Barry - How Bill Hader Acts With His Eyes

This video essay analyzes Bill Hader's eye acting in HBO's Barry. Over three seasons of Barry, Bill Hader has demonstrated a unique set of skills; externalizing an internal battle, showcasing a scared child and a psychopath at the same time.
PATREON: / justanobservation
FAIR USE NOTICE:
This video may contain copyright material; the use of which has not been specifically authorized by the copyright owner. This material is made available under section 107 of the Copyright Act of 1976, allowance is made "fair use" for the purposes such as criticism, comment, review, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, education and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that otherwise might be infringing. All rights belong to its owners.
Music used:
(Put On Your) Dancing Pants by Mathis Reed
Blue Dream by Cheel
Moonlight by Scott Buckley
'Adrift Among Infinite Stars' by Scott Buckley - released under CC-BY 4.0. www.scottbuckley.com.au
Falling Rain by Myuu
Take A Step by Mocha Music (Shutterstock)
&
"The Entertainer" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License
creativecommons.org/licenses/b...
Timestamps:
0:00 Bill Hader Intro
2:27 Externalizing an Internal Battle
6:28 The Scared Child
9:07 The Silent Film Star
11:19 The Psychopath
#barry #billhader #acting

[@tomvanderhorst9943]

One of the reasons that Vince Gilligan believed Bryan Cranston could portray Walter White was because he believed that if you could in comedy, you could act in any genre. I believe that applies to Hader's portrayal here too.

[@bombaclat9758]

bill burr in Mandalorian is also a good example imo

[@petebanger342]

Adam Sandler in uncut gems was phenomenal as well

[@bruhlettuce]

Donald Glover is another great example of this

[@chrisdenizenp8420]

Amy shumer is not one of these people

[@bombaclat9758]

@@chrisdenizenp8420 well of course she isn't a comedian is she? XD

[@TylerNorCal]

That scene with Albert where Barry just fully breaks down like a wounded animal and just shrieks and cries still gives me shivers, amazing scene.

[@tothbrush1917]

I noticed every other character in the tv show had something to say before they died. Barry was the only one who had nothing to externalize, nothing to externalize at all before death.

[@recoveringintrovert717]

@@tothbrush1917 all he screamed was "Don't" and then he shrieked and shrieked because he knows what's waiting for him when he dies

[@PakRT48]

And to think of the irony that Albert was somewhat responsible for Barry's 1st kill 10:20, ordering and cheering afterwards, yet years later 14:00 asks Barry to stop. I'm wondering why Hader & Berg didn't incorporate Albert's accountability in that scene.

[@supernintenjoe8911]

​@@PakRT48 Albert isn't to blame for the path Barry went on. Fuches is to blame for that. Even Fuches himself takes credit for making Barry.

[@PakRT48]

@@supernintenjoe8911 wrong. Fuches rescued Barry from Afghanistan and turned him into a hitman, but not before Barry's 1st ever kill in Afghanistan, cheered by Albert. Watch again.

[@ZrankFappaH]

So sick of people telling me he’s always the same in everything he’s in, yet refuse to watch Barry, to see what a truly exceptional actor he is.

[@eileensnow6153]

That’s like saying all ice cream tastes the same because all you order is vanilla lol

[@stellviahohenheim]

I'm sick of people complaining that not many people doesn't like what they like. You just do you bruh

[@Jack_______oh]

@@stellviahohenheim its a YT comment section lol

[@jimmygan801]

even in tropic thunder he's not the same

[@SaberRexZealot]

I don’t remember ever disliking Bill Hader in the movies I’ve seen him in, but he was almost always a supporting role and worked well in that capacity. Barry really is gonna be his legacy for how much of his soul he pours into it and it’s a great surprise to see how multifaceted he is an actor. I can’t say the same for folks like Ryan Reynolds or The Rock, who really are the same damn character in every thing they’re in to the point that it’s annoying.

[@noturdad101]

I myself was in shock at Haders acting ability on my first viewing of Barry, but it was of the amazing variety. With his comedic career proceeding him, I would've never guessed he had these kind of acting chops.

[@qalest1085]

Directing, writing, and lead role... love it

[@o-wolf]

I'm always surprised if a comedian ISNT a barnstorming thespian tbh

[@chefmagneto]

Same here. That’s a real actor. A dying breed unfortunately.

[@madelinedelarche4543]

Bill has said over and over in interviews that he doesn't overthink his acting in Barry because he's too focused on every other part of the show. He often only films his scenes 1-2 times before moving on. The fact that he can do such masterful work without much repetition or practice is fucking incredible. As great as he was on SNL, it's a shame that that set him up for a career of films where he didn't get much opportunity to be taken seriously. Imagine if we could have been appreciating the full range of his skill set in quality stories for YEARS instead of him getting cast in, like, the Amy Schumer garbage romance

[@hotfudgecake]

Indeed. And on that note, Amy Schumer suxxxx .. 😂but I did enjoy Bill in things like IT chapter 2, superbad, the to-do list, skeleton twins .. & Brooklyn 99 even if only for one episode lol.. In addition to SNL.

[@amph4474]

I thought he was also fabulous in Skeleton Twins. I was blown away by his acting skills. He is amazing.

[@leongatica1663]

and he was so so good on the Amy Schumer garbage romance still, like he outperformance everyone on every single piece he is in. he was also so good on his very small role in Hot Rod, an amazing movie

[@plamondonworks6948]

I actually loved him in train wreck. I watched it while in labour and was laughing the entire time. I agree it doesn't showcase his range and certainly isn't at his level of talent as a film tho lol

[@Direfloof]

While Hader does a remarkable job throughout the series as the lead, I hope you’ll do a similar analysis on Sarah Goldberg’s work as Sally. The way her character slow burned into the numerous out-of-nowhere moments of dramatic catharsis in S2 and S3 had me utterly staggered. What a show.

[@stellviahohenheim]

She's a manipulator i hate her

[@jpav7285]

Seconded.

[@til_it_hurts]

Please do an analysis of Sarah as Sally, including season 4 so far. Incredible!

[@thebosstin2420]

shes similar to skyler white in that i think shes a wonderfully written character, but i hate her at the same time

[@kaydollar2490]

@@thebosstin2420 and the acting is just exceptional, a more than amazing performance which only feeds more into the whole thing! You hate her but the performance and writing is so good u can’t ignore it!!! Ugh I love this show

[@keagank9414]

Barry is the best art piece I’ve ever seen. It doesn’t need audio to portray the story, yet the sound design is also incredibly done and weaves the elements together even tighter. It’s absolutely enthralling.

[@henrydudley5947]

I think Barry is literally my favorite show. I can't think of any drama series that is as rewatchable for the performances as well as humor

[@hotfudgecake]

You'd prob like the sopranos if you haven't already seen it.

[@gnikawpleasant9013]

The fact that Bill did everything listed in the video while not even thinking about it speaks volumes. He’s said in plenty of interviews that he’s so focused on everyone and everything else that when it’s time for him to perform he just does it to get the shot.

[@capncanada22]

Bill is such a reassuring figure for all of us who wonder if we’re not meant for something greater. The fact that he can lead a life of improv comedy and then make such a splash in dramatic action shows us that anything as possible. Haruki Murakami comes to mind as well- he didn’t realize he wanted to become a (prolific) writer until much later in life. Never give up on your dreams and always look for inspiration like Bill.

[@meltz911]

If you watch clips of him on old SNL episodes, eye movement was always Hader's go-to move

[@HishamA.N_Comicbroe]

It's always amazing & impressive to me that most comedy actors are always the best dramatic actors too & Bill Hader being another one of those amazing actors is great.

[@Rodrasroom]

Y’all peep that Barry is in the costume of a priest when Ryan’s father spoke about his son? What a subtle statement on confession and masking. Here he is playing a role when he’s really the one that needs to confess. Beautifully written show.

[@MrJackWorse]

I watched the three 'Barry' seasons during the last couple of weeks so i'm pretty late to the party. To me the quality of this show is right on par with Breaking Bad. With the caveat that I didn't laugh nearly as often and nearly as hard during BB. The cast and the writers just blew this out of the park. Brilliant, brilliant show!

[@hangalloway7380]

vravo hader

[@Horticarter41]

The IT films were so goddamn good, and though the first movie was much scarier, the second installment was incredibly emotional and like 80% of it was because of Bill Hader's performance. The panic attack at the beginning and the way he grieves for his best friend and the man he truly loved at the end were fucking incredible.

[@Ohboymason]

Sarah goldberg and bill hader to me are the standouts of not only the show but out of all shows rn in general. especially sarah to me she is the best in the show after her elevator meltdown the murder meltdown and now her coming home she potrays the two sides of abuse survivors so well the panic and fear but also the power to do exactly what did happened to her to others in the cycle of abuse

[@ajrlucas9982]

This is a FANTASTIC analysis! I can’t wait for him to get another Emmy. His work is BRILLIANT.

[@BiLLz66614]

Bill Hader is brilliant in this. I've loved him ever since Superbad lol. And I gave this show a shot based just off of that. And I'm so glad I did. One of my all time favorites now. So much great writing and acting in this. That scene in the car with Chris when hes debating on killing him.. is one of the best scenes I've seen in a show.

[@I_Heart_Hader]

Another impressive analysis. Even on SNL, he made excellent use of his eyes in reacting. Of note is the Game of Thrones game show when Zack Galifianakis says "fire...and ice! That's from the show and his "it is!" Humouring the guy but conveying what an idiot

[@maxryan9052]

The biggest crime committed in this entire series is the fact that the episodes are so short. Bill really showed us he’s an excellent writer

[@sambelyea678]

i think it’s wild how much each episode can put into 30 mins. I really would rank Barry up there with The Sopranos and Better Call Saul as the best shows i’ve watched.

[@nont18411]

But that also tells us how excellent Bill Hader really is, for compacting so many storylines and great character moments in such a short amount of time with ZERO filler. The pacing of this show is incredible.

[@maxryan9052]

@@nont18411 i can see that, i also think he’s a good enough writer to where he could make something on par with breaking bad if he had a full hour, where even the filler is fun to watch or doesnt feel like filler at all. But i agree the pacing of barry is nuts, keeps you on your toes the entire show and makes it endlessly rewatchable.

[@shaneodwyer6132]

They're short because officially Barry is a comedy.

[@nikkizimm]

Fantastic essay breaking down a fantastic actor in a fantastic show. Bill Hader should see this.

[@jaywjr2456]

You did mention he also does amazing acting with his words and body but you should also, in my opinion, note his patterned/labored breathing. As good as his vocal acting and physical mannerisms are. What he conveys through his eyes is undeniably his best acting quality. Although the breathing in a lot of the scenes really emphasizes his emotion as well. A perfect example is @11:10 with that face. His breathing says 100 words as well as his eyes. So amazing.

[@draakisback]

I have very high functioning autism, it's something that I've more or less overcome. When I'm talking to people I do have to sometimes have to force myself to look them in the eye still. One of the things that I picked up about haders performance right out of the gate is how his eyes just go everywhere. It's something that I've experienced in real life first hand, talking to somebody but constantly looking at other things for various reasons. To me this is what makes haders performance so special; when you compare Barry to other killers in movies and tv, Barry just feels more real despite the comedy and farce in the show. His character is awkward and creepy and yet you can empathize with him which makes the darker moments of the show so much more impactful. When the season 4 goes full on dark and drops a lot of the comedy; this becomes extremely apparent.

[@DayanaAoM]

Bill is so talented and finally he can show that he is a great actor and director

[@eduziggy]

Man. I discovered this channel last week and have been devouring your videos. LOVE your work. We are blessed that you put videos out so consistently.

[@JustanObservation]

Thanks Ed! Glad to have you here

[@jessicam3676]

This is the first one I’ve watched- thanks for sharing your appreciation. It’s validating to see others applaud in comments that this is an insightful video and great to absorb. Eager to find more.

[@hotfudgecake]

Bill said in an interview that he has to "stay off the internet" ...in regard to his anxiety being provoked , i assume he doesnt like seeing himself or reading comments about himself...but man, i wish he could see your analysis and all these comments , he is outstanding

[@therat8401]

Bill hader acting reminds me of James gandolfini acting from the eyes, breathing, and screaming

[@dragonskunkstudio7582]

This was very well done.👍 This is a tutorial for me, in animating emotion onto a face.

[@michellebalogun1421]

Someone recommended me Barry as a silly comedy I will never forgive them

[@sebbvell3426]

Bill hader is such underrated actor!!!

[@willienelsongonzalez4609]

Hader has a lot experience within film/TV behind the scenes and worked in different roles be it personal assistant or writing. Comedy is without a doubt one of his strengths but he’s a good writer, director and actor. There’s more to come from Hader; SNL, roles in various films and Barry are the tip of a multi-layered creative iceberg.

[@caffedinator5584]

I think all that are surprised from a comedic actors impressive dramatic work such as Bill Hader or Robin Williams (Insomnia, Good Will Hunting, 24 Hour Photo), should consider what motivates a person to be funny. Many are carrying depression, trauma, loss, mental illness, or varying degrees of factors that affect ones ability to cope or fit in. Humor is the pull in the mental conservation of sanity equation.

[@poopoolettuce6511]

Great vid, please keep it up, your analysis’s even help me see things that i didn’t see before and makes me appreciate the shows and movies i watch in a new way

[@panfilolivia]

this show is full of good acting. hader is incredible and sarah goldberg was especially good this season. the elevator scene left me very surprised. your videos are amazing, by the way. im so glad i found your channel!

[@jenooshvandort5702]

Great stuff! Love your content. Im a huge fan of the show, this was very interesting.

[@juzzztine4901]

FANTASTIC, outstanding analysis! Thank you!

[@samk7777]

This video helped me realize how much i connected with Barry’s monologue in the first episode and what made me fall in love with this show. I understand the never-relenting need to please everyone that barry shares, and when im under duress i also will start looking around almost searching for something to ground myself or my mind onto. I also had a rough time readjusting to civilian life so (other than the hitman part obviously) the words hit home too about wondering what my purpose is. God this show is and always will be my all time favorite.

[@unlockyourlife]

Superb analysis, thank you

[@andrewjpow]

This is such an incredible analysis

[@Rozza2k]

Bill hader is definitely underutilised in most things he's in but he's always a stand out, Barry is just the first thing to give him the platform to show his range and talent

[@DoctorKalkyl]

Wow! A video on the very day I subscribe?! Amazing timing.

[@damianstarks3338]

Bill Hader can act his ass off.

[@PakRT48]

Not trying to take away anything from the fact that Hader is an exceptional actor, but since he's also the executive producer and often director in this series, I'd like to believe that besides expressing Barry's emotions in the scene, Bill's eyes were also simultaneously scouring the whole set to ensure everything (cameras, lights, props, crew, etc) is where they're supposed to be and clicking on all cylinders.

[@cakeisavegatable]

Whoever made this you should use for a film portfolio. Very well done

[@doyouwanttoknowasecret]

he is literally such a good actor, i love him sm

[@thyagosaints]

Perfect work Man, congrats!

[@Unshaded175]

Amazing video! Keep up the good work

[@draishaahmad9648]

You're super excllent at analysing Barry❤️

[@dubsessed9790]

I'm so happy Bill Hader is getting this recognition. He really deserves it.

[@matthewwalton7288]

This is a genius breakdown. Thank you so much!

[@ellicel]

I love your insights! When so many on YT choose to gain followers by stoking anger or by turning a hyper critical eye on everything, your videos always elevate. When you cover movies or programs I like, after watching your videos I end up having an even deeper appreciation for it. I’ve never watched any of Hader’s movies but I really enjoy his performance on many SNL sketches. I had noticed how expressive he is, especially his eyes. But now I’m so curious to see if perhaps he was using the same techniques even back then (and thus perhaps why I enjoyed the sketch so much). Also, I’m going to rewatch favorite Barry scenes without audio-I loved the point you made about his ability to convey every thought even without dialogue and I really want to think about that some more. Thank you so much for all the work you put into your content!

[@thomaskuzma4360]

that was a fantastic vid!

[@himalayasmeditation4067]

Thought I recognised the voice! Glad to see your doing well DG, helped me out alot. All the best

[@rosecosplay349]

Yea I recognised him too, think he wants to put the DG past behind him tho. I bought his book and that has helped me a bunch when he quit. I'm glad to see he found a way he can have more fun with being a content creator, and instead of putting energy into coaching people he cant focus on himself now like he told us all to.

[@JustanObservation]

Thanks guys!

[@jessif.]

Absolutely brilliant.

[@dialnh]

yknow in the scene where barry is yelling at sally, i never even picked up on his eye movements when i first watched it. that lowkey makes the scene way scarier lol

[@sinnsage]

truly great video, as Hader is an underrated master thespian

[@wilsonv7117]

That one scene where he’s holding up Noho Hank and his mouth gritting and his eyes bulging like he was going to shoot lasers

[@danieljohnson5595]

I love this channel, and really hoping that you give the same analysis to Anthony Carrigan, he's brilliant!

[@mirvjournal1693]

Great analysis

[@ExtremelyToxic]

Season 3 might be better than any TV I've ever seen, including Better Call Saul and Breaking Bad. Spoilers ahead S3E6-710N is absolutely incredible. The chase scene running from "hired" killers as Fuches is already sitting in jail. Arriving to the "party" only for his pasta to be poisoned by someone he fully trusted. As he stares at Fuches card... It's one of the greatest scenes in TV I think

[@blakemcginley8670]

If anyone is here after the finale, i ended up watching this right before it aired. This hit’s especially hard because(HEY MAJOR SPOILERS FOR THE SERIES FINALE) He looks almost directly at the camera when he realizes he needs to turn himself in. His eyes were focused he was calm he knew what he had to do.

[@jrbawse]

You mean his.. Acting? Eye acting is a rarity. But all it really is is being connected to your character's thoughts on a deeper level

[@iduvanmendoza3480]

Now you have to do James Gandolfini and his Breathing

[@JustanObservation]

Already did

[@hotfudgecake]

Yesss

[@mbanerjee5889]

Comedians make incredible dramatic actors. Bill Hader has definitely cemented his status among other great comedians like Bryan Cranston, Bob Odinkirk, Jim Carrey, Robin Williams, etc.

[@howardron543]

More Barry... Oh boy... What a treat

[@lnfreeman]

I think the one thing i take issue with this analysis is the implication that Hader is intentional about these eye-based bahaviors, vs say invoking the emotions in himself and intuitively expressing them physically. But regardless, the peformance is impressive and his eyes are very pretty.

[@pizza134]

I mean, he probably doesn't think about it, he imagines himself as the character in that situation and it just comes out naturally, but that doesn't mean that the eye behaviors' don't have meanings

[@crumblebee6728]

I can’t believe how dark this show has become compared to the first season.. I was watching out takes from season one and it was like a completely different show

[@Sarappreciates]

Nice observation!

[@brockobama257]

The dialogue of EVERY CHARACTER ACCEPT BARRY was always 10/10 on the nose it cant be a silent film because of what everyone else says

[@TETlANKA]

I know this essay is about acting, but dude also directed (most of) it. and it's fucking incredible! one of the best series in a while ❤‍🔥

[@deborahthomas3475]

Exquisite commentary

[@michelleiverson2642]

I fell in love with Bill Hader from his reaction he had at the end of Trainwreck, as soon as Uptown Girl started playing.

[@merdemoiii-7589]

Bill Hader has always been an idol of mine because of his VA career but holy fuck, when I discovered Barry did I obsess. He’s great, I find the show extremely funny and gripping since I’m an 0311 myself who’s also trying to make a career in the film industry

[@RSVaughan33]

Incredible

[@cloudbloom]

Really great show

[@TheZogeking]

Good stuff

[@theuniverse7227]

I would love for you to do an analysis on Denzel Washington in Training Day! His subtle acting was so good!!!!

[@JiMuKai]

KING KONG --- AIN'T GOT SHIT --- ON ME!

[@lynnie6633]

He is fantastic!!!

[@quiteintresting1916]

Barry deserves all the award

[@barringtonbing393]

Thanks

[@BigRaku]

Hader is like a Jim Carrey for the 21st century, but with more restraint. He really is a remarkable talent. I love watching him in anything he does.

[@hotfudgecake]

I don't see the comparison. Though admittedly am not a big Jim Carrey fan.. I feel bill hader is above and beyond anything Jim has done , just from Barry alone .

[@BigRaku]

@@hotfudgecake I can see how my point could be missed. I was referring to the range and high degree of expression that each can convey with just their face. I didn't mean to suggest that Hader has a similar slapstick style.

[@thecatmom2861]

Something interesting to me is I have Dissociative Identity Disorder and I tend to get crazy eyes when I'm triggered or forced into a switch, the same way Barry does. My brother even calls them Bill Hader eyes when he notices

[@seralbatross6115]

vince gilligan said "if you want great drama, hire a comedy actor"

[@ericsilver9401]

He would be a really good Hughie Campbell in the boys

[@hotfudgecake]

Love the boys! And youre right

[@JimmySaul888]

Barry is, imo, one of the greatest shows of the past decade. It's in the inverse to Breaking Bad. Whereas Walt was Breaking Bad, Barry is trying with all his might to Break Good. If only the universe would cooperate.

[@thirdking7654]

Barry is my favorite show

[@LemonHayd]

fuck yea imma watch a video about eye acting at 2am

[@sebbvell3426]

"eyes are the gateway to soul"

[@matheussberant]

Since I've seen your videos about toxic masculinity, I've been waiting for you to talk about Barry. No idea why I haven't seen this video so far, but I'm very glad it exists.

[@JustanObservation]

That’s someone else

[@shaneodwyer6132]

Comedy is extremely difficult, I think it definitely gives the actors tools to use in other genres.

[@GiveMeYoSammich]

6:32 I swear he looks like dexter for a minute 😂 imagine a show with Michael c hall and Bill Hader both being lead rolls in it

[@senadrin]

Well thank you for letting me know berry is a show my wife and I can watch together. she's really into serial killers and shit like that. It looks like something I could vibe to as well.

[@elijahe7612]

Bill Hader's eyes fucking scare me sometimes...

[@jackxiao9702]

Barry is basically a movie in 4 volumes. Cinema has moved into streaming tv.

[@zorvantv]

Just found your channel. Great Contents! Wish you had a video about Ragnar Lothbrok from Travis Fimmel. "The character has been made for Him / He was born for this Character"

[@stephengrigg5988]

Oh, wow

[@sangeovr]

It's all about the eyes

[@leongatica1663]

he is trully my dream man, i would die a thousand, a million painful deaths to be reborn as his wife

[@Hefferr]

13:40 another performance like this is Rami Malek in Mr Robot or Peter Capaldi as The Doctor

[@Redd.xd69]

I love bill