His iconic portrayal of criminal mastermind Gustavo Fring on Breaking Bad propelled Giancarlo Esposito to legendary status. His flawless performance of the two-faced drug lord left his peers and viewers in awe, wondering how he managed to get into character.
He shared the holistic discipline he used to immerse himself in the identity of Gus Fring and revert back to himself in an interview with Variety, explaining his unique process:
“I use the same practice to get into the character to get out — my yoga practice. That’s where spirit lived for me. To be able to listen to my own breath and give time and space, that to me is god and goddess.”
Fring was especially compelling because his meticulous and calculated nature masked a profoundly sinister core. Esposito was was able to convey the duality of the character with unparalleled finesse, moving seamlessly between a philanthropic public persona and a chilling malevolence lurking just beneath the surface.
Fring is methodical, predatory, and utterly detached from the devastating consequences his criminal activities inflict on society. Esposito brilliantly exuded the coldblooded essence of the crime baron, stealing every scene he appeared in and captivating viewers for more than a decade.
Fans were particularly intrigued by one of Fring’s mannerisms, although Esposito did recall some dark thoughts that passed through his mind when he was in character and plugged into his reticent anti-social persona.
“People ask me, ‘When you’re Gustavo, what are you thinking when you take that deep breath and look at something?’ I laugh, because I’m thinking, ‘How am I going to kill you?'”
Ultimately, Gustavo Fring was born from Giancarlo Esposito mastering the art of tapping into the depths of his psyche, and courageously exploring the shadows within. In doing so, he summoned powerful and forbidden emotions of wrath, avarice, lust, and fear to breathe life into the character. His insights provide a fascinating glimpse into the intricacies of acting by one of the industry’s most accomplished craftsmen.
