What is the Fourth Wall? The Best Examples of Breaking the Fourth Wall

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So what is the fourth wall? It's the imaginary wall separating the viewer from the characters. Breaking the fourth wall is a great way to get someone to notice your project. But there are many pitfalls when using fourth wall breaks in your project. Looking for breaking the fourth wall examples to inspire your project? Let's jump in. Here's how to break the fourth wall with purpose.
In today’s essay on video production, we give you the Breaking the fourth wall definition and show you various Breaking the fourth wall examples that went well, and others that didn’t, all so that you can see how the pros wield this advanced filmmaking technique.
You’ll also learn about: The 3 B’s for Breaking the Fourth wall
1. Be Extreme
2. Be Thoughtful
3. Be Controversial
One you’ve finished watching this video, you will have a complete understanding on how to break the fourth wall.
This means you’ll get the most out of your fourth wall breaks, and be completely confident that breaking the fourth wall is right for your film or show.
We go super in-depth with the video, so check it out today.
#breakthefourthwall #fourthwall #breakingthefourthwall
Music by:
Rudiments - The Chase (bit.ly/2UMKdX8)
Rhythm Scott - Lion Defender (bit.ly/2A0Jhpj)
Bright Seed - Silent Arithmetic (bit.ly/2PBUstj)
Marie - Winter Magic (bit.ly/2Cd0Kfo)
Fantoms - Kids Who Dance (bit.ly/2S0gKqM)
Katrina Stone - Break My Heart (bit.ly/2Bpgp9Q)
Hill - It's Micromagic
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[@StudioBinder]

Which film breaks the fourth wall the best? Let us know. 👇👇

[@shantkiraz1838]

I think Annie Hall had some of the best fourth wall breaks. 👌

[@drshadowsfilms6059]

Spaceballs

[@ExpressiveImagery]

The first Iron Man film at the end of the last scene. It’s good because we are not expecting it and it packs a punch😀

[@HarshPatel-pp3vp]

Wolf of wall street

[@amitkrupal1234]

@@ExpressiveImagery where RDJ says I am Iron Man?

[@nuranaqahqistinamohdfaizal9960]

Little did u know ,Dora the explorer had always break the fourth wall

[@mokshgautam445]

lmao true

[@goyonman9655]

always

[@nazir7614]

Its all fun game until she do what you dumbly said.

[@punamjaiswal9865]

Hamne kiya hamne kiya hamne kiya

[@rubber_face8410]

She made me break it too. 4 year old me got so angry that I smashed the TV screen.

[@torrethomas6642]

Always loved films that break the 4th Wall. Its very personal and introspective. Has a deep affect and changes the whole vibe of the movie. Great video! One Love!

[@ryandoherty4479]

Wow! Really amazed at the clip selection and educational value in this funny, well thought out, and endlessly charming video! Great job to whoever crafted this fine work!

[@StudioBinder]

Woah - glad you enjoyed it so much! Any other areas in filmmaking you're curious about?

[@ryandoherty4479]

@@StudioBinder Im curious about using stunt actors. Have never used them and would like to learn more about the legal aspects of using them.

[@lowlowseesee]

the team is sick lol

[@ananyabose5366]

Fleabag for me had been portrayed as the best example for breaking the fourth wall

[@jeremyengel7970]

I forgot how often Wayne's World breaks the fourth wall. Still hilarious!

[@StudioBinder]

So good, what was your favorite 4th wall break from the film?

[@dirangeorge4708]

Dunno if it really counts again, people are aware there's a camera there

[@Joel-b4e]

Also the loud house

[@dominickmorales130]

never like breaking the 4th wall, but after watching this post i think i'm going to try it.

[@BryBry78]

Watch Rick and Morty, then

[@pankajshankhwar3463]

As I used it in my films, I found that this is a better way to tell the audience about the part they are missing to understand the actual story with an ease. And your video helps me a lot to creat a film art. Thank you and keep on educating the world of films and cinema.

[@StudioBinder]

If it's used in the right way, breaking the fourth wall can make the difference in films!

[@chrislee343]

Enjoying these videos as always! Great research and examples. Keep them coming please!!

[@StudioBinder]

Glad you enjoyed it, what should we cover in a future video? :-)

[@HarshPatel-pp3vp]

Woah. This is really good and helpful

[@StudioBinder]

Thank you! Any ideas on other useful filmmaking tips?

[@MumfordEJ]

Bit Harsh mate...

[@romanxxxxyoutube]

I like Mr Robot's use of breaking the 4th rule. It's like the viewer is an imaginary friend of Elliot (the main character if you haven't seen it)

[@Sunil778-l4c]

*_Kader Khan loved to break the Fourth Wall in his movies.😂_*

[@terapeutadepatins]

So, if I understood right, breaking the fouth wall means when the characther talk at the camera, or share your thought with the camera, and The audience and the characther will be closer. But, if the characther dosen't say a word, just look at the camera, it's a breaking fourth wall too?

[@lemonqvartz]

Yes, they are pretending that you are the camera, which they are looking at. It's to share emotion, or for comedic effect.

[@elismith3754]

Yes

[@irithylldungeon]

smokii.qvartz or to bring fear. Like in IT

[@frankcastle4547]

No,the actors are idiots

[@isaleiberg4168]

it could be that, but it's more like with looking into the camera, talking to an assumed audience, the characters know they are just characters in a story, not actual 'real people'. They acknowledge the fact that they are actors, and are aware that there are people watching them. In the Truman show for example, this is especially powerful as he actually realizes he is being filmed, so with breaking the fourth wall, he addresses the audience.

[@El.Gatito.]

The first ever time I got legitimately terrified by a 4th Wall Break was 3 days ago, when I was watching Helluva Boss. By now, most young people know Loona, the hellhound girl receptionist, and Blitzø, her dad. Speaks for itself that said people know a lot what the internet has done to Loona. Loona along with the rest of the cast was made aware of that. All 4 characters looked right at you with a sharp violin sound with a gaze that burns straight trough your soul.

[@nine7702]

"There can be no *MERCY* there is but one rule... *HUNT OR BE HUNTED* " ( *UNDERTALE VIBES INTENSIFIES* )

[@thesoundisdead3752]

bruh, i was waiting for someone to point that out.

[@sansandasgoresgamingchanne9035]

@@thesoundisdead3752Lol me too

[@amaree9732]

I like the type of intimate humor created when a character breaks the fourth wall. It's like being in a party and sharing an inside joke with your best friend. It also adds another layer to your story. We aren't writing for the forties and fifties studio-system anymore - we're writing something for a modern audience, and they demand much more. Breaking the fourth wall is one way to level-up. Other ways include non-linier story-telling (Kill Bill), LGBTQ protagonists, blurring the lines between reality scenes and dreams/visions, including mute, non-human or thematic characters, and juxtaposing heartwarming moments with existential questions (A.I. or Cloud Atlas) Sure, it makes screenwriting exponentially more challenging, but hey... If you want something easy, take a ceramic's class.

[@zordacian1959]

i think this a terrific idea bc it works in carttons like the flinstones and the jetsons, most movies use this to convey a interaction between camera and film maker

[@davidwyskiel6361]

Most excellent video and explanation of breaking the fourth wall. Thank you for putting this together. Today is a 'learning day' for me. :)

[@torydz]

The best of breaking the fourth wall is the old "Burns and Allen Show" with George Burns and Gracie Allen. George always broke the fourth wall to talk to the audience. He would even watch the show play out on the TV set in his den. The neat thing here was, George knew the audience was there, but the others in the scene didn't know, so they never looked at the camera when George was speaking to it. The results were marvelous. We knew they knew, but they were not supposed to (as part of the show) know how George was always figuring out what the other cast members were up to. He always acknowledged to the audience that "Yes, this is just a show". On paper, it doesn't sound like something you could pull off. But they did !

[@jonathangriffin8060]

I have written a couple of features and a sitcom pilot that uses this technique. This particular video is awesome! Spaceballs is one of my favorite films that use this technique. #breakthefourthwall

[@JoJo-xp6wr]

I knew you're going to bring deadpool into this!!

[@mohitandcinema]

I do sometimes in my real life, they say I'm talking to myself. But I am breaking the 5th wall

[@localtalent2023]

I love your voice and the content great video.

[@StudioBinder]

Thank you! You can find the full Deadpool script here if you're interested in learning further how the movie breaks the fourth wall. www.studiobinder.com/blog/deadpool-script-screenplay-pdf-download/

[@esmooth919]

Inspired by the Looney Tunes, I tend to put a lot of fourth wall jokes into my comic strips.

[@abhishekjadhav4572]

Wow Okay "Spoiler alert" at 2:18 maybe?

[@can_uysal]

tell me about it. there should be a way to punish those retarded imbeciles. HOW ironic that these thoughtless morons share knowledge about cinema.

[@xl000]

LOL .. When you're watching a compilation video on youtube, you should expect such things to happen. Unless it's your first day on the internet or something ?

[@sarmadmuhammedahmed7215]

what is the name of that movie ?

[@PatrickBateman3116]

WHAT IS THE NAME OF THAT MOVIE ?

Content quality: BBC. Great job!

[@StudioBinder]

Much appreciated!

[@nighatnaz8570]

Awesome video. Such a controversial topic. Very acknowledged and informative video for me. Such a simple yet elegant note video. Thanks Sir . I am from Pakistan.

[@SuperNickid]

@StudioBlinder: breaking the 4th wall also happen in Disney shows, for example the first one you explain, was used a lot in the TV show Stuck in the Middle, the main character Harley Diaz, keep telling here thought to the audience, and while that his happening, all the other character on the scene are not moving, neither doing anything.

[@octopi2404]

0:03 just three seconds in and my name is already shown

[@igorbrezina1752]

You are awesome as always!

[@StudioBinder]

We appreciate it!

[@qfmarsh64]

The ad at the end broke my fourth wall.

[@roynobleza4]

In my opinion its like an adlib vlogging in a movie hahaahhaah

[@RyoHazuki224]

"What a pisser!" Fucking love it!

[@SmokeTheHorsehog]

If there are two film producers that break the Fourth Wall the best and most consistently, it would be Monty Python and Mel Brooks. My personal favorites for each of them are Monty Python and the Holy Grail, as well as Space Balls.

[@whysoserious652]

Ending of MEMORIES OF MURDER👌🔥

[@marvelfoxmorty5057]

Very great video

[@drshadowsfilms6059]

Great content!!!

[@StudioBinder]

Glad you liked our video! What should we cover in a future video?

[@drshadowsfilms6059]

@@StudioBinder Would love to see contrast of styles between all-time great filmmakers! If you've already done this, my apologies. Spielberg, Hitchcock, Elia Kazan, David Lean, Spike Lee, etc.

[@StudioBinder]

@@drshadowsfilms6059 I'll let the team know. :-)

[@Pointman11111]

"4th wall break inside a 4th wall break? Thats like... 16 walls"

[@ZoidFery]

The Office doesnt break the 4th wall, they look to the documentary cameramen who follows them, not to the audience.

[@Solar55]

When talking to the audience is the general style of the movie, it doesn't seem like you're "breaking" anything. I like when it's a momentary event, that catches you off guard. Like when Eddie Murphy looks directly into the camera as the Mortimer brothers explain that bacon .. "is something you'd find in a bacon, lettuce and tomato sandwich."

[@mr.universe342]

I Am Here Because Of The Promo That CM Punk Cutted After R-Truth Beats John Cena CM Punk Said "Breaking The 4th Wall" And I Heard it "Baking The Cake Pal" But Last Night I Saw His Promo Again And Heard It Clearly That's Why I Am Here.

[@StudioBinder]

Is this fate? Or destiny?

[@Samlol23_drrich]

My favorite was Mr. Roper on three’s Company

[@RespecttheScreenplay]

Awww yeahhh i am going to break some walls🙌🙌🙌

[@michaelcain9324]

Love them. Especially House of Cards and Deadpool.

[@kenyleon]

AMAZING !!! I have also seen a lot that the characters look at the camera but they do not speak to the public (us), they only look at the camera at a specific moment or they are saying a line of dialogue, but it is not for the public (us) , where can I find information about watching to the camera but don't talk to us ? Thanks

[@Iam_Adith]

Fleabag series🔥 fourth wall extreme

[@MisterChips2012]

Entertaining and informative

[@davooodle]

good video

[@DangerousMongoose]

Question is.. do you enjoy it when the actors break acting and stare into the camera? Or do you prefer they just act in the entirety? I kinda like it when they do, normally. Sometimes I don't even notice such as Anchor man.

[@Giraso]

Woow guys, you deserve more views/audience. Your contents are fucking interesting, helpful!

[@WINCHOism]

Omg that spoiler in House of Cards XDDDDD

[@odysseymark3571]

When you break the fourth wall in real life...

[@kaleabyalewdeg9433]

When you pray

[@plackization]

I think its best use ever is in fleabag. Especially in Season 2

[@ObscureHedgehog]

What's the name of the song that plays at 4:08? It's not listed in the description under "Music by:"

[@StudioBinder]

Its Hill - Micromagic. I believe they took it off soundstripe after we licensed it :(. Its a good one though!

[@ObscureHedgehog]

@@StudioBinder Thank you thank you! Yeah it's a bummer they took it off. Such a tune!

[@OlgaKuznetsova]

Fantastic advice! Thank you!!

[@adityarajeshirke64]

That means breaking of fourth might be used for the actual inside thinking and self-talk of the character

[@rollforever85]

Well put

[@cabronmalisimo]

I dig your style, dudes...

[@ishankotak]

not mentioning fleabag in this video is CRIME

[@godofwar0678]

All twists and turns and ends up breaking the fourth wall, and then goes from 0 to 100 😂

[@cameronboushehri9423]

The one that started it all, long before Deadpool, Ferris Bueler and Alfie was… Maurice Chevalier. He spoke to and even sand to the audience.

[@philipdavid8026]

Wandavision has a great subtle moment when vision breaks the fourth wall

[@a.b.h.i.j.i.t.h]

dope video!!

[@inhouseouthouse]

I'd argue that some of the examples/clips used in this are strictly POV shots and not breaking the fourth wall. Acknowledgement of the viewer/audience is what constitutes "breaking the fourth wall"

[@jbasproductioneditorial138]

Most informative - so...? Now I edit my script - AGAIN!

[@TommyVercetti8]

Climax of Memories of murder is most perfect Breaking 4th wall !

[@mightbeLara]

02:29am - 03.04.2021

[@janelle827]

amazing

[@sean7168]

Deadpool : "Big CGI fight coming up"

[@seansiquig]

why does this video only have 22k compared to your other videos, dang

[@raymonddillon3016]

Can't say which film breaks the fourth wall the best, but one of the best at breaking the fourth wall is Wolf Of Wall Street.

[@uncharted7againblackking256]

Good afternoon good evening amd goodnight

[@torydz]

Also, watch Gilligan's Island. The Skipper was always looking at the camera, usually after Gilligan did something stupid (which was quite often!)

[@charlesdixon52]

Oliver Hardy first did it. He always looks at us and shakes his head

[@sirxanthor]

What movie was that from where the man throws the woman in front of subway. Seen it once before walking by tv and this clip caught my curiosity.

[@authorsventure2140]

Can you tell me the name of all movies which is used in this video

[@mrsparx7214]

If you think about it Most KZbinrs always break the fourth wall

[@kaitlynrowena5463]

Who’s the blonde guy at 1:05, 3:12 , 4:54 the one that says do you think it’s enough? Fairly sure it’s the same guy lol What’s the movie?

[@LCE2024]

Thanks..i used to call this the Mr. Roper

[@sstxixo3975]

What are all the movies used as examples?

[@sabyfoz538]

If its a conversation between two people and there is pov shot of one person looking at the other, is it still to be considered as POV shot or Breaking the 4th wall or both?

[@gigia.8773]

I really find those soo creepy idk why

[@bw1llis]

I actually don't agree that a lot of these are fourth wall breaks? Just looking at the camera, or using narration aren't inherently 4th wall breaking. It could be a POV shot, and the character is looking at our character. Eg/ the Wolf of Wall Street one near the start. The Truman Show one is also debatable. Narration can often be seen as overhearing the protagonist's thoughts, or an omniscient narrator that functions as more of an inner monologue. 4th wall breaks need to be active communication with the viewer. I also don't agree they need to 'be bold, make a statement [...] especially if you're using it rarely'. One of my absolute favourites that sticks with me is the one in the original Jumanji where the kid goes to the garden shed, and just gives a subtle look and eyebrow raise to the camera. It works because it catches you off guard, and it's really understated. kzbin.info/www/bejne/aX29aWOqnbWjpZI Another one is Jason Sudeikis' eyebrow raise in We're The Millers during the Jennifer Aniston Strip Scene. Again, so clever because you're not expecting it, it's subtle, and used sparingly. kzbin.info/www/bejne/jpLIoIOwbrOffJYsi=wE60rwP_XogkZ7U2&t=116 Also a travesty you didn't mention Emperor's New Groove! Love your channel in general! Keep up the great videos!

[@fluxdiamondstudios9772]

I just watched the big Lebowski on Netflix like two weeks ago

[@AverageIsopod]

Just like breaking reality

[@princenicholasherrman2347]

Pretty sure Deadpool hears voices in his head.

[@Orni_man]

Fleabag!

[@pardumansinghactor7545]

Gud one

[@apseudonym]

looking into the camera and speaking to it =/= breaking the fourth wall

[@sansandasgoresgamingchanne9035]

2:20 Your free trial of living has ended

[@BFG-hv2ml]

Airplane!!! :D

[@krutikastudio]

thank you so much amazing video #krutikaanimationstudio

[@retryhikaru184]

does anyone have a list of the films featured in this lesson?

[@DrIS-od9fn]

I think breaking the fourth wall concept is suited for Subjects based on Genre- Comedy , suspense, thriller,,, however I dont think it will be a good idea to use this concept in Subjects based on Genre Romance, Drama,Biopics and horror . ,, for eg in films like the Notebook ,beautiful mind, Pursuit of happyness or Forest Gump breaking the fourth wall would have interupted the emotional connect of the audience with the character . Please correct me if I am wrong .

[@dereka.975]

Eh ehm Malcom And The Middle

[@JaimeD.]

🎵Yes, no.🎵 🎵Maybe.🎵 🎵I don't know.🎵 🎵Can you repeat the question?🎵 🎵You're not the boss of me now!🎵 ×3 🎵And you're not so great.🎵 🎵You're not the boss of me now!🎵 ×3 🎵And you're not so great.🎵 🎵StudioBinder is the best🎵😆✌

[@Angel666xo]

Jaime D. I always headbang to this intro🤘🏻 Punk AF

[@subhajitkarmakar291]

You should have included Robin Hood: Men in Tights

[@vincentadams9358]

Gentleman Jack by the BBC was done well

[@ManLikeMrKhan]

Whats the song at the start?

[@geraldfriend256]

I love it enough to use it , but it is love/ hate overall. Early Malcolm in the Middle kind of annoyed me.We are making a black and white comedy/ horror short,and having creepy characters address the camera has been fun.

[@themalvaezshow5640]

Whats the rdj fourth wall break

[@sidolanters1394]

That Amélie shot isn't a fourth wall break. He's not looking in the camera. The movie has plenty of actual 4th wall break moments to choose from.