Why Better Call Saul's Cinematography is the Best on Television
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- Опубліковано 18 чер 2024
- Better Call Saul Cinematography Breakdown - how the filmmakers behind one of TV’s best shows mix and marry the visual styles of cinema, Westerns, Film Noir, and comedy.
Better Call Saul Cinematography Breakdown ►► bit.ly/co-bcs
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Chapters:
00:00 - Intro to Better Call Saul Cinematography
01:06 - Better Call Saul's Unique Vision
01:49 - Chapter 1: Cinematic Presentation
04:48 - Chapter 2: Noir Lighting
07:57 - Chapter 3: Playful Shot Choice
10:17 - Final Thoughts/Takeaways
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Better Call Saul Cinematography Breakdown
The cinematography of Better Call Saul just might rank up there with the best photographed shows on television. More than just the “quality” of the imagery, the show’s unique visual style is a blend of various cinematic influences from The Godfather and classic Hollywood Westerns, along with the high contrast moods found in Film Noir, and the more playful shot choices and camera framing that accent the comedy. In this video essay, we hear from co-creators Vince Gilligan and Peter Gould alongside DP Marshall Adams and more about these decisions and how they balance all of these influences into a single vision.
The first thing you notice about the cinematography of Better Call Saul is that it doesn’t really look like television…and that’s intentional. Just like its predecessor, Breaking Bad, Gilligan and Gould wanted to give Better Call Saul a more cinematic presentation. Despite the fact that a majority of the show is shot digitally, the lighting, framing and shot choices all contribute to this cinematic look. In particular, the use of wide shots when evoking Western landscapes. They also have a tendency to let scenes play longer in these wide shots, rather than cutting between close-ups.
Lighting plays a huge role in the Better Call Saul cinematography. Just as the daytime exteriors capture the brightness of the New Mexico sun, there is also a clear inspiration from Film Noir. As it was used in those crime dramas of the ‘40s and ‘50s, similar high-contrast lighting sets the stage for Jimmy’s descent into the criminal underworld. Aiding the cinematographers in this effort are the latest digital cameras like the VariCam that can shoot in extreme low-light situations without the usual signal noise.
Finally, even though Better Call Saul ventures into dark and dramatic territory, there are comedic elements woven throughout. The most obvious ways they bring levity into the show is through the dialogue, situations, and performances. But the camera itself can also contribute. Camera placement is an immediate way this is done, specifically the odd and unexpected POVs. Whether from inside a mailbox, mounted to a rolling car, or at the bottom of a talking toilet, these playful camera angles help balance out the drama.
The cinematography of Better Call Saul is just one reason why it has quickly become one of the best shows on television. Even with all the clear reference points, the show has crafted a visual style all its own.
#FilmTheory #VideoEssay #Filmmaking
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VIDEO EDITOR: BRANDON SCULLION
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♬ SONGS USED:
“Smoke On The Water” - Deep Purple
“Better Call Saul Theme” - Little Barrie
“A Mi Manera” - Gipsy Kings
“Mike In Pursuit (III)” - Dave Porter
“Reciprocating Saw” - Dave Porter
“M40” - Dave Porter
“On Edge” - Dave Porter
“Five For Lock” - Dave Porter
“Three Moves Ahead” - Dave Porter
“Ass Over Tea Kettle” - Dave Porter
“License Plate” - Dave Porter
“Four For Unlock” - Dave Porter
“Find Out What’s Happening” - Dave Porter
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Chapters:
00:00 - Intro to Better Call Saul Cinematography
01:06 - Better Call Saul's Unique Vision
01:49 - Chapter 1: Cinematic Presentation
04:48 - Chapter 2: Noir Lighting
07:57 - Chapter 3: Playful Shot Choice
10:17 - Final Thoughts/Takeaways
GOAT
In a era where Directors and DP's are obsessed with camera movement this show has the most creative still shots I've ever seen. So glad people are recognizing the beauty and skills here.
Yeah you see a lot of busy camera movement and cuts on standard Netflix/streaming service shows
While it isn't always the case, I tend to find busy cameras are used by directors who want you to know how good they are. I have a lot more respect for directors who are quiet and confident in their shots and editing, and just let the story play out and the actors do their work.
@@misterdarwin that's the thing- I think they have money for multiple cameras, CGI, and set pieces and may skimp on story and acting somewhat. So, the camera movement and cuts keep our ADD audiences interested. Scorsese can hold a long take on Pesci, Pacino, etc in The Irishman because you're watching a few legendary actors spin something amazing.
@@juju10683 Multiple cameras and quick edits give them a lot of room to fix problems in post production, rather than planning it out right from the start. Many blessings on AMC for giving Vince the extra prep time since the end of BB.
@@misterdarwin that makes sense when you are filming a show. They must be on a tight schedule.
Vince Gilligan is praised as a writer , but his filmmaking is underrated . It's pure brilliance .
Vince Gilligan is always praised but people always forget about the other directors and writers who were involved in this show
Gilligan barely wrote any of the series, more credit needs to be given to Gould and Schnauz and many more
Vrabo Bince!
You do realise vince has only directed one episode of this whole show by himself
he's a great filmmaker
Imagine going to sleep and waking up everyday knowing that you're responsible for not one but two of the greatest shows of all time.
Don’t forget the x files, so three :)
I don't remember him creating Attack on Titan
Must feel like a champion haha
@@valueofphi don't mix things here kiddo. AOT is good. But there was no need to bring it up here. BB and BCS are two of the best masterpieces cinema and television could offer us.
@@ArnabThokderMusicandArts That BB and BCS statement is very true. AoT is without a doubt on par with both (and I’m most certainly not alone on that stance) hence my banterous reply
i always thought the cinematography of better call saul was oddly uniqe and different. Glad this one got analyzed!
ua-cam.com/video/cwR_B5Ef_0k/v-deo.html
Happy to help!
hoi kuya will, kala mo di kita makita d2 noh?
I thought I was the only one to think that way. The cinematography of BCS is very underrated. To create tension each time, cinematography played a key role.
It is underrated for sure
I think it's overrated, personally
@@Skrenja u must be GOT fan 🤡
its definitely not underrated lol and its not overrated either. most people give it praise and know how great it is. its fine lmao
@@uglybetty8747 GOT is a good lookin show
No other Tv shows does better Montages than Better Call Saul.
You would think after 12 seasons of the two shows they would get tired by now. Nope.
maybe Fargo competes for the title here.
The montages were awesome
ua-cam.com/video/cwR_B5Ef_0k/v-deo.html
@@StudioBinder please make a video about it.
As someone who had lost his interest in photography due to mental health issues, Better Call Saul reminded me of why I took it up as a hobby in the first place. To capture a mood, a feeling or a moment. The cinematography of the series is beyond excellent and beats most movies and TV shows in my opinion. Thanks for the breakdown ! I hope one day you will do a cinematography breakdown of The Tragedy of Macbeth. Thanks for this video :)
Hope you're feeling better :)
@@StudioBinder Thanks for asking, Iam ! Keep putting out these great vids !
Hope you get well soon!
Why we do what we do!
Saving this to watch after the finale. This show was a huge inspiration to become a filmmaker for me.
It's not going anywhere :)
ua-cam.com/video/cwR_B5Ef_0k/v-deo.html
This is the best channel for an aspiring filmmaker/cinematographer like me hands down! Thanks Studio Binder for existing💙
Exactly.
absolutely the best free knowledge in the game.
+1
happy filming!
ua-cam.com/video/cwR_B5Ef_0k/v-deo.html
This show has genuinely ruined my enjoyment for other TV shows. Its like feasting on fast food after indulging in gourmet perfection.
no room for guilty pleasures anymore
Watch "Too Old to Die Young " it was the closest to BB e BCS in terms of cinematography and drama, it even has a cartel thing going on also
I also find the choice of color in Better Call Saul to be very interesting. There is characteristic element to it crafted specifically for the story. Jimmy's colors are bright and colorful in the background but bleak and grey on the foreground, showcasing him as a man who distastes his current self and searches for a new identity in his surroundings. Saul's colors on the other hand are reversed. The enviroment has much bleaker tones as Saul's colorful suits soak up the attention. The most noteworthy is Gene's colors because there are non. Entitely shot in B/W, it represents the abandonment of himself and his view on the world. It is when he looks into his past when he's quite literally reminded of his old colorful life.
That's my view on it. There's absolutely more to it than that and I think it's worth a looker if you're studying color for your own project.
Well said. I saw a video a few months back where the writers break down exactly what each color choice means. It's kinda crazy how precise the color choices are right down to the costume and production design choices.
It's well worth the watch if you have some time: ua-cam.com/video/XM0KcMkkdxw/v-deo.html
I believe your 100% right and I have the same view. This is why the final episode is in colour, as his cover as gene is blown and he’s now on the run as Saul goodman. The colours represent him feeling alive, and he only feels that way when he’s living as Saul goodman, and he won’t feel much more alive than being Saul goodman again (just like Heisenberg with Walt)
very bold creative decisions
I was just waiting for someone to make a video on only "cinematography aspect" of BCS. I just can't say how much I love the minimalism involved in the entire series. From the ant ice cream scene to the extremely wide shots you mentioned is just spectacular storytelling. Not to forget in the time when people are obsessed with fast paced drama, BCS really slows down and lets the viewers feel invited into the scene and then BAM something happens that makes us go "WTF" or WOAH". The slow idle shots of lizards or some other creepy animal at the start of some random episodes does make me wonder "what if it wasn't there" but then again its Vince and his eye for details. This is storytelling at its finest.
The amount of detail is amazing
Last month I binge-watched all the seasons to get current - I felt that the things I learned watching this channel helped a lot to digest the cinematography style. Such an amazing show.
Glad you liked it!
ua-cam.com/video/cwR_B5Ef_0k/v-deo.html
Wow. Didn't expected THAT. In my opinion Better Call Saul is better than Breaking Bad. Nice to see cinematography breakdown
Uhm no.
@@bookeblade in terms of writing? Definitely yes.
Agreed - Breaking Bad isn't a bad show but it doesn't touch the depth and the realness and the heart of Better Call Saul, but clearly it wouldn't be as amazing if BB wasn't first, I'd say
@@tylerpurrden the strength of BCS writing also relies on BrBa. It enhances BrBa's characters. You get to see characters like Jimmy or Mike get more fleshed out. Almost all of the main characters in BCS have an amazing arc. Whereas in BrBa I didn't feel as many (as in comparison) characters were fleshed out especially the female cast.
@@tylerpurrden Yes, BB is a good show! And maybe sometimes BCS feels slower. But in terms of writing, character development, storytelling and even cinematography I would give BCS first place.
Great! Watched all BCS seasons with a friend - and we kept commenting: "Wow. Look at that great shot! Now, THAT'S a visual idea!!" And so on and on. :-)) Really kept the quality of BB. Without being quite so dark.
After watching Mr. Robot & Better Call Saul, I've wanted to see so many more shows with still and unusual shots. Just makes things more spacious, refreshing and eye-candy.
definitely is refreshing, but even better is that it serves the story
Mr Robot cinematography is mind blowing man, love both shows so much. If u like bcs, u should def try Mr Robot. I think like minds can appreciate both. I never thought a show could reach Breaking Bads levels, but man Mr Robot really did, it's wild
The garage movement shot in S6 Ep5 is probably one of the coolest shots I’ve ever seen.
🔥🔥
A video about Mr. Robot's cinematography would be really interesting as well.
Another visual gem of the last years
Tod Campbell 😎🖒
That's a great show too!
The symbolism in this show is brilliant! It was there in Breaking Bad too, but in BCS, it's on another level.
Great storytelling
Better Call Saul deserves to get the same recognition as Breaking Bad once it's over. Iconic in cinematography and as a TV show overall.
No doubt!
Better Call Saul has one of the most sharp writing, the relation and motives of each character is incapsulated brilliantly by cinematography that always has more to show to the audience. Thanks StudioBinder and BCS.
Thanks for watching!
Each and every shot is precious moment of life. The whole series is like a poem. Shot composition, framing say a lot of things, emotion & set up mood that is beyond of any level of visual storytelling. POV shot, Wide angle shot, Creative shots, Noir effects using light and shadow are just outstanding. We all need to feel it, not just binge watching. This series is an example of perfect series that can teach us how to write a series, character buildup and create a minblowing virtual world where we can't differntiate the real and reel world. We become a part of the characters. ❤️
That's proper filmmaking!
the best thing i like is the untraditional edit.
In most of the movies and TV shows the first shut of every scene is a wide shot of the place/setting of the next scene. not in BCS. every scene starts with an unusual shot sometimes abstract sometimes macro sometimes of a specific object that the audience can't recognize. and only when the scene contiues it reveled what did we saw in the first shut.
this makes the show very interesting and add some level of tense for every scene.
Definitely is more entertaining
This show deserves so much praise! Finally a video to highlight its beauty in cinematography and its other areas. Wow
Hope it helps!
A big round of applause for the whole StudioBinder team who put this wonderful video together : The writers, the research team, the director, the Narrator with amazing deep voice, the sound design team, the editor(s), the graphic design team. And everybody else who worked on this video and every other video on this channel. Great job guys! 👏👏👏👏👏👏👏💯
Cheers!
ua-cam.com/video/cwR_B5Ef_0k/v-deo.html
Agreed. Never thought about cinematography in tv shows until better call Saul. Not even breaking bad even though looking back breaking bad has very great unique cinematography. Better call Saul is a perfect show
A whole episode dedicated to BCS. Well deserved.
Thanks for watching!
Studiobinder video on my favourite series 🥵🥵🥵
Hope the video does it justice!
A great essay, I loved every moment of this
BCS one of the cinematografy examples of the modern era is subtle calm and powerful. Such a good example for supporting the story with the whole elements of cinematography!!!!
Agreed!
This video!!! Thank you studio binder. I watched and learnt from the cinematography of this show because I liked the simplicity of the cinematography!!!
what a fantastic analysis of the cinematography. great narration and audio mixed with the shows clips, I hope this channel really picks up, it deserves it!
Appreciate it!
11:40 Very interesting. They've used micro four-third cameras like Panasonic GH4 with other professional cameras. GH4 is by no means a bad camera. However, it is amazing to know that they've used that old gem. BMPCC6K perhaps used in the latter seasons which is another surprise to me. Thanks a lot!
They knew what they were doing 👌
My God the effort you guys put into making these videos is tremendous. Hat's off to the entire team
A proper film School !!!
Class in session!
Thank you for making a video on BCS. Being a BCS fan girl, sobbing over 'series gonna end today' feeling, it actually made me happy, proud. ❤️
Consider it a bonus mini-episode
Great video as always. One of the greatest tv shows of all time ended last night. What a time to be alive.
Loved it
This video is spot on and well done
This show makes it worth watching every scene a couple of times to fully understand the visual story telling.
Vrabo bince!
It's great!
Kim discovering the bullet hole in the travel mug she gave Jimmy. The camera focuses on one of the holes and you see Kim's eye looking through it. Powerful & beautiful shot.
Great composition
Cinematic Perfection. Bravo Vince!
thank you for this amazing video! I was not expecting this! What a brilliant show
Lots to learn!
You’re the hero of your filmmaking journey while StudioBinder is the sidekick, we love u❤❤ one day I'll meet you as a director✌
Always great content!! Thank you!!
I knew watching Better Call Saul was significantly different from what Ive watched before but didnt know why until watching this breakdown. Thanks Studio Binder! Love love love your videos x
That's why we're here!
Thankyou for making a video on DEPARTED which I was asking you from months
all about timing and opportunity
Thanks for all The informations .i was waiting for cinematoghraphy of better call Saul👌
Hope it worth the wait!
This is a must watch for every fan of the show.
We hope so!
Yes!!!! I was waiting for this video!!!! Thank you!!!!
Thanks for watching!
Excellent analysis, this show has been a treat to watch.
Glad you liked it!
Long have I waited for a BCS video! Perfect day to do it
All part of the plan ;)
One of the best epiodes on StudioBinder
Great to hear!
My favourite programme ever. Pure poetry. Magnificent video. I love how they were willing to evolve and transform their look rather than feeling they had to stick to their early choices. The characters, the colour palette, the lighting, the wardrobe and even the speech patterns changed, so why not lenses and cameras as well? Genius!
That's how you grow a series over seasons!
The writing, directing, and story would not hold up without the superb visuals/ camera work and superb performances from talented actors.
It all comes together
@@StudioBinder except i kind of hated the writing/story/directing, some or a lot of it anyway by the end. probably every person under the sun, times 0.5, has opinions on what they would have done differently.
I was waiting for a video about this for soooo long omg
Finally here haha
Ha ha the cosmos is working its way. Just a week back I finished watching the episode 'Nippy' and came to your channel to see if there was anything around Better Call Sauls cinematography! And here you go!
Right on time!
Yesssssss!! I have been waiting for this video!
Hope it was worth the wait :)
Very good video, and quite educational for upcoming film students.
That's the plan!
I'll watch later, after I catch up.
I'm currently watching Mr Robot, and I really find the cinematography beautiful and clever at some times.
It would be great to have a video dedicated to Mr Robot's cinematography
Mr. Robot's a good option!
I said to myself at least once per episode: this is pure art!
I love this show, sometimes nothing could be happening and still be entertaining because of the cinematography!
Agreed!
Better Call Saul, a prequel about how Jimmy turned into Saul, and then back into Jimmy.
🙌🙌
Just subbed yesterday. Honestly this channel is very calming to me
One of the best TV shows ever!
The best*
Agreed!
The shot in 2:59 grabbed me from the balls since the first viewing. It's masterful.
understandable haha
Ever since I first watched breaking bad I was just fascinated with their shot selection. Their love of time lapse can be a bit much but other than that it’s spot on.
haha fair enough
The mastery of the cinematographer of this series will inspire new TV series and movies for many years.
Vince Gilligan is a creative genius. Hugely inspirational work.
Great video. Didnt expect them to use cameras that arent that crazy expensive.
Tech means nothing without the ability!
yes that is true I have just watched the last eps of ss6 very good at DP and Directing
Every season has been great
Thanks studiobinder for another blockbuster of a tutorial
Awesome! You should definitely do a cinematography breakdown of True detective (season one in particular).
We might!
I love the motifs of Marco's ring and Smoke on the Water show up whenever Jimmy is in Slippin Jimmy mode
Those are great
TODAY IS THE END FOR BETTER CALL SAUL BUT IT WILL ALWAYS FOREVER IN MY HEART 😭😭😭😭😭😭 THE BEST SERIES EVER AFTER BREAKING BAD
Should be a banger!
I loved the unusual framing.
I could watch 10 hours of this
Has anyone ever told you that you have an amazing voice? You could say anything and I would take it as a cold hard fact
haha good to hear!
Great video but would have loved to hear your thoughts about the black & white episodes!
To put it inone sentence, awesome when done well
just watched episode 12, cant wait for the grand finale! agree with you guys, best cinematography on tv!
Should be a blast!
Great video,thx.
Thanks for watching!
The illusion to the tequila topper in scenes where bad things will soon happen. Season 2: the logo on the wall outside of the copy shop - the scenes where Jimmy watches Chuck inside questioning the employee then falls. Several scenes of Jimmy next to it. It look just like the topper
Season 3: scene in the Jimmy & Jim's office drinking champagne to celebrate his bar license hearing victory at Chuck's expense. Chuck's ex stops by - tells Jimmy off - the camera pulls back and the Wexler McGill logo is reflected on the offhce ceiling with the lighting and it looks just like the tequila topper - huge above Kim & Jimmy.
It was visually impressive I took screen shots of those scenes. 👏 👏 bravo
not a bad idea to take screen shots haha
This show is what got me interested in cinematography. Vince is genius.
This just makes me even more baffled by how BCS has not gotten an Emmy nomination this year for cinematography
🤷♂🤷♂
Same
BRAVO.... This is the show I'm looking for....
The show we all didn't know we wanted
omg yes! the cinematography in this series blew my fucking head off especially this final season!!! This final season legit moved it up my list g.o.a.t list past breaking bad, i mean this thing is absolutely insane, this show and succession are my recent best shows on tv of the past 5 years
Way better than a prequel should be 💯
@@StudioBinder first prequel that is up to par nd imo kinda...kinda better than the original, i'm just saying.
I rewatched the series prior to the finale and I kept saying this!! Easily the BEST cinematography. A work of art on TV like no other TV show I know of.
It's fantastic
Adams has been one of my favorite cinematographers for quite a while now. He's quite brilliant.
He's been doing great work!
i think we need a StudioBinder "Succession" video
That's another great show!
Who is doing the voice over!? It's so amazing! I need a name! I could listen to him talk forever.
I like the Motif reflecting the aesthetic of early 2000s' camcorder typography and effects. It's right in the title sequence. Also the cheesy 2000s' video effects Saul uses repeatedly in his commercials.
I think an underestimated factor of this "comedic camera placement" is that the show is one of the most memed tv show ever. And through tiktok, Instagram, etc. Memes are basically free advertisment
Most underrated tv show ever everything about it is awesome 👍🏾
Love it!
How this show NEVER received a cinematography nomination at the Emmys is a fucking joke!!!
definitely would've deserved it
It's even better than Breaking Bad's which is saying something because Breaking Bad's cinematography was the best thing on television for a long time and holds up even today!
BrBa is perfect; BCS is more than perfect.
Agreed!
Better caul saul probably has some of the best visuals up their with the Coen Brothers movies.
Bravo Vince
Outstanding
Thanks for watching!
The only competitor IMO was Mr Robot, but I think BCS's shots have a lot more intention loaded into every frame so yeah, it's basically the best there is on TV on this front.
Incredible direction 👌
With Breaking Bad, Better Call Saul is One of the Most Awesome and Inspiring TV SHOW of the Decades. By the Way, with Deep Purple "Smoke on the Water" Song the Opening of the Video is Awesome! Thank you StudioBinder.
Glad you liked it!
Was keenly interested in how they shot the black and white scenes and recreated similar frames in last 4 episodes.
Fire 🔥🔥
Can you do a video on this show's montages? They're some of the best ever in modern tv
we might!