont really tend to like 'complexity'.

[@Ry-qv2ww]

I agree, he's a hero....

[@FrightNFight]

He has directed the greatest music videos ever. I was a fan of him before this show, and he really outdid himself. I can't state how amazingly visionary this show is

[@cerealchef1373]

I want breakdowns on every Atlanta episode

[@jonathanvaldez2200]

devin jeremy there's a KZbin channel called The Most Unruly and he does pretty good breakdowns of the all the episodes of season 2 for Atlanta

[@berryberrystylish]

Word because this last season was so eccentric!

[@gunswordfist]

Namely Woods, Barbershop and The Club.

[@donnell485]

Yeah, this video sucked

[@paperchasindude6578]

Same

[@theromakepe4318]

"This a weird one." That says a lot for Atlanta lol

[@dinorayy8969]

Facts😂

[@blakeharris58]

Right. Understatement of the millennium.

[@MaddHouseMovies]

This is Latin amarrica. Woo woop don't catch you slipping uh

[@satedhyena]

Teddy looks like Michael Myers’ Cat in the Hat mixed with Michael Jackson... it’s so off putting... but it works

[@yahyahbandzzz]

Danté Hayes 😭😭😂

[@teiwi1640]

That’s exactly what I was thinking the whole episode

[@2riel]

Even Michael Myers as the cat in the hat was a little freaky and creepy to me as a kid! Lmao

[@thaconqueror777]

LMAOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO 🤣

[@saysthefuckboy6927]

Mike*

[@george5954]

I can't believe Donald Glover was playing Teddy!

[@ichangedthename]

*i can* he is so talented!

[@wavyhov1050]

Jorgino What are you talking about? Teddy Perkins played himself, as noted by the closing credits lol.

[@kenyattachandler5206]

Nephew Luke Skywaker he just said that it was donald playing him in the video

[@wavyhov1050]

yatta chandler I'm joking, kid.

[@tobiasburnett2099]

Wtf

[@FaceClef]

Atlanta meets GET OUT

[@KallusGarnet]

This is why I love this show. It so aware of it's self and it's not affraid to push the envelope with out going too far.

[@maxijgo23]

They also referenced the movie, when Teddy takes a picture of Darius with the flash on.

[@summerraylene]

Maximiliano Guajardo this episode was the direct inspiration for the movie, not the other way around. That’s why in the opening of Get Out they play Gambinos “Redbone” as an homage to him in what they were trying to emulate

[@kenpachi1327]

@@summerraylene Get Out came out in early 2017... this episode aired in April of 2018, I think you just made that up

[@vibes6326]

funniest thing is theres another episode in season 1(?) called "juneteenth" that's a very obvious homage to get out (black man trapped in a house with suspicious white people)

[@raccoonenjoyer1]

hiro murai is one of the best directors out rn. he is so creative in everything he does.

[@spencers3598]

Brian A if not the best

[@RyanPutranto]

If you haven't already you should watch Barry where he directs a few episodes and does a great job.

[@spencers3598]

Ryan Putranto it’s been on my watchlist, I’m excited to watch it but I don’t have HBO! 😩

[@seph9980]

he directed this is america MV too.

[@nguyea09]

would love to see a feature film.

[@kevinjohnson323]

I'm *STILL* having Teddy Perkins nightmares.

[@samirabazi5022]

Yo fr tho?

[@nilesm2190]

Can they break down the fubu That episode mad underrated

[@romanlipszyc]

That suicide part got me broken af

[@americanindian247]

My fav episode

[@zikiriahunter9267]

Teddy Perkins, Fubu and barbershop was my favorite episodes of the season❗😂❤❤

[@OhhhJP]

Zikiria Hunter barbershop was funny af

[@numairylatif7911]

JakeP. Barbershop and BAN the funniest episodes

[@phvros]

this episode was so brilliantly executed. it’s fitting that donald works with likeminded creatives like hiro.

[@berryberrystylish]

pharos BRILLIANT!

[@briannarobinson8299]

This actually helps me understand writing as well as directing and shadowing. I love videos like this.

[@jonathanhamlet1942]

Same

[@tiffanih8465]

Lakeith deserves an award for this

[@THESOCIALREJECTS_]

He deserves award for everything he is in..a brilliant actor!

[@cc-tz6kq]

"I'll move it?" is such a sick line lol

[@austinmartinez2312]

😂😂😂😂😂 ong

[@razrxo]

It's hilarious now that I think about it

[@jeremybrown9611]

Simple but effective

[@lissy_love64]

You know, as soon as they said it was donald under the makeup, I couldn't unsee donald under the make up, and I couldn't unhear donald doing a falcetto

[@327outkast]

fr

[@FortYort]

This episode was a masterpiece, when it ended I was just blown away. We need more films like this on TV.

[@paperchasindude6578]

Exactly that's so true

[@milesgallon8326]

We don’t need TV. I’ve only ever watched this show on HULU. Now that the idiots obsessed with accessibility and appeal don’t have as much input, shows and movies can have their own artistic integrity.

[@shmurdrr9234]

Teddy and Benny were blown away too!

[@directa9203]

Yes...👦Flames!

[@TheReck12]

It's like a Jordon Peele movie condensed into 30 mins

[@austinmartinez2312]

Yes but in my opinion this is more serious. And less humor. (Yes get out had humor segments fight me)

[@elmandarin1002]

@@austinmartinez2312 idk if you’ve seen key and Peele but some of the skits they made got dark at times

[@josegalindo2418]

More like an A24 movie

[@marthaarchives]

literally

[@Andrew-se9dg]

Am I the only one who thinks hiro doesn't get enough credit?

[@LouiWoodman]

This is late but, no director gets enough credit unless it's a serious action film.

[@dmoneyswagg64]

john doe I think Quentin tarantino and guillermo del Toro would disagree.

[@jeremywoods770]

Who?

[@docrakidocraki8067]

Bugs Bunny well Tarantino writes his own films which is rare for A-list directors so he deserves it.

[@triple-d2640]

@@docrakidocraki8067 Doesn't Christopher Nolan write his own films too?

[@denisaavram9709]

you cant convince me that tedy saying "i love this song" isnt a reference to that michael jackson meme

[@SimplyAnimated]

Denisa Avram I was thinking the same thing. 😫😂clever

[@sooperdope]

Which meme??

[@willk4783]

Im onboard with this theory

[@calihlmn]

@UhRoachOh wow soo much help😂😂

[@princehakim._6427]

Isn’t it based off of Michaels experiences and pains

[@TheJayweezy64]

Never fully understood this episode.... I felt mindfucked and on the edge of my seat the whole time

[@briaphilpot5964]

I felt that way during this video lol still no clarity on what the episode was truly about.

[@davidortega3968]

@@briaphilpot5964 It's just storytelling. The writers probably came up with this cool idea for a horror story and decided to try it. Unrelated to the main plot, they just used the fictional world created for Atlanta to serve as the framework for it.

[@thebonecollections4478]

I still think there was never a brother and he was torturing his daddy downstairs

[@kuniko8766]

Terrence Summerour 😰

[@ThTgUy143]

DUDE I DIDNT EVEN THINK OF THAT !

[@Sugarbear3000]

😲

[@allenovaaa]

wait I-

[@blakeharris58]

Eh. I think it was the brother.

[@itookadumpontrump5464]

I’m very happy to finally see Japanese-Americans making a name for themselves in Hollywood and television As a Japanese-American myself, looking at hiro and what he’s accomplishing inspires me

[@nicolej6358]

Same! Another example would be Cary Fukunaga :)

[@samanthar.washington1541]

I took A Dump On Trump yep! Trendsetters🙌🏽

[@AmbroseCadwell]

There's a great up-and-coming Japanese-British filmmaker called Will Sharpe too. He made a 12 episode miniseries called Flowers a couple of years back about living with bipolar disorder that I think is one of the best bits of television of the last decade.

[@malcolmpaltiraja6426]

@@AmbroseCadwell he is very good on giri/haji as well

[@tablescissors]

God knows Hollywood has willfully been ignoring Asians (and others) while screaming diversity these past years

[@johneihl8884]

Scariest episode of TV this year this stuck with me for awhile

[@bookswithbenjamin8902]

*me too*

[@chrisgresh86]

John Eihl listened to the Stevie Wonder song a bunch too

[@rorycarey-stronck7007]

The show would not be the masterpiece it is without Hiro Murai’s fantastic direction

[@choppydell]

Rory Carey-Stronck or Glovers fantastic writing/acting

[@terenterenteren8301]

Nah. Paperboi carries the show.

[@finlaylonghurst]

terenteren teren yeh especially this episode

[@paperchasindude6578]

Yes

[@s.s5933]

It wouldn't exist period without Glover bro

[@zbbbudi4376]

This episode was so messed up

[@lindseypaputa4983]

Zbbbudi no I love it

[@generaldom]

It's a birthday present for me and it's not even my birthday y'all

[@randomnessiocity12]

aaayyye Dom you lit

[@XeroPro]

dommmmm

[@ryanliang57]

Atlanta is a masterpiece 👌

[@paperchasindude6578]

Ikr it's a brilliant TV show

[@austinmartinez2312]

I'm upset that it takes a while for the seasons to come out... but i can't even be mad. Have never once said "wow wish it was better episode"

[@sharkeyflor]

@@austinmartinez2312 season 3 was postponed because of COVID but they said it will come out during the first half of 2021

[@loishardaway8371]

Yes. This show deserves all of the awards it has received and more. Love the actors, direction, and writing.

[@BynumDrums]

Weirdest, dopest, bestest episode

[@jlopez1017d]

I was binge watching this show and this episode was up it caught my Dad’s attention he really liked this episode granted that he’s Mexican and doesn’t speak English fluently and isn’t 100% familiar with American culture now he really likes this show that’s the power of good filmmaking.

[@amysarg]

This episode is utterly unforgettable.

[@Dunderdawg85]

Michael Jackson + Smokey Robinson = Teddy Perkins

[@eyeno75]

LOOOOOL

[@SpiritedSagi]

yes! I definitely saw more Smokey than James Brown

[@nindyrafitricia5177]

This is the most important video on the internet

[@DefThrone]

Uh, what?

[@hojeanmusic]

DefThrone You read it! This is the most important video on the internet!

[@lguyiv]

Nindy Rafitricia so true sis

[@drakemoreno3304]

Why?

[@drakemoreno3304]

It’s a cool video, but most important? Wtf lmao

[@SirRichieSan]

Donald and Hiro in the mooooorning

[@anguishingquark]

SirRichieSan Nightssss

[@kell5969]

YEASSSSSS

[@stoneraleks6515]

You know there's not really a camera there right?

[@ob5443]

You didn’t have to, but you did. Day made

[@CullenCochran]

Oh... i'll moV E *I T* (?)

[@kristianpomida8259]

Darius doesnt easily get spooked. So you know this episode was something special

[@jeremywoods770]

Teddy: knuckles deep eating ostrich egg, playing his personal reminder audio messages "wash your hands... *immediately* 😲 😂🤣

[@NateandNoahTryLife]

Hiro is a huge inspiration to me as an aspiring filmmaker , he has amazing style. It’s also cool how he started in music videos, that aspect of his career reminds me of Spike Jonze.

[@NateandNoahTryLife]

Vinny H. That’s cool, I never knew that! Another film maker that I find very inspiring. Thanks :)

[@fweshdude]

Same with Ridley Scott, who didn't make his first feature till he was about 40

[@bptnmrphy3991]

David Fincher also started with music videos before he got to helm Aliens3

[@monkbop8044]

I wonder how Michael Jackson's kids felt watching this episode

[@loveharrydaily]

Monk Bop you see how Paris turned out...

[@bladebrown4191]

It's a fictional story. How should they feel about it?

[@monkbop8044]

It's obviously an exaggerated version of Michael Jackson, which is why I ask.

[@4everJoko]

Huh? Whatever do you mean?

[@bladebrown4191]

It's an extreme exaggeration of the "Michael Jackson" the media & so-called psychoanalysts portrayed him to be. He's not that guy to them.

[@NJoySimha]

I really hate that I have to watch this show alone. A few of the episodes this season gave me night terrors including this one. Genius how hard this show hits reality in a fictional trippy way. Kudos to the cast and crew.

[@samirabazi5022]

Night terrors? Like, you see him???

[@ozzyb6595]

This episode is what showed me the depth of Laketih Stanfield as an actor. I truly love him. Donald Glover is phenomenal. Literally chills.

[@Xyabra]

"we got the real Teddy Perkins." the pause made me laugh after imagining the cast hear that and go "oh really. (Looks to the other cast members) Who's Teddy Perkins?"

[@montychambliss6254]

I watched this episode in the middle of the night and it had me paranoid for the next month

[@danielcastillo9587]

I want a breakdown of 'Woods'

[@rhiannon8522]

yes please i would love to know if it’s really a nod to his mom passing

[@TarantinosChin]

rhiannon he answers that question in a GQ interview where he goes over the most important episodes in the series. You can watch it now

[@ryancaruso9515]

One of the greatest episodes of TV ever!

[@jlking0098]

Really is. I was blown away.

[@iunderstanphotography2780]

I watched half the episode like 3 times before making it all the way through. It took a DARK turn and blew my mind! Pardon the pun

[@paperchasindude6578]

It's brilliant

[@ilikelines7271]

a rare time when a KZbin comment isn't hyperbolic. It really is one of the greatest

[@ianwatches]

Definitely one of my favorite bits of television. Just so unsettling.

[@chaseartica]

How did none of the cast know it was Donald , i could tell a few minutes in to the episode because of his eyes and his voice

[@jonthehuman7417]

It's been months and I just found out

[@sharkeyflor]

@Cody Hall he changed. There is a video on this I can send you the link. He said it was him

[@patriece2215]

Michael Salone they were in pictures together lol

[@MicahiLove]

It was the gums for me.

[@biannelydejesus4569]

My favorite episode! they should make more episodes similar to "Teddy Perkins", I love how mysterious it is.

[@princedavido]

@SJ Brooks never heard a white person say this before.

[@MrMarioAnthony]

I can’t wait to start making incredible art like this. Watching these videos is such a gift.

[@MrMarioAnthony]

Dami hu thanks a lot. And yes I am. Hoping to film my passion project within the next couple years.

[@afonsolucas2219]

Hey! Another fellow aspiring director! Best of luck man!

[@MrMarioAnthony]

Afonso Lucas I’ll take it buddy, thanks. Back at you!

[@hugoehhh]

@@MrMarioAnthony keeping the dream alive?

[@thatnikkakris2339]

@@MrMarioAnthony update?

[@pedrojustice6341]

One of the Creepiest episodes I've seen on tv.

[@olivermutalemumba2913]

You clearly haven't seen Twin Peaks or the Twilight Zone

[@timothyj9403]

@@olivermutalemumba2913 your point? He clearly said “one of the creepiest episodes” that HE’S seen. Not you, so your comment was irrelevant😄😌

[@Dlwinborne]

This episode was so anxiety inducing and scary, that I had to stop it a few times. It was the darkest and most sinister episode of the entire series. It really gave me chills. I do want to know if Darius ever got the piano, or if he could actually play the piano at all!?!

[@Aristotle777]

Teddy is clearly based on MJ

[@tao3878]

When I saw Benny come out of the elevator I got chills. First good scare for me in awhile while most scares are jump scares

[@mistersmootharteest7045]

This episode was very VERY unsettling,I loved it tho.

[@paperchasindude6578]

For real

[@jodeaida]

Donald glover is a freaking master. LaKeith is amazing as well but for Donald glover to pull of the teddy Perkins off is insane

[@khayle05]

Asian Excellence

[@danielcastillo9587]

+ black excellence = quality contenent but underrated asf

[@khayle05]

Daniel Casttillo no

[@Nana-nd6to]

khayle05 Human excellence

[@blitzcomet8680]

Soul too sensitive

[@phar0ahad3]

They couldve used any director simple (copy the shining) ...not anyone couldve made teddy realistic...

[@ShaeHasThaTea]

This Was The Scariest Episode Ever Idc

[@Elbarto150]

The way Glover holds and moves his eyes while playing Teddy is just perfect

[@jesselejarzar5114]

Darius is one of my favorite characters. The Florida man thing reminds me of one my best friends in highschool conspiracy theory guy.

[@jjfallnov]

Do you think they will get an Emmy for this episode?

[@CurtisBond]

Jon Jerrell Evans I hope so.

[@xRageAgainstMachines]

They got nominated so I'm happy enough

[@alazkaalazka6087]

They've already got Emmy's & Golden Globes for the 1st season

[@astridhernandez2652]

Yes

[@MJM8715]

This is definitely Emmy worthy!!👌🏾

[@anac9163]

wow being a director is kind of complex

[@80zBabee]

WEIRD: I just got finish binge watching ATLANTA yday and this pop up on my recommendation 👀?

[@carmengrayson6135]

Same! A yr later

[@thewhatness]

Glover & Murai are an absolute dream team. They bring out each other's genius.

[@drillosophy1012]

Wash your hands… …immediately.

[@falloutgirl902]

Hiro is very talented. This ep should win an Emmy or GG. I would love to see bloopers of this ep.

[@ryancrews619]

falloutgirl902 if this ep revealed anything it’s that... there is no Stephen.

[@jhnell9415]

This episode was so terrifying. The unease was continues and I wish to never see it again BUT AT THE SAME TIME I know I'm gonna watch it again

[@MadeByDW]

This dude sounds like a great director, gave a lot of insight & creative speaking into the shooting & editing process of this episode. I definitely need to rewatch Atlanta before season 3 drops. I hope this man has a long & great career.

[@weluvfood2865]

Not one mention of MJ? We all know this is heavily inspired by Michael’s story and he deserves credit

[@andrewtoscano6192]

i knew it was donald off jump lol

[@oRuTRa45]

Andrew Toscano Yeah, I figured it out almost right away. I'm not sure what it was, but it was very subtle. The way Donald's face looks when he smiles, or his dentition. That's what gave it away for me.

[@bobschider8858]

Yep, his voice and eyes are what gave it away

[@sircartier4422]

He sounds like his old old video black peter pan

[@OtsileM]

The jacket reminded me of Jack Nicholson's The Shinning character.

[@49221jake]

Yea, i remember watching that episode with anxiety at 100% . It was so creepy not knowing what teddy perkins true intentions throughout the episode. Diffenty one of the best of the season. Big ups to Donald Glover for displaying such dread.

[@rajalopez9357]

Teddy Perkins is a spin on michael Jackson

[@liliebilie]

Hiro Murai has directed some of the best episodes of Atlanta. He also directed This is America. This guy is incredibly talented.

[@stonecutter1217]

Thank you Hiro. As an up-and-coming director I will use the things that you've said in my upcoming pieces.

[@Tuna-hv3km]

the whole episode felt like twilight zone

[@CreatedByAyo]

This was so creepy and interesting!!!! I loved the episode!!!. Also 3 comment!!

[@deljean]

What was it about?

[@orvisthompson6641]

You can tell he didn’t wanna draw on the screen

[@ChaseTheMatrix]

I still don’t understand how so many people had no idea it was Donald Glover playing Teddy. The nuances in his voice gave it away almost immediately.

[@sushitrash893]

This man is a genius. I could listen to him break down his direction for days.

[@SavageBunnyGetMoney]

This is when Atlanta turns into Legion

[@mansoury219]

TEDDY PERKINS IS PLAYED BY DONALD???

[@curtis3524]

This was one of the strangest, most suspenseful, emotionally frustrating and oddly funny episodes of TV I've ever witnessed.

[@yahshaunyahu]

I honestly believe that this was a prelude for him to be in Get Out

[@iunderstanphotography2780]

Such creativity and camera framing techniques! All the things that even I as a photographer didn't notice as I watched. There is so much more going on in frame than the average person realizes. I wanted Hiro to do the whole episode!

[@grimrenaissance]

A Masterpiece of episode in an already jewel on Tv.

[@djcrash6044]

Got very big “Get Out” similarities

[@haiderh042]

His visuals are amazing ! 🔥

[@PHlophe]

@haider, Mashallah وہ سب سے بہتر ہے