Addressing the audience directly.

Why is it so rare to smash the barrier between the world of story and the audience witnessing it? It's called, "Breaking the 4th wall." Back in the times of open plays, particularly Greek plays, it was common for the "chorus" to directly address the audience. It was a useful method to give exposition and provide transitional moments. Modern storytelling doesn't do this often anymore, preferring to maintain the illusion of story at every turn. In fact, breaking the wall is so extraordinary that when it is done, there's special attention drawn to it.

Is it wrong to address the audience? No. Does it break the immersion of the story? Probably. However, it also can increase immersion if done well. Narration falls into this second category, as it's similar to the Greek "chorus" and tells information without shattering the wall. To me, having the wall broken is jarring, stunning, and sets me on my heels. It takes a bit to recover from it. In movies, if the actors look directly into the camera's eye, it's like they're acknowledging they're inside a story and none of it's real. Blammo, no immersion.

Of course, rules are meant to be broken. If it works, then go for it. Storytelling isn't an exact science, and is based fully in the realms of feeling. The best crafters of tales somehow know exactly where to push, how to pry, and when to pull. However it's done, I absolutely love a good story. If it takes poking me with a stick and shouting, "Boo" directly in my face, well then I say go for it! My favorite is at the very end of "Ferris Bueller's Day Off" where the main star tells the audience to go home. Brilliant!

- M