The White Room in 'Only Murders in the Building': An Insider's Guide to the Realism of Acting

Warning! This article contains spoilers for Only Murders in the Building season 3, episode 4.

Summary

"Only Murders in the Building" delves into the intriguing realm of the "White Room" during its fourth episode of season 3. This phenomenon, known within acting circles, involves actors losing touch with reality while fully engaged in their performance.

Renowned theater actor Seth Rudetsky shares his personal encounter with the "White Room," describing it as an unsettling moment characterized by a complete mental blankness and disorienting sensations.

Charles' behavior becomes erratic and shocking when he enters the "White Room," leaving his friends appalled and amused by his exaggerated antics. In episode 4 of Only Murders in the Building season 3, the title refers to this unique element, but is this dramatic phenomenon based on reality? The episode picks up where the previous one left off, as Mabel, Charles, and Oliver delve deeper into their investigation of Ben Glenroy's murder. However, distractions arise as Oliver's play takes center stage, Charles plays a significant role in it, and his relationship with Joy progresses.

"The White Room" Is A Real Occurrence In Theater & Acting

Despite being an outrageous comedy, Only Murders in the Building manages to incorporate realistic aspects into its script. From delving into the realm of true crime podcasting to exploring the world of theater in season 3, the show accurately portrays various real-life elements. This trend persists with the introduction of the "White Room" concept, which is an actual theatrical technique according to all accounts.

One instance of the occurrence known as the "White Room" was shared by theater actor Seth Rudetsky. In an interview with Playbill, Rudetsky recalled a moment from his early days in theater when he found himself in the midst of the "White Room": "We began the first scene and when I reached my seventh line, my mind went completely blank. This is what is commonly referred to as entering the white room; a state where nothing but pure whiteness surrounds you. There is nothing to hold onto." Interestingly, Charles goes through a similar experience with nerves in Only Murders in the Building season 3, episode 4 in real life, although not in the same exaggerated comedic manner.

What Happens To Charles When He Enters The White Room In Only Murders In The Building

The fate of Charles upon entering the enigmatic "White Room" remains delightfully shrouded in mystery. In the fourth episode of the third season of Only Murders in the Building, viewers are tantalizingly presented with mere glimpses of the aftermath that ensued once Charles crossed the threshold into the ethereal space. From the remarkably constrained perspective of Charles himself, we are granted sight of the vacant expanse that consumed the room. Among the consequential events that transpired, one unforgettable development emerged – Charles knelt down on one knee, professing his unwavering love for Joy. However, this tender gesture took a somber turn as Joy now finds herself catapulted into the realm of prime suspects in the untimely demise of Paul Rudd's character, Ben.

Apart from that, the only indication of Charles' experience in the "White Room" is his descent into madness. Upon returning to reality, he is frequently found unclothed, surrounded by chaos, and his friends are appalled by the vulgarities he spews during his blackout. However, Charles himself perceives it as a delightful time of dancing or singing in the "White Room," while the other characters in Only Murders in the Building observe his true escapades.

Catch new episodes of Only Murders in the Building every Tuesday on Hulu.