Television directors are starting to earn attention and admiration from watchers like never before, and Breaking Bad has done its share of ushering in tremendous new directorial talents as well as securing the skills of established filmmakers for various episodes. The big breakout star of the series behind the scenes seems to be Michelle MacLaren, directing several episodes of the final two seasons, including the brilliant Season 5A finale. She’s also directed episodes in the past season of Game of Thrones.
Another director gaining notice for contributions to the show has been Rian Johnson, noted director of Looper and Brick, and the man behind the famous “Fly” episode of Season 3. This episode more than perhaps any other highlighted the series’ willingness to go out on a limb for the sake of experimentation.
Yes, it was conjured up because they had gone over budget for the season, but its execution and masterful expression of these characters made it one of the series’ most beloved episodes. The whole series also has a few signatures, some more effective and provocative than others, but the fact that it tries different visual and rhythmic schemes shows its commitment to novelty in its storytelling. The leitmotif of the rear tracking shot of various characters, like Walt walking toward Gus’ house, or Gus walking towards Hector’s home, resonates. The POV shots from the perspective of the bottom of a grave garner less enthusiasm for me personally, although others eat it up. The ambition of the series extends far beyond its storytelling itself, to style, cinematic expression, and a stated willingness to experiment. It deserves enormous credit for this.
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