Breaking down the 4th wall

As a long time fan of film, it usually catches my attention when a character breaks down the 4th wall and talks directly to the audience. Some people get annoyed when film characters do this, since it can interfere with suspension of disbelief. However, I really like it, since many times it's used in a creative way. In general, it has been used with great effect in comedy movies, since these movies are seeking react against audience's expectations of what should occur in a movie.

In re-watching some of my favorite comedies, Groucho Marx is the first person to break down the fourth wall in Hollywood movies. Groucho often looks at the camera and talks directly to the movie audience. Many times, Groucho is making sure the audience is in on the joke of making fun of the rich or the authority figures within the movie. In the Marx Brothers movies, it has a great effect of drawing the audience in. 

The comedians who have come later and have broke the 4th wall in their movies (such as Woody Allen and Mel Brooks) are paying tribute and expanding on this technique with great comedic effect.

Animal Crackers (1930) - Groucho "Pardon me while I have a strange interlude..."




Horse Feathers (1932) - Music Lesson scene



Slate has a great video highlighting various scenes from several decades of movies where characters are breaking down the fourth wall.

http://www.slate.com/blogs/browbeat/2013/03/07/breaking_the_fourth_wall_supercut_a_video_essay_we_re_sure_you_yes_you_will.html 

If you need more examples, this website that has a list of films that break down the fourth wall: http://www.artandpopularculture.com/List_of_films_that_break_the_fourth_wall

If you know of earlier movies or have favorite scenes from movies of characters breaking down the fourth wall, please share in the comments below.

Why do I only find lovers in dreams?

He slipped into my dreams only the last week or so...unexpected and strange.

When I was a young and innocent teen, he was my harmless (ie: safe) celebrity crush. Safe because he was from another time period.

But why has he reappeared in my dream-scape? Maybe it's simply the ideal I see in him as a man. In all I've read over the years, he is kind, a good listener, funny, and fair-minded.

When watching the movies, you see the pure soul within him when he plays music. 

Funny, wistful...yet had a tough life as a child. Worked hard, not much school; although, back then, many people didn't complete school. Family is the all important dynamic; the brothers became successful together, as a team.

These are all ideal qualities. Perhaps no one can really compare.

Yet, I'm surprised by the few dreams of the last week~~time machine dreams. I'm a temporary visitor to the past, with only a few days time. Yet, I have to act as though I belong within that time, which is oddly familiar, yet difficult.

The dreams leave my soul feeling stirred, unsettled by hiding in fantasy. Should I be concerned?

After some consideration, no, not really. I should allow myself the pleasure of fantasy. Let myself lighten up. Enjoy life a bit. Fantasy can add a spark to life that we would otherwise forget if we were left to our own devices.

Life Story created by your favorite director

It is part of the human condition to believe at times you are starring in a comic-tragic tour-de-force. If your life is indeed a movie, who is the director of your life story?


1) If your life story contains crazy, over-the-top situations and all of the characters around you are insane, but you are sane: Congratulations, your life story is being directed by Stanley Kurbrick. [As a bonus, most likely Peter Sellers is playing you.]

2) If your life story is an epic comedy with slight gags, funny names and co-starring either Harvey Korman Madeline Kahn: Congratulations, your life story is being directed by Mel Brooks. [If this were my case, could I please be Terri Garr's character in Young Frankenstein"?]

3) If your life story is an epic story showing the intense struggle of the protagonist against a violent and cruel world: Congratulations, your life story is being directed by Martin Scorsese. [Even his movies that don't have physical violence do have elements of emotional/mental violence. For example "The Age of Innocence" and "Hugo" both have elements of emotional cruelty that would be tough to face, no matter who you are.]

4) If your life story has quirky characters who are living their daily lives and facing personal problems with humor: Congratulations, your life story is being directed by Wes Anderson. [Most likely, one of your supporting cast is Bill Murray.]

5) If your life story contains crazy, over-the-top situations and all of the characters in the story are insane (INCLUDING YOU): Congratulations, your life story is being directed by Terry Gilliam. 

6) If your life story contains you walking around with friends and neurotically analyzing life: Congratulations, your life story is being directed by Woody Allen. 

7) If your life story contains gothic dreamscapes and interesting characters: Congratulations, your life story is being directed by Tim Burton. [If you are male, most likely Johnny Depp would be playing your role.]

8) If your life story contains strange characters, unusual and sometimes gross situations: Congratulations, your life story is being directed by John Waters. [By the way, if you do see him hitchhiking, please give Mr. Waters a ride. He would definitely be an interesting fellow to talk to.]


As someone who loves movies and adores most of the above movie directors/writers, I hope you're not offended by this list. I'm also wondering if any of you would have any directors you would like to add to this list. If so, please share and add what type of movie they would create your life into.