The Scene that Won Fleabag an Emmy: How to Break The Fourth Wall - An Analysis

[@thefilmessay9832]

Check out my channel for more videos analysing film and tv! Subscribe and turn on notifications to support the channel on the road to 100,000 subscribers!

[@carlavelizguerra2527]

This astonishingly brilliant comedy has so much of Miranda tv series, even for the writer-actress likeness 😳 Fleabag is actually the more adult version of Miranda. Thanks for sharing your analysis and comments.

[@toocutequinn]

I would have liked a mention of the show "Chewing Gum" in other characters noticing the main character breaking the fourth wall.

[@tonnister]

The fact that the Hot Priest is the only one who can intrude into the special relationship between Fleabag and the audience is such a genius and touching way to show how vulnerable he makes her and how well he is able to see and acknowledge her as a person. This is heartbreaking stuff.

[@JaydevRaol]

🙌

[@lm4646]

@@JaydevRaol Having rewatched episode 5 ohsomanytimes, I have a theory! The priest arrives not planning to sleep with Fleabag ("I can't have sex with you because I'll fall in love with you.") but he hears what Fleabag says to the camera ("We're going to have sex. Oh my God, we're going to have sex.") & gives in. 💚 Thoughts?

[@toocutequinn]

Did anyone watch "Chewing Gum"?

[@_desibees1876]

and fleabag being able to see the fox also says the same thing about her relationship to him

[@westernmonk6036]

@@toocutequinnI heard that its good, do you recommend?

[@thebourgousie2893]

when the priest looks at the camera in the cafe?? I was literally shook - it was so unexpected and surprising that it felt really vulnerable and unsafe?? I'm not quite sure how to put it.

[@vaidehisakhare4391]

Ikrr!!!!! I was LITERALLY going to comment the same thing. It was so unexpected and scary.

[@farisshah6060]

I was scared because I felt like Moriarty knew about me, and will fk me up

[@mainie_videoediting]

me too!! it was unexpected because the show had established certain rules and I fully believed and trusted in those rules and then it went and broke the rules while making an AMAZING point about how the form supports the story. it's so hard to grasp but I think I just felt like I'd seen everything and there was nothing on TV no matter how shocking or weird that could rattle me and then that moment RATTLED me! I think I regained my hope in art and humanity in that moment.

[@hellogoodbye9529]

It felt like WE, the audience, were EXPOSED. I literally gasped out loud when he shouted at the camera. Such a genius show.

[@RachaelAHughes]

YES. I felt that was a visceral illustration of one of the major themes of the show: that we all desperately want to be seen, but we're also being terrified of being seen because making yourself vulnerable is terrifying.

[@Proactivity]

In an interview, Phoebe explained that her cuts to camera are her talking to you, the viewer, as a companion with her during the story. At the end of the last episode, where she walks away from the bus stop, turns, and waves as she walks away, she's saying goodbye as she can now walk on her own two feet. She doesn't need you anymore.

[@yashwinning]

I thought that was obvious, wasn't it? The audience (us) was a coping mechanism and she was dependent on us.

[@lepythagore3288]

That's kind of the main gimmick of the story

[@Proactivity]

It's obvious when you know, but a lot of people don't realise (including many in the comments). We've just become accustomed to glances and short asides to camera in shows like Malcolm in the Middle and House of Cards, to The Office and Modern Family where they break for a sit-down interview with... who? Was a documentary film crew really with these families for 10 years with no explanation, no comments about the intrusion from anyone, or repercussions from the resulting fame? No - we just accept it, don't question it, and for many, it's the same with Fleabag.

[@fenonakia.3217]

@@Proactivity It''s obvious. It is made to be obvious. If people didn't realise it watching it then - sadly - it won't benefit them that much reading about it. Thoughtful of you though.

[@machinman61]

The Dead Immortal Yes, yes, it’s a coping mechanism, she’s dependent on us, and she explains *why*. After her mother died, she says she didn’t know where to put the love she had for her mother. Boo says I’ll take it, put it on me. And then Boo dies. The priest wants her to put that love on god. She puts it on us. That’s our role. We are god in this story. Which is why the priest, the man of god, gets glimmers of her breaking the fourth wall, speaking to us.

[@someone-go8ee]

I remember watching that episode in the cafe. When he exclaimed into the camera I was kind of frightened. No one else is allowed to interrupt our connection to Fleabag and I love how Phoebe Waller-Bridge used it to further her character

[@sassypants7536]

some one I screamed. I was also so offended, like "excuse me sir, I'm only allowed to talk to Fleabag. This is our time."

[@henrique-wy2mn]

@@sassypants7536 I DID THE SAME THING! This show is incredible.

[@JaydevRaol]

Yes

[@__-cd9ug]

To me, some of the best moments in this show were when she briefly looked at the camera without saying anything. Just a meaningful glance, no longer than a second, and you know exactly what the character's feeling as you feel it too. Quite a revolutionary show

[@bryony2118]

It's like Jim Halpert 2.0

[@__-cd9ug]

@@bryony2118 yeah, that's definitely an office vibe, though I think it's kind of another way to break the fourth wall in the sense that's it's not as obvious or maybe a little more subtle. I like how in the last couple decades we've had more and more movies and TV shows experimenting with ways to use the camera as more than just a tool that shows what's happening

[@keyblok]

It's kinda like a real friendship, where you always know what your friend is thinking from a single look.

[@budle89]

That's not the revolutionary part though? Been used a lot in sitcoms like the Office, Miranda, and tons of other British shows?

[@AriadneJC]

@@budle89 Yes. In the original UK "House of Cards", Francis will sometimes glance quickly at the camera/viewer with a reaction to what has just been said or happened. That show was in the early 90s.

[@niconavarretec]

There is also the scene with her using her dad's coupon gift with the shrink. There, when asked whether she has any friends, she looks at the camera... As implying "we" seem to be the only ones she talks to.

[@ustunfatih]

Good catch! The show is filled with beautiful moments like that!

[@TabbyeLynne]

That scene was brilliant

[@maniiiiisha]

Yes ! When she was asked if she had someone to talk to, she sees us and clicks her tongue. And then looks at us again to say "They're always there". That moment, I felt included❣️

[@idkkota937]

i looovee that scene

[@meuthianabilapratiwi5535]

OOOO MY GOOODDDD JUST REALIZED THAAT

[@heseme2]

It's one of the best moments of TV I have ever seen.

[@umangd]

It really shook me and made me realise i had witnessed something magical

[@nirvanaland2]

Me too

[@anacheah8981]

Breaking the fourth wall has been done years ago in Supernatural TV series & Deadpool.

[@heseme2]

@@anacheah8981 i think everyone knows that.

[@Exel3nce]

@@anacheah8981 uhm, yeah , cool

[@AngelusHale]

Fleabag is a masterpiece. It is one of those rare shows that actually care more about quality than quantity. She only came back with a second season when it felt right and she had more to tell. And I'm glad she did because season 2 was even better than season 1. If Phoebe wants to do a third season I'm there with her, if she doesn't, I'm there with her too. I trust her. This is her baby and she is the only one who knows best.

[@edsonreis3725]

Phoebe is genius! Really love her! An intelligent and inspiring way to show the character feelings. She's so talented to stop at 2nd season. Greetings from Sao Paulo, Brazil!

[@thefilmessay9832]

I know, I find it so sad that she stopped at S2, but also so necessary. If she kept going for more seasons the quality might have dropped, short and sweet is always the best way when its something of true artistic quality. Sad for the fans though! Im glad you enjoyed the video!

[@rasmus274]

Caralho, mto bom ver que existem fãs brasileiros da série

[@budle89]

First time I know this. No more continuation to the story??? I was really looking forward for new series. Damn. Just when I have a fave show to look forward to.

[@aminemaia9878]

@@rasmus274 abracos da Australia 🇦🇺

[@nebulonicc]

I randomly decided to watch Fleabag because of Andrew Scott, and I'm so glad I did. It is one of the most well written and well directed shows I have ever watched.

[@yashwinning]

When I think about it I feel like Fleabag talking to the camera was the show's way of showing how nobody really knew her, or understood her. She was an outsider and nobody could notice her talking to a camera. Then godboy comes along and is the first person to actually see her for what she is, hence notices her breaking the 4th wall. Phoebe used a fucking trope as character development.

[@HandballBirch]

The Dead Immortal hot priest.. not godboy 😅

[@yashwinning]

@@HandballBirch you fucking heard me

[@zero-buds]

Yea and she did it brilliantly XD Square up

[@HimanshuMishra-ph9pd]

The idea of the fourth wall in fleabag was her to make us her confidants. And it was so well done that when the priest started breaking the fourth wall I actually felt uncomfortable. As if someone is intruding in a personal relationship of mine

[@haziqmazlan4331]

When the priest look at the camera and shout, I was shocked and felt breeched. I didn't feel safe, like all this time she was talking to me but suddenly this man come. And when he's gone, I actually felt relieved. I thought if he stays, she won't be talking to me anymore, which in sense is loving herself. In the end, because I was that selfish, she left me too 😔

[@l.salevi]

Interesting. This is probably why I felt hurt when she waved bye to me ☹️

[@Pilusajaib]

When Moriarty look you straight in the eye, you run the other way

[@dhvanimewada]

Nah, I would just go at him

[@ighways]

Sherlock huh

[@IYQ1317]

Phoebe did such an amazing job of showing the connection between fleabag and the priest. Even just seeing clips brings me back to that moment. It was a master class in show-don't-tell.

[@marzipanpig196]

My favourite part of the fourth wall device is how, when she's ashamed, she's very aware of our eyes on her--and she can't raise her own to meet our glance. I was really struck by how the show demonstrates her shame in this way. So, as the viewer, you're switching from feeling like she's telling you secrets to feeling like you're seeing a truly private moment. ...And I love how, at the end, we try to follow her, before she leaves us behind.

[@drpayalwavhal882]

The most surprising was the priest looking at the camera...I was literally scared as if I had been caught!

[@alexandrotirador1385]

I love how they decided to let the hot priest recognize Fleabag's breaking of the fourth wall. It makes the audiences even more authentically immersed into their environment as if they are ghosts in the story and not just people behind a glass screen.

[@kptoca]

Alexandro Tirador - it’s not “they”, it’s all Walter-bridge’s writing ✍️

[@swamividyananda8011]

Yes! His perception of her breaking 4th wall is why we identify with her love for him. He sees her for who she really is, and loves her anyway. Like we all deeply want to be seen and loved. Which makes the ending more poignant...still loved, still known, and yet...

[@lm4646]

Having rewatched episode 5 ohsomanytimes, I have a theory! The priest arrives not planning to sleep with Fleabag ("I can't have sex with you because I'll fall in love with you.") but he hears what Fleabag says to the camera ("We're going to have sex. Oh my God, we're going to have sex.") & gives in. 💚 Thoughts?

[@acapier]

This show was absolutely brilliant! I’m sad that it won’t be returning, but mad respect for Phoebe sticking to her artistic integrity and not forcing a season 3. Another great show that employs very effective fourth wall breaking is BBC/HBO’s “Gentleman Jack.”

[@StLProgressive]

acapier I loved both shows. I think the same thing happens in one of the scenes between Anne L and Ann W.

[@stevenwells5009]

Ah, Gentleman Jack! Yes, the fourth wall breaks are delicious. One of the fourth wall breaks in that took it a stage further, to brilliant comic effect - our heroine was reading a letter with a voiceover letting us know what the letter said - and when she dropped the letter in a box and shut the lid it muted the voiceover....accompanied by a knowing look at the camera! Genius.

[@tiotito31]

When they introduced the priest and how he was aware of her "leaving" in those moments, it was amazing. What a wonderful idea. Especially that scene where he actually looks at the camera. Probably one of the coolest scenes I've ever seen in anything.

[@miguelabreucoelho]

Also, besides this moment, another one I found very interesting was when she goes to the therapist to use the voucher her father gave her and hints that we, the audience, are her only friends and are always there, when the therapist asks her if she has any friends. It's both endearing and sad, I think.

[@gentlestickman3680]

Videos like these gives me a whole new level of respect towards creative fields I'm not very knowledgeable about. It's so cool to see these things which we usually take for granted broken down and see just how much work and meaning went into it.

[@ayumis5452]

I’ve seen breaking the 4th wall moments in many movies or tv series but someone who actually notices it!? I’ve never seen such thing before. Phoebe is a genius.

[@jayna3400]

When the Priest looked direcly to the camera in the cafe, it scared the shit out of me. I got used to only Fleabag talking to us. It was so natural. So when the Priest noticed the fourth wall., it felt uncomfortable and weirded out and i could feel Fleabag's insecurity, panic and urgency to get away from him.

[@TheVijaiParadigm]

"where did you go?" chills.

[@JoanCooperSnark]

Plus when they actually get intimate, she bats away the camera, truly keeping her vulnerability to herself

[@StaceyStaser]

She is such a legend, I can’t express how much I love Pheobe’s writing and her passion for taking her audience on a journey 💕

[@entertain7us148]

I rewatched s02e03 last night and genuinely think it might be the greatest, most intricate piece of work I’ve seen in YEARS.

[@mirajundi7216]

Such a brilliant analysis! Loved every word of it💜

[@macybyrne2489]

I'm a bit late but another comedy that breaks the fourth wall is Miranda (another BBC comedy I'm fairly sure). The main character speaks to the camera the same way fleabag does but other characters also occasionally interact with it as well. It makes for some really funny moments but I think it could also represent that only the people closest to her can fully accept her and that means accepting the camera too.

[@deanderthal]

I just saw this and went searching for this exact comment, as it came up for me as well. Miranda uses the fourth wall break as a way of inviting the audience in as her confidant/self and it definitely is used as a way of showing the bond with certain other characters.

[@XimenaConstanza]

Yes! And at one point her mother mocks her, looking at the camera copying the same goofy expressions Miranda makes

[@Ysamol]

I remember my boyfriend laughing his ass off when the priest first notice the fourth wall break. I was just taken aback, like, can he see _us_ ?

[@katherinecrawley3708]

What a deep and incisive video! That’s exactly the reason why everyone loves Fleabag!

[@budle89]

I got goosebumps when I watched the priest acknowledge Fleabag being "gone". And I was actually creeped out by that scene he looked at the camera.

[@jansmith286]

In the original British version of House of Cards Francis Urquhart frequently breaks the fourth wall, forcing us to become co-conspiritors even though he is such an unlikelable character. Ian Richardson was a brilliant actor.

[@harrybetteridge7532]

Classic Shakespearean tactic best use in Richard the third the whole British house of cards could have been a play by the bard.

[@TheStockwell]

​@@harrybetteridge7532I'm relieved to have someone mention the cutting-edge technique of breaking the fourth wall goes back at LEAST to Shakespeare - much further back if you include literature which addresses the reader. Oh, and ancient Greek theater. Other than those, this fourth wall stuff is incredibly innovative and fresh! 😏

[@jaredwilkins4938]

I love this show. Know one mentions how good Pheobe is with conveying emotions without words

[@harishganesan3575]

One of the best devices of story telling i have seen, that was shattered , to progress the story itself. Wow.. It was truly a mindblowing experience.

[@m0niKaLe]

There's the moment when she goes to the therapy session with Aunt Petunia (i meam Fioma Shaw, je) and when she asks Fleabag "any friends" at first she hesitates and then aknowledges us as such, "they are always there" and winks to us, the audience. We are inside her mind watching her world according to her ❤️

[@oliviasteven1796]

It’s like a jump scare, but it really shouldn’t be 😂

[@chowtime91]

Chewing Gum does very similar things. And I would say Mr Robot has moments of feeling unnerving when breaking the 4th wall.

[@robc7162]

Agree with the analysis here, but my favourite moment of the 4th wall use (spoiler alert) is at the end of S2 E5, when she finally gets intimate with the hot priest and turns us (the camera) away because she doesn't want to share this experience because it actually means something to her, absolute genius moment.

[@_Adie]

I was like "wait, so it's just one character breaking the wall, and the rest is acknowledging it?" but it seems to be much more than that. Haven't seen Fleabag myself, but this explanation makes it seem like it's an actual narrative device. Neat

[@rickyolivarez]

I don’t understand how The Office is breaking the fourth wall. It’s obvious they’re talking to cameras in solo interviews like a reality show from the start.

[@maniiiiisha]

Yes ! When she was asked if she had someone to talk to, she sees us and clicks her tongue. And then looks at us again to say "They're always there". That moment, I felt included❣️

[@yuppittyyippity1498]

Everytime I see UK office. I have to go and immediately watch it because of how much I love it!

[@bengreen171]

so glad somebody else noticed this moment. It was the true genius element that made it so fantastic

[@JG-kk1mr]

Fantastic analysis of a fantastic show.

[@nate4732]

It felt like I was watching a blooper. Such an amazing moment

[@jamessaunders7241]

Excellent analysis, and hugely insightful to those of us who weren’t paying attention during English class. My only comment would be the label of comedy. For the second series I never really felt I was watching a comedy. I would argue it’s just story telling in a very impactful form. In fact one of the few purely comedic scenes (the hair salon) almost felt out of place.

[@lulusaintly631]

More tragedy than comedy much of the time - I cried buckets by the end.

[@maniiiiisha]

Season 2 Episode 4 exactly 19 minutes into the episode, Fleabag and the Priest both look into the camera one-by-one tilting their heads just a little! That was a little creepy but definitely a Wow moment for me!

[@brendajackson5937]

I love, love, love Fleabag and the UK office, however, I wanted to mention that Canada's Trailer Park Boys actually did this in April of 2001 a couple of months before the office. All incredible shows, I just want to add this to the cannon and share my Canadian pride. :)

[@talytasbarcelos]

I'm crying on video essays of this show now

[@lisamcallister7501]

The fourth wall break and another character's discovery of that is not new (into the woods for example the characters turn on the narrator), but it is sophisticated and elegantly done, using subtle camera changes to avoid the starkness of her just looking down the lense. I also think that the other characters don't notice to give us a sense that they are too self involved to notice. Lastly I think it is interesting that only Clare and her husband/stepson are named. It's clearly an artistic choice but I've no idea why.

[@CollinGerberding]

The fact that you didn't use any of the "looking at camera breaks" in clips from either production of The Office is why I'm subscribing, in case you were curious.

[@thefilmessay9832]

Not sure if you are commending my editing or calling it lazy, but either way I will take it! Thanks for the support!

[@CollinGerberding]

@@thefilmessay9832 Definitely commending your choice. A video essay about breaking the fourth wall and you actively avoid showcasing it on the show that gave us the term "Jimface"; that's a money move, my friend. I love it. The rest of the vid was also great, don't get me wrong, but that one choice is the reason I'll be coming back to see your other offerings. Also, I always try to comment on videos I like, especially when subscribing, the wake the Algo that it may bless the channel.

[@deanlowdon8381]

MKE I thought you was talking about the original The Office, not the US remake...

[@CollinGerberding]

@@deanlowdon8381 both as stated in the first comment. There was no Freeman wall break either, but I'm not sure if "TimFace" ever became a thing as I spend all on my time on the American side of the pond.

[@deanlowdon8381]

MKE Over here in the UK it’s very much associated with Martin Freeman. 🙂

[@mighty_claw]

i found the priest yelling into the camera at us surprising, but i mostly laughed at his reaction. when he asks fleabag where she went moments earlier, he very very quickly glances at the camera over her shoulder. i suppose seeing that i thought oh hang on he's onto her/us, so i was less freaked out by the sudden outburst and found it amusing. what really got to me was the scene where she ends up in the confessional booth. when he said to her "you don't like answering questions, do you?" and she looks at us completely vulnerable and he then also looks at us in the same way he's looking at her. his judgemental leering at the audience was really unnerving. extremely well done.

[@miyounova]

I loved your analysis, to the point and clear. I never think about those things when watching shows or movies so I love learning more thanks to people like you, to explain it to me :)

[@marinapereira9507]

It's a brilliant and sensitive move. It reminded me of the dynamic in 'Mr. Robot', in which Elliot's narration is, in fact, an internal conversation with an imaginary friend - us, the viewer -, and that's recognized by other characters in the show. Although the dynamic is concretized in very different ways, both shows use the narration/talking-to-the-audience tool as part of the character's emotional depth and story. Amazing.

[@AwakeintheAM]

I finally watched the one woman play she did and it works so well on it's own and it's so great to see how the show filled the gaps and vice versa added dimension but Phoebe is a genius and I definitely recommend watching the play!!

[@MrUndersolo]

“Killing Eve” had this recently with Villanelle at the end of Ep.5/Season 3.

[@Raachel244]

what moment was this?

[@prodical666]

@Bunty McCunty S3 was utter rubbish.

[@romainsavioz5466]

Malcom in the middle I quite like when someone else acknowledges the break of 4th wall

[@devendra7983]

Bro you just broke the fifth wall by analyzing that. Amazing BTW

[@JonnyJayKhan]

Fleabag is amazing, I really watched the whole show without realising that only one character has a name

[@joelface]

I think there are actually 3 named characters, but your point still stands.

[@JonnyJayKhan]

@@joelface yeah I think we have Claire, Claire and her ex maybe?

[@dhanyashridhar6281]

When that happened, I was obviously binge watching the show and binge eating at the same time. I LITERALLY had to stop chewed and drink some water and drop my jaw because I just felt violatedaaa!!!! It was brilliant!!!

[@allantow6371]

Insightful, intelligent & sensitive. Thanks.

[@thefilmessay9832]

Thank you for your kind words, comments like this keep me making these videos!

[@lessonsfromthescreen6999]

Very well done and very well touched on Fleabag's achievement both in comedy and breaking the fourth wall

[@Nintendalie]

I absolutely loved this about fleabag. The priest was the only one who could see when fleabag was checking out.

[@sophiabui1036]

Fleabag and Ben Wyatt have the best “knowing glances to the camera” that I’ve seen. As an audience member, it makes me feel good that I’m on the safe side of judging eyes.

[@safespacebear]

Good stuff. I generally agree with the comments here. I interpreted it slightly different than others in one part. The Priest notices the 4th wall break bc he's the only person who truly sees her as a person vs her family who see her as a sister or daughter. But after hearing it I do agree that it is a good way to show how he makes her feel vulnerable

[@tonkaGuy888]

Oliver Hardy blazed this trail starting almost ninety years ago. Breaking the fourth wall was his signature and he spoke volumes without saying a word.

[@Octobris]

This is something that convinced me to watch the series, but at the same time I am so mad I knew about this before watching the series 😆

[@thefilmessay9832]

Hope it didn't spoil the suprises!

[@Octobris]

@@thefilmessay9832 it did not 😊 (it didn't save from the heartbreak either 😆) The series is magnificent and I am thankful for videos like this one, which encouraged me to check it out.

[@TwiPrime]

Thanks for talking about this. It's so beautiful!

[@shardstar35]

it's such a beautiful and unsettling fissure to demonstrate how he saw her almost effortlessly and she let him in the same way. the end where she leaves the lens behind to be herself and let the rest of the world in was so devastating

[@pandeamon_3263]

I saw someone compare how Fleabag's connexion to us (thus ability to break the 4th wall) is similar to the Priest's connexion to God and how he can "talk" to him as well and that's part of why he could see her break it. But I like the "he's getting so close to knowing her truly that he can see through her defense mechanism" explaination more.

[@thenomadpath8904]

I just watched for the first time. Such a gem!

[@aryavanbryan]

Haven't seen the show before, haven't seen your channel before, subscribed.

[@2bit156]

So you’re telling me this is better than the scene in The Princess Bride where Westley goes “wait.. I lost... I lost?! Let me see the script”

[@ef8151]

Robin Hood, not Princess Bride

[@nandanjena9329]

I don't know why but when the priest noticed her breaking the fourth wall it was kind of comforting knowing that someone actually trying to see the real her which up until that moment nobody did.

[@rogerdavis5142]

Fantastic breakdown of this process!

[@eugeniaromerofoligna1002]

Carrie did it in the first chapter of sex and the city and it was brilliant. It never happened again, unfortunately

[@kerrimal8703]

The last episode ripped my heart out and put it in a blender.

[@julieoliver5606]

Wonderful insights & summation!

[@thefilmessay9832]

Thank you!

[@SOSO_2043]

Gentleman Jack does a great job at breaking the fourth wall too... also terrific performances by the actors...

[@zoaybk]

That is such a great analysis! 🙌🏼

[@beth9603]

Very coherent and insightful!

[@peteguitarist3834]

Tbh she learnt the 4th wall technique years ago from appearing in ‘how not to live your life’ - a bbc comedy series that did it constantly . I’m guessing it’s over ten years old now

[@aaqilahs2011]

Oh thank you so much for this brilliant video!

[@Amanda-mb5sp]

She breaks my heart and I love her for it.

[@YousefAhmed-xl8kx]

1:16 Dude I'm an Office fan and it hurts hearing you say 10 seasons

[@idjles]

I interpreted the priest’s wall breaking as something completely different - that he was seeing her on a spiritual level that she didn’t even know about - and that this challenged her notion that spirituality was not real. I never felt vulnerable, nor uncomfortable.

[@ElusiveTy]

That's an interesting perspective, albeit your own narrative.

[@oiseaudubonheur]

In Peep Show the characters are not talking to us as an audience (like in Fleabag) they’re talking to each other while the camera takes the perspective of the character they’re talking to.

[@thefilmessay9832]

Yes that's true. I was more outlining a general overview of characters talking - directly and indirectly - to the audience in order to demonstrate how Fleabag breaks new ground by doing something (with the hot priests character) that has never really been seen before in cinema! - Hugh

[@paperlacejane]

These seens weren't uncomfortable for me, more sweet and touching and funny, for the exact same reasons you say they're unnerving--she's vulnerable, it's an unforeseen/unprecedented intimacy, he's getting to know the real her, etc. He doesn't let her space out, or flee reality, there's nowhere for her to hide. Because that's what she's doing during the funny quips--it's one of her maladaptive (? perhaps not so mal-) coping mechanisms, and he can see she's hiding somewhere in her own mind (talking to an audience that isn't actually ~there). It's uncomfortable for Fleabag, but to see that someone can read her so effortlessly--after knowing each other for so short a time, and when you consider that not even her family is aware--is more exciting/touching/game-changing for me as a audience 'confidante' than it is unsettling or uncomfortable. (I haven't seen the final few episodes, and I feel like these moments are going to be more heartbreaking in retrospect.) It also reminds me of a Billy Joel song, "She turns to me sometimes and she asks me what I'm dreaming And I realize I must have gone a million miles away And I ask her how she knew to reach out for me at that moment And she smiles because it's understood there are no words to say" Not the same context, but the effortless knowledge, the sense of 'how does (s)he see when no one else does' is the same. Subtle change of expression, and the partner notices, and pulls the protagonist back to reality. Makes my heart go gooey. Love it.

[@tellyknessis6229]

I didn't expect it right then, but I wasn't surprised when the Priest twigged to her talking to us in the cafe scene. The disturbing stuff for me were the haunted/reproachful glances over the shoulder as she made her way home at the end of that day. Previously, it had been mostly comic. Now it was darker, tragic and almost supernatural - as though Fb was looking to Boo for guidance or validation. Which of course leads to the funeral flashback... There's a lyric from the 70s (NOT Mr Geronimo from the 80s) about being "caught in the act of being my/yourself" (Doobie Bros/Steely Dan?) which really sums up Fb's discomfort. She's been complacent and caught out; hence "I just want to get to know you" and "I don't want that" - definite portents for escalation. Hope you saw the remaining eps - a real rollercoaster ride.

[@febbra2]

Brilliant re-innovation of the format

[@tutonelylesnaranjo6311]

Love your explanation. Seems right on. I did love that episode.

[@PS3DJ09]

Breaking the 4th wall in real life will land you a stay in a padded room.

[@dwpix]

A little constructive criticism? The music used in this video was not the best choice to accompany voiceover. Don’t get me wrong- great, insightful points about the show were made; it is just that the particular music used was a distraction, not an augmentation.

[@nataliegiles2554]

when the priest breaks the fourth wall in the camera with wild eyes i always see a glimpse of Moriarty

[@lovingweirdo4727]

I absolutely loved the show I'm gonna re-watch it soon I think

[@daynalewis5261]

wish people would talk about Miranda when talking about fleabag's style

[@deanderthal]

SAME.

[@alexmackenzie7223]

Fleabag is the best comedy show I've ever watched. Phoebe Waller-Bridge set the bar high for me when it comes to finding a good comedy and I honestly like it. I've tasted the best and now I want more of her works.

[@thefilmessay9832]

PWB is great, really excited to see how her career develops after this!

[@alexmackenzie7223]

@@thefilmessay9832 me too! I just really love her humor and wit.