I. Introduction
If you are a fan of “Breaking Bad” and have followed the spinoff, “Better Call Saul,” you may have noticed that some scenes and episodes are in black and white. You may have wondered why the creators have made this artistic decision, given that the majority of TV shows and films are in color. This article aims to explore why “Better Call Saul” in black and white is a stroke of genius. We will delve into its symbolic, aesthetic, and narrative benefits and see how it enhances the overall viewing experience. Whether you are a film buff or a casual viewer, this article will show you how the colorless approach can be powerful and crucial in storytelling.
II. The Artistic Brilliance Behind ‘Better Call Saul’ in Black and White
Black and white is not a new concept in cinema and TV. In fact, it dates back to the beginning of motion pictures. The silent era (1890s-1920s) and the Golden Age of Hollywood (1920s-1960s) produced some of the most iconic and memorable classics in black and white. Even today, many directors choose to use the colorless format for artistic and storytelling purposes. The concept of black and white goes beyond just being colorless; it depicts a range of tones, contrasts, and shades that can transform the way we see film and TV.
A black and white show or film can create a distinctive look and mood that is hard to achieve with color. It can enhance the visual impact of certain genres, like drama and horror, as it creates a stark contrast and amplifies the emotions and atmosphere. As seen in the case of “Better Call Saul,” black and white can also serve as a tribute to cinematic history and the art of filmmaking.
Some of the most famous black and white films and TV shows include “Casablanca,” “The Godfather,” “Schindler’s List,” “Good Night, and Good Luck,” and “The Artist.” Each of these works showcases the versatility and beauty of black and white, and how it can tell a story like no other genre.
III. The Creative Decision: How ‘Better Call Saul’ Proved Black and White is Better
The decision to use black and white for “Better Call Saul” was a creative and bold move. Breaking Bad, the prequel’s predecessor, was shot entirely in color, and it was a challenge to justify this new approach. The creators chose to experiment with black and white because they felt it suited the show’s prequel concept, where the timeline was set before the dramatic events of “Breaking Bad.” It was also a way to distinguish the show from its predecessor and establish its own identity.
“Better Call Saul” is set in the early 2000s, but it has a distinct throwback vibe with a retro tone and visual style. The use of black and white complements this stylistic choice and makes it look more authentic. Filming in black and white also helps to maintain the continuity between “Better Call Saul” and “Breaking Bad,” as the two shows are interconnected. The creators wanted the audience to perceive “Better Call Saul” as a parallel story and not simply a spinoff.
The technical and artistic challenges of filming in black and white were significant, as the lighting and contrast had to be precisely adjusted for the desired visual effect. The cinematographer, Gordon Smith, experimented with a range of lighting techniques, lenses, and filters to achieve the desired result. The result, as we can see in the series, is beautiful, elegant, and sophisticated.
IV. Why ‘Better Call Saul’ Chose Black and White to Enhance its Narrative Power
The quintessential question is how black and white affects the narration and character development in “Better Call Saul.” We see how it adds an emotional touch to certain events and how it portrays characters’ morality, identity, and memory. One example is the season one finale, where we see Jimmy’s transformation from a likable lawyer to a con artist. The final scene is in black and white, conveying the sense of loss and nostalgia for the life that Jimmy had lost.
The show also often uses black and white to emphasize a moral dilemma or ethical issue. It gives the audience visual cues to pay attention to a particular scene and read between the lines of the dialogue. This approach adds depth and complexity to the show’s themes and motifs, making it more than just an entertaining series.
Black and white is also an essential tool to witness the characters’ growth and to grasp their evolution over time. For instance, we see the transformation of Jimmy McGill into Saul Goodman, and how black and white reflects the different stages in his identity change. Black and white allows us to identify each stage of his growth, something that color would not have been able to achieve.
V. Breaking Bad’s Spinoff ‘Better Call Saul’ Takes a Bold Black and White Approach and Delivers
“Better Call Saul” transcends the usual standards of spinoffs, with its originality and quality production. It is a brilliantly written, acted, and directed show that manages to stand out from its predecessor. The black and white approach adds an even more distinct touch, and it is an essential part of its creative brilliance.
Unlike other spinoffs that tend to lean on the success of their predecessors, “Better Call Saul” paves its path and charts its own course. It builds upon “Breaking Bad’s” foundation but distinguishes itself by its use of black and white, its storytelling, and its character arcs.
The critical and popular reception of the show speaks for itself. “Better Call Saul” has garnered critical acclaim and numerous awards, proving that black and white is a valid and successful choice for modern TV production.
VI. Unpacking the Reasons Why Using Black and White in ‘Better Call Saul’ Works So Well
In summary, the use of black and white in “Better Call Saul” adds a unique touch to the visual style, the storytelling, and the overall experience of watching the show. It creates a throwback feeling, pays tribute to the art of filmmaking, and enhances the emotions and atmosphere of certain scenes. The use of black and white is crucial to portraying the characters’ evolution, morality, and identity, and it adds layers of depth and complexity to the show’s themes. Black and white, as seen in the case of “Better Call Saul,” is a perfect example of how powerful visual storytelling can be.
Black and white, as an artistic choice, has been successful since the beginning of film history. The concept enables filmmakers to play with different tones and forms of expression while providing a unique experience to the viewers. “Better Call Saul” uses it to perfection, solidifying its position as one of the most original and masterful TV shows of our time.
VII. Conclusion
“Better Call Saul” in black and white is a creative and narrative masterpiece. It showcases how black and white can be used to elevate a TV show’s visual style, storytelling, and character arcs. It is a perfect blend of modern TV production and classic cinematic art. The decision to use black and white was a bold one, but it proved to be the best creative decision for this critically acclaimed show.
The article has unpacked the different aspects and benefits of using black and white in “Better Call Saul.” This exploration of visual storytelling leads to further questions about the impact of color, symbolism, and nostalgia in cinematography. The use of black and white in “Better Call Saul” has shown that visual storytelling is a powerful medium that can transcend any genre or storytelling style.
As the cinematographer Gordon Smith said, “There’s definitely something special in the use of black and white. Its classic roots are where it comes from, and in this way, we’re trying to make something classic, in a way.” That idea encapsulates the essence of “Better Call Saul” in black and white: a modern classic that will inspire filmmakers for generations to come.