Case Study


In class we analyzed the opening to a TV show, here's my case study.


I chose the opening to Breaking Bad, a TV drama. The shot starts with a brief aerial shot, establishing the setting which is a dessert. From 0:03-1:06 the shot is mostly handheld, this is for narrative reasons as Walter White, the main character, is recording a confession tape. It also helps convey the character's emotions to the audience quite well, the entire shot feels shaky and panicked.

At 0:22-0:25 there is a short mid-shot. In this scene it shows Walter White taking a few breaths before continuing his confession. The mid-shot helps give the audience a short breather from the constant shaky handheld camera, helping convey that this is a small break in what otherwise is an extremely stressful situation. 

The camera then switches back to a close up, handheld shot of Walters face as he continues his confession. The camera is noticeably less shaky here, as the tone shifts to be more sober, as Walter feels hopeless and like doom is coming.

Then, at 1:10-1:19 the camera switches to a mid shot after a slight panning motion. This is the end of the confession and the end of Walter's panic and the camera choice reflects that. 

At 1:20-1:25 there is an over the shoulder shot of Walter walking into the background, Walter carries a poised facial expression and this shot shows a lot of dramatic tension. 

From 1:25 to 1:34 there is a long shot of Walter staring into the background preparing for danger, the low shot builds upon this after (1:34-Fin), as Walter reveals his gun with a small tilt, this is a slight twist for the audience and the tilt/low show helps establish the drama. 


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C7klnYBR3Xw

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