Breaking Bad - Series 2 Episode 1 Analysis

First Scene:

• The whole opening sequence of the episode is in low key lighting as it is all shot in the colours black and white. This lighting method has connotations with darkness and therefore implies that dark events are awaiting the viewers.
• There is a frequent use of close up shots taken of anonymous objects in Walt's garden. This may highlight the importance of these objects as they dominate most of the shot. Deep focoused is also used for all of these items which again perhaps suggests that they are significant to the storyline.
• There is also the background noise of police cars and ambulences. These sounds have connotations with danger and uneasiness and therefore may foreshadow the events that await.

Seccond Scene:

• In this scene, one of Tuco's henchmen is forced to hide the body of a fellow henchman underneath a car. As he is placing the corpse underneath the car, a low angle shot is used. This could suggest that the characters have stooped to a very low level.
• When the henchman is walking away from the dead body, a birds eye shot is used. This places the character directly underneath the camera therefore making them seem very low down, ultimately suggesting that the characters are at a low psychological level.

Third Scene:

• In this scene Walt and Jesse have an intense stand off with Tuco. The scene begins with a extreme long shot of the three characters and it uses a hand held camera. This creates and unnerving, uneasy atmosphere and makes the viewer feel like they are involved in the scene.
• Tuco then goes on to throw Jesse on the floor as he is walking away. As he is thrown to the floor, the camera moves in synchronisation with Jesse's face. This allows the viewer to feel the same 'falling' experience that Jesse is feeling.

Fourth Scene:

• In this scene Skyler, walks through her house to find Walt standing aimlessly in front of the TV. As she walks through the house, a handheld camera is used to follow her, making viewers again feel as though they are involved in the scene.
• When Walt is seen standing infront of the telly, a big long shot is used which could suggest he is distant from reality.
• The shot then switches to a close up shot of Walt and deep focous is used on hs face so that viewers can really see his upset, struggling facial expression. This is followed by a very intense 'beeping' sound. This makes viewers feel uneasy and it also suggests that Walt is going through a very tough time.