Evidence

Note: My evidence centers on one introduction scene from the television series Breaking Bad. In order to fully understand my examples, I have provided the clip for you to watch before proceeding. Enjoy!

 Breaking Bad (2008): Season 1, Episode 6 Video Clip

Breaking Bad (2008): Season 1, Episode 6 (0:10-0:17) Screen Shot

 

This image is a still shot from the series Breaking Bad (2008): Season 1, Episode 6. This image is one of the first things viewers see during the introduction to the episode. We know from previous episodes that these are five bullet holes in the door of Walter (Walt) White and Jesse Pinkman's RV. Bullet holes suggest violence. These bullet holes, which represent two deaths from previous episodes (Episode 1 and Episode 3), clearly represent violence. They also foreshadow deaths to come for viewers familiar with the cliche that before one dies they see a light. This shot establishes a motif of violence for this episode and the series as a whole.

Breaking Bad (2008): Season 1, Episode 6 (0:53-0:57) Quotation

"Let's get something straight. This, the chemistry, is my realm."

In this quote, Walt is addressing Jesse. The authoritative manner in which Walt speaks to Jesse makes him appear superior. "Let's get something straight" represents their relationship. Throughout the show, Walt gives orders to Jesse. We know Jesse as a previous student, now flunk out, of Walt's high school chemistry class. Walt still exercises their former teacher/student relationship.Walt is well versed in chemistry as he demonstrates through his career and ability to synthesize meth. By referring to chemistry as "my realm," Walt reveals his confidence and authority over Jesse. A "realm" is commonly associated with a kingdom. It appears as if Walt views himself as a "God" of chemistry. This quote is when we can first note Walt's demeanor evolving from reserved to overly confident.

Breaking Bad (2008): Season 1, Episode 6 (0:58-1:03) Quotation

"I am in charge of the cooking. Out there on the street, you deal with that."

As we continue from the previous quote, Walt is still addressing Jesse. Again, Walt acts superior through his derogatory dialogue. According to Walt, Jesse is not good enough to help with the cooking, he is only useful for dealing with issues on the street. Walt is implying Jesse is a "low-life" no different than the losers he distributes meth to. In many ways we know this to be true, but then again what makes Walt so much better? Yes, he is highly educated with a career and family, but he has turned to cooking meth as a way to pay for his cancer treatment. He is living a double life. He keeps countless secrets from everyone he is close to. All things considered, is he really any better than Jesse?

Breaking Bad (2008): Season 1, Episode 6 (1:31 & 1:47) Screen Shots

Throughout this clip we are shown multiple camera angles where Walt appears larger than his actual height. These angles help convey his god-like attitude. In the first image, we see Jesse shying away from Walt as he approaches him. This leads us to believe Jesse fears Walt; which is fair considering he still refers to him as "Mr. White." Jesse still views him as his instructor instead of a "partner in crime," so to speak. This would make sense looking back at the previous quote. Walt approaches Jesse in this manner while talking about chemistry; again, as if he is a god. In the second image, not only has Walt's personal appearance changed, but he appears even taller. So tall in fact, that even the building seems inferior to him. These crafty camera angles help to display Walt's emerging personality. 



Breaking Bad (2008): Season 1, Episode 6 (1:03-1:53) Quotation/Clip

"As far as our customers go, I don't wanna know anything about them. I don't want to see them. I don't want to hear from them. I want no interaction with them whatsoever. This operation is you and me, and I'm the silent partner … No matter what happens, no more bloodshed. No violence." 

In this quote, Walt is still addressing Jesse. His claims are packed with dramatic irony. As Walt is speaking, we are provided with glimpses into the future that directly contradict his claims. He states he wants no interaction with the customers. Yet, we see him emerging from a vandalized building as alarms squeal and sketchy onlookers gawk. Clearly, he is going to abandon his wish to be the "silent partner." Walt also says he wants "no more bloodshed or violence." However, the smoke, the broken glass, the alarms, the blood stained sack, the hat on his now bald head, and his dripping nose all argue the contrary. This clip dramatically shows the transformation of Walter White to Heisenberg (his drug dealing alter-ego) in a mere fifty-seconds.


Works Cited

"Crazy Handful of Nothin'." Breaking Bad. AMC Network Entertainment LLC, New York. 2 Mar. 2008. Television. "Breaking Bad Intro." YouTube. 2014. Web. 30 Mar. 2014.