MovieChat Forums > Stalker (1980) Discussion > One scene that bothered me

One scene that bothered me

posted 10 years ago by vulpix
7 replies | jump to latest

Writer turns to the camera with a somber grimace and says the following:

"They're all swarming around, journalists, critics, editors--and they all demand, 'More! More!' It's a constant torment for me, a painful, shameful occupation, like squeezing out hemorrhoids. I used to think that someone would get better because of my books. In two days after I die they'll start gobbling up someone else. I wanted to change them, but it's they who've changed me."

For most of the film, I found myself asking questions for myself. In this scene, however, Tarkovsky literally turns to the audience through the Writer character and almost bluntly tells them, "See, this character represents my own plight. Get it?"

In the final scene of the movie, Stalker's wife also addresses the audience directly. I can't help but feel that this final scene would have had a much greater impact without the earlier fourth-wall-breaking scene.

It prevented a near-perfect film from being perfect.

[–] henrimaine 10 years ago

Frankly, I don't remember any fourth-wall-breaking in the film. Some of the characters may have been looking at the camera while talking, but you can assume they were talking to other people in the film, rather than straight to the audience.

[–] Gus-69 10 years ago

No, the Stalker's wife clearly broke the fourth barrier in the end.

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[–] Lootrock 10 years ago

I like the fact that the writer and the mother broke the 4th wall, which I do not consider as much of a faux-pas as it is in theater. I feel that many of the writers' unsolicited ramblings would have been shut down early on or simply would not have continued on in such diatribes. He was basically reciting his thoughts in poem form which I found to be very inappropriate and unnatural. Who would allow that to continue in real life?

[–] redpetals 9 years ago

Your guess to the motive behind Writer's monologue made me laugh. It is a clever observation, yet honestly I did not see Tarkovsky self-inserting himself so explicitly in that scene because the film is Tarkovsky, especially Stalker, the guide.

The breaking of the fourth wall by Writer did not sap the strength of Wife's breaking of the fourth wall for me. While watching the film I also asked myself A LOT of questions, and I found the monologues helpful, adding to the discourse inside my head. I believe, too, that these two characters had much to say left unsaid throughout their onscreen appearances. For example, by the time all three reached the Room, I saw many layers to Writer because his monologue revealed a crucial insight into his plight.

I think it's important to note the visual presentation as well, for the overall perfection of the film includes how it was shot. I thought the B&W colors of the final scene with Wife had more impact. Plus she stands with clearer self-assurance and makes eye contact with the viewer the whole time.

[–] DBLurker 9 years ago

All of the characters were talking to someone in the scene.

It looks like they are talking to the audience (and they ARE) but in the scene, there is someone with them in the room they are talking to.

Writer was talking to Stalker and professor, wife was talking to Stalker who was falling asleep.

So no, there is no fourth wall being broken.

[–] BenjamminBufordBlue 9 years ago

Wrong.

[–] DBLurker 9 years ago

Herp derp.