Better Call Saul is a critically acclaimed television series that has captivated audiences with its compelling storytelling and exceptional cinematography. The show, which is a prequel to the hit series Breaking Bad, has been praised for its use of visuals to elevate the story and create a unique viewing experience. In this article, we will explore the reasons why Better Call Saul’s cinematography is considered to be some of the best on television.

Better Call Saul’s Cinematography: A Masterclass in Technical and Creative Strategies.

Better Call Saul is a television series that has been praised for its exceptional cinematography. The show’s creators have made rich use of objects, gestures, and expressions to create a unique and compelling viewing experience. The following are some of the reasons why Better Call Saul’s cinematography is considered to be some of the best on television:

1. Variety of POV shots: The show uses a variety of point-of-view shots to give the audience a sense of what the characters are experiencing.
2. Pan-outs to the New Mexico skies: The show’s cinematography often features pan-outs to the beautiful skies of New Mexico, creating a sense of place and atmosphere.
3. Brilliant uses of lighting: The show’s creators make brilliant use of lighting to create mood and atmosphere, often using shadows and silhouettes to great effect.
4. Evolution over the series: The show’s cinematography has evolved over the series, becoming more sophisticated and nuanced as the show progresses.
5. Expertise of the director of photography: The show’s director of photography, Marshall Adams, is an expert in his field and has been instrumental in creating the show’s unique visual style.

In conclusion, Better Call Saul’s cinematography is a masterclass in visual storytelling. From the use of lighting and framing to camera movement and focus, the show’s cinematography excels in every area.

The show’s creators have made rich use of objects, gestures, and expressions to create a unique and compelling viewing experience. Better Call Saul is a testament to the power of visual storytelling and a must-watch for anyone interested in the art of cinematography.

Techniques Used in Better Call Saul’s Cinematography

Better Call Saul’s cinematography is a masterclass in visual storytelling. The show’s creators have made rich use of objects, gestures, and expressions to create a unique and compelling viewing experience. Here are some of the techniques that Better Call Saul uses to create its unique cinematography:

• Mix and match camera shots: Mixing and matching camera shots is essential to successful cinematography. This is particularly true when using opposite ends of the spectrum. Better Call Saul uses a variety of point-of-view shots to give the audience a sense of what the characters are experiencing. The show’s cinematography often features pan-outs to the beautiful skies of New Mexico, creating a sense of place and atmosphere.
• Lighting: The show’s creators make brilliant use of lighting to create mood and atmosphere, often using shadows and silhouettes to great effect. The show’s cinematography has evolved over the series, becoming more sophisticated and nuanced as the show progresses.
• Motivated shots: Each shot is legitimately motivated to elicit a specific feeling in the viewer. It’s not filmmaking for filmmaking’s sake. Better Call Saul’s cinematography excels in just about every area: lighting, framing, focus, camera movement.

Comparison to Breaking Bad

Better Call Saul is a prequel to Breaking Bad, and the two shows share a similar visual style. However, Better Call Saul’s cinematography has evolved over the series, becoming more sophisticated and nuanced as the show progresses.

The show’s creators have made rich use of objects, gestures, and expressions to create a unique and compelling viewing experience. Better Call Saul’s cinematography is a masterclass in visual storytelling, and it has been praised for its exceptional use of lighting, framing, focus, and camera movement.

Role of Lighting in Better Call Saul’s Cinematography

Lighting plays a crucial role in the cinematography of Better Call Saul. The show’s creators make brilliant use of lighting to create mood and atmosphere, often using shadows and silhouettes to great effect. The show’s cinematography has evolved over the series, becoming more sophisticated and nuanced as the show progresses.

Better Call Saul’s cinematography excels in just about every area: lighting, framing, focus, and camera movement. The show’s director of photography, Marshall Adams, is an expert in his field and has been instrumental in creating the show’s unique visual style.

How Objects, Gestures, and Expressions Contribute to Better Call Saul’s Cinematography

Better Call Saul’s cinematography is a masterclass in visual storytelling, and the show’s creators have made rich use of objects, gestures, and expressions to create a unique and compelling viewing experience. Objects, gestures, and expressions are used to convey meaning and emotion, and they help to create a sense of place and atmosphere.

For example, the show’s production design is often used to support and juxtapose the mood, and we see this in set dressing, costuming, and props. Lighting is also used to great effect, with shadows and silhouettes often used to create mood and atmosphere. The use of objects, gestures, and expressions in Better Call Saul’s cinematography is a testament to the power of visual storytelling.

Most Visually Inventive Shots in Better Call Saul

Better Call Saul’s cinematography is full of visually inventive shots that help to elevate the storytelling. Some of the most visually inventive shots in the show include:

• A figure in silhouette emerging from a manhole
• A bird’s-eye view of a car at an empty crossroads
• A blood puddle seeping along a rug

These shots are painterly examples of why the series is one of the most visually inventive shows on television. The show’s creators have made rich use of objects, gestures, and expressions to create a unique and compelling viewing experience, and the show’s cinematography has evolved over the series, becoming more sophisticated and nuanced as the show progresses.

How Better Call Saul Expanded on the Cinematic Style of Breaking Bad

Better Call Saul is a prequel to Breaking Bad, and the two shows share a similar visual style. However, Better Call Saul has expanded on the cinematic style of Breaking Bad, becoming more sophisticated and nuanced as the show progresses.

The show’s creators have made rich use of objects, gestures, and expressions to create a unique and compelling viewing experience, and the show’s cinematography excels in just about every area: lighting, framing, focus, camera movement.

The show’s director of photography, Marshall Adams, is an expert in his field and has been instrumental in creating the show’s unique visual style. Better Call Saul is a testament to the power of visual storytelling and a must-watch for anyone interested in the art of cinematography.

Significance of Objects and Gestures in Better Call Saul’s Cinematography

Better Call Saul’s cinematography is a masterclass in visual storytelling, and the show’s creators have made rich use of objects, gestures, and expressions to create a unique and compelling viewing experience. Objects, gestures, and expressions are used to convey meaning and emotion, and they help to create a sense of place and atmosphere.

For example, the show’s production design is often used to support and juxtapose the mood, and we see this in set dressing, costuming, and props. The use of objects and gestures in Better Call Saul’s cinematography is a testament to the power of visual storytelling.

Contribution of Lighting to the Mood and Tone of Better Call Saul

Lighting plays a crucial role in the cinematography of Better Call Saul. The show’s creators make brilliant use of lighting to create mood and atmosphere, often using shadows and silhouettes to great effect.

The show’s cinematography has evolved over the series, becoming more sophisticated and nuanced as the show progresses. Lighting is also used to support and juxtapose the mood, and we see this in set dressing, costuming, and props. The use of lighting in Better Call Saul’s cinematography is a testament to the power of visual storytelling.

Examples of How Better Call Saul’s Cinematography Has Influenced Other TV Shows

Better Call Saul’s cinematography has been praised for its exceptional use of lighting, framing, focus, and camera movement. The show’s cinematography has influenced other TV shows, and we see this in the use of similar techniques in other shows.

For example, the use of POV shots, pan-outs to the sky, and brilliant uses of lighting have been used in other shows such as Fargo, Atlanta, and Ozark. Better Call Saul’s cinematography has set a new standard for visual storytelling on television, and it will continue to influence and inspire other shows for years to come.

Specific Objects and Gestures Used in Better Call Saul’s Cinematography

Better Call Saul’s cinematography is a masterclass in visual storytelling, and the show’s creators have made rich use of objects, gestures, and expressions to create a unique and compelling viewing experience.

Objects and gestures are used to convey meaning and emotion, and they help to create a sense of place and atmosphere. Some specific examples of objects and gestures used in Better Call Saul’s cinematography include:

• The use of a yellow mug to represent Jimmy’s transformation into Saul Goodman
• The use of a pink teddy bear to represent the aftermath of a plane crash
• The use of a broken-down car to represent Jimmy’s struggles and setbacks

These objects and gestures are used to convey meaning and emotion, and they help to create a sense of place and atmosphere.

Contribution of Lighting to the Tone and Atmosphere of Better Call Saul

Lighting plays a crucial role in the cinematography of Better Call Saul. The show’s creators make brilliant use of lighting to create mood and atmosphere, often using shadows and silhouettes to great effect.

The show’s cinematography has evolved over the series, becoming more sophisticated and nuanced as the show progresses. Lighting is also used to support and juxtapose the mood, and we see this in set dressing, costuming, and props. The use of lighting in Better Call Saul’s cinematography is a testament to the power of visual storytelling.

TV Shows Influenced by Better Call Saul’s Cinematography

Better Call Saul’s cinematography has been praised for its exceptional use of lighting, framing, focus, and camera movement. The show’s cinematography has influenced other TV shows, and we see this in the use of similar techniques in other shows. Some examples of TV shows that have been influenced by Better Call Saul’s cinematography include:

• Fargo: The show uses similar techniques in lighting and framing to create a unique visual style.
• Atlanta: The show’s cinematography has been praised for its use of lighting and camera movement, which is similar to Better Call Saul’s.
• Ozark: The show’s cinematography has been praised for its use of lighting and framing, which is similar to Better Call Saul’s.

These shows have been influenced by Better Call Saul’s cinematography, and they have helped to elevate the art of visual storytelling on television.

How Color Contributes to Better Call Saul’s Cinematography

The use of color is an important part of Better Call Saul’s cinematography. The show’s creators make brilliant use of color to create mood and atmosphere, often using a specific color palette to support and juxtapose the mood.

For example, the color yellow is used to represent Jimmy’s transformation into Saul Goodman, while the color blue is used to represent the DEA and law enforcement. The use of color in Better Call Saul’s cinematography is a testament to the power of visual storytelling.

Examples of How Better Call Saul Uses Location to Visually Tell the Story

Better Call Saul uses location to visually tell the story in a variety of ways. The show’s creators make rich use of location to create a sense of place and atmosphere, often using the location to support and juxtapose the mood.

For example, the show’s use of the desert landscape of New Mexico creates a sense of isolation and desolation, while the use of urban locations creates a sense of claustrophobia and tension. The show’s use of location is a testament to the power of visual storytelling.

Contribution of Split Screens to Better Call Saul’s Cinematography

Split screens are used to great effect in Better Call Saul’s cinematography. The show’s creators use split screens to create tension and juxtapose different elements of the story. For example, a split screen might show two characters in different locations, creating a sense of tension and anticipation.

The use of split screens in Better Call Saul’s cinematography is a testament to the show’s ambition and creativity.Overall, Better Call Saul’s cinematography is a masterclass in visual storytelling. The show’s creators make brilliant use of color, location, and split screens to create a unique and compelling viewing experience.

The show’s cinematography has influenced other TV shows, and it will continue to inspire and influence other shows for years to come.

Specific Colors Used in Better Call Saul’s Cinematography

The use of color is an important part of Better Call Saul’s cinematography. The show’s creators make brilliant use of color to create mood and atmosphere, often using a specific color palette to support and juxtapose the mood. Some specific colors used in Better Call Saul’s cinematography include:

• Yellow: Used to represent Jimmy’s transformation into Saul Goodman.
• Blue: Used to represent the DEA and law enforcement.
• Red: Used to represent danger and violence.

The use of color in Better Call Saul’s cinematography is a testament to the power of visual storytelling.

Contribution of Location to Better Call Saul’s Themes and Character Development

Location plays a crucial role in Better Call Saul’s cinematography. The show’s creators make rich use of location to create a sense of place and atmosphere, often using the location to support and juxtapose the mood.

For example, the show’s use of the desert landscape of New Mexico creates a sense of isolation and desolation, while the use of urban locations creates a sense of claustrophobia and tension. The show’s use of location is a testament to the power of visual storytelling, and it contributes to the show’s themes and character development.

Examples of Split Screens in Better Call Saul’s Cinematography

Split screens are used to great effect in Better Call Saul’s cinematography. The show’s creators use split screens to create tension and juxtapose different elements of the story. Some specific examples of scenes in Better Call Saul that use split screens include:

• A split screen showing Jimmy and Kim’s separate lives as they prepare for their day in the morning.
• A split screen showing Jimmy and Kim’s separate reactions to a situation, highlighting their different perspectives.
• A split screen showing the different stages of a character’s plan as it unfolds.

The use of split screens in Better Call Saul’s cinematography is a testament to the show’s ambition and creativity, and it contributes to the show’s unique visual style.

Significance of the Color Green in Better Call Saul’s Cinematography

The use of color is an important part of Better Call Saul’s cinematography. The show’s creators make brilliant use of color to create mood and atmosphere, often using a specific color palette to support and juxtapose the mood.

The color green is used to represent Jimmy’s brother, Chuck, who is a successful lawyer but suffers from electromagnetic hypersensitivity. The color green is used to represent Chuck’s illness and his struggle to cope with it. The use of color in Better Call Saul’s cinematography is a testament to the power of visual storytelling.

Contribution of Location to Better Call Saul’s Character Development

Location plays a crucial role in Better Call Saul’s cinematography. The show’s creators make rich use of location to create a sense of place and atmosphere, often using the location to support and juxtapose the mood.

For example, Jimmy’s office is located in the back of a nail salon, which reflects his scrappy and unconventional approach to law. The use of location in Better Call Saul’s cinematography reflects the characters’ personalities and contributes to their development.

Effect of Using Split Screens in the Opening Scene of Better Call Saul

The opening scene of Better Call Saul uses split screens to great effect. The split screens show Jimmy’s mundane routine as a Cinnabon employee in Omaha, Nebraska, juxtaposed with flashbacks to his life as a successful lawyer in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The use of split screens in the opening scene creates tension and anticipation, and it sets the stage for the rest of the series.

The split screens also serve to highlight the contrast between Jimmy’s current life and his past, and they contribute to the show’s unique visual style.Overall, Better Call Saul’s cinematography is a masterclass in visual storytelling.

The show’s creators make brilliant use of color, location, and split screens to create a unique and compelling viewing experience. The show’s cinematography has influenced other TV shows, and it will continue to inspire and influence other shows for years to come.

Examples of How Better Call Saul Uses Color to Convey Meaning or Symbolism

The use of color is an important part of Better Call Saul’s cinematography. The show’s creators make brilliant use of color to create mood and atmosphere, often using a specific color palette to support and juxtapose the mood. Here are some more examples of how Better Call Saul uses color to convey meaning or symbolism:

• The color blue is used to represent the DEA and law enforcement.
• The color red is used to represent danger and violence.
• The color orange is used to represent Jimmy’s transformation into Saul Goodman.
• The color green is used to represent Chuck’s illness and his struggle to cope with it.

The use of color in Better Call Saul’s cinematography is a testament to the power of visual storytelling.

Contribution of Location to Better Call Saul’s Themes and Character Development

Location plays a crucial role in Better Call Saul’s cinematography. The show’s creators make rich use of location to create a sense of place and atmosphere, often using the location to support and juxtapose the mood.

For example, the show’s use of the desert landscape of New Mexico creates a sense of isolation and desolation, while the use of urban locations creates a sense of claustrophobia and tension. The use of location in Better Call Saul’s cinematography reflects the characters’ personalities and contributes to their development.

Other Unique Cinematography Techniques Used in Better Call Saul

Besides the use of color, location, and split screens, Better Call Saul uses a variety of other unique cinematography techniques to elevate the storytelling. Some of these techniques include:

• The use of POV shots to give the audience a sense of what the characters are experiencing.
• The use of pan-outs to the beautiful skies of New Mexico, creates a sense of place and atmosphere.
• The use of lighting to create mood and atmosphere, often using shadows and silhouettes to great effect.
• The use of objects, gestures, and expressions to create a unique and compelling viewing experience.

Better Call Saul’s cinematography is a masterclass in visual storytelling, and it has been praised for its exceptional use of these techniques.

How Camera Angles Contribute to Better Call Saul’s Cinematography

Better Call Saul’s cinematography excels in just about every area, including camera angles. The show’s creators make brilliant use of camera angles to create mood and atmosphere, often using different angles to support and juxtapose the mood.

For example, the show uses low-angle shots to make characters appear more powerful or intimidating, while high-angle shots are used to make characters appear more vulnerable or weak. The use of camera angles in Better Call Saul’s cinematography is a testament to the power of visual storytelling.

Significance of Close-Ups in Better Call Saul’s Cinematography

Close-ups are used to great effect in Better Call Saul’s cinematography. The show’s creators use close-ups to convey emotion and create intimacy with the characters. For example, close-ups are used to show the characters’ facial expressions and reactions, which can reveal their inner thoughts and feelings. The use of close-ups in Better Call Saul’s cinematography is a testament to the show’s attention to detail and its commitment to visual storytelling.

Contribution of Music to Better Call Saul’s Mood and Tone

Music plays a crucial role in creating the mood and tone of Better Call Saul. The show’s creators make brilliant use of music to create atmosphere and emotion, often using music to support and juxtapose the mood. For example, the show uses upbeat music to create a sense of excitement or anticipation, while somber music is used to create a sense of sadness or melancholy.

The use of music in Better Call Saul’s cinematography is a testament to the power of sound and its ability to enhance visual storytelling. Overall, Better Call Saul’s cinematography is a masterclass in visual storytelling.

The show’s creators make brilliant use of camera angles, close-ups, music, and other techniques to create a unique and compelling viewing experience. The show’s cinematography has influenced other TV shows, and it will continue to inspire and influence other shows for years to come.

Examples of Close-Up Shots Used in Better Call Saul and Their Contribution to Storytelling

Better Call Saul’s cinematography excels in just about every area, including the use of close-up shots. Close-up shots are used to convey emotion and create intimacy with the characters. Here are some examples of close-up shots used in Better Call Saul and their contribution to storytelling:

• A close-up of Jimmy’s face as he struggles with the decision to become Saul Goodman, conveys his inner turmoil and conflict.
• A close-up of Kim’s face as she realizes the extent of Jimmy’s deception, conveying her shock and betrayal.
• A close-up of Chuck’s face as he suffers from electromagnetic hypersensitivity, conveying his pain and struggle.

The use of close-up shots in Better Call Saul’s cinematography is a testament to the show’s attention to detail and its commitment to visual storytelling.

How the Use of Music in Better Call Saul Differs from Other Shows

The use of music in Better Call Saul is unique compared to other shows. The show’s creators make brilliant use of music to create atmosphere and emotion, often using music to support and juxtapose the mood. However, the show’s use of music is more subtle and understated compared to other shows.

The music is often used sparingly, and it is carefully chosen to enhance the mood and tone of the scene. The use of music in Better Call Saul’s cinematography is a testament to the show’s commitment to visual storytelling and its attention to detail.

Examples of Specific Scenes in Better Call Saul Where Music Enhances the Mood or Tone

The use of music in Better Call Saul’s cinematography is a crucial part of creating the show’s unique mood and tone. Here are some examples of specific scenes in Better Call Saul where music enhances the mood or tone:

• The use of “Address Unknown” by The Ink Spots in the opening scene of the episode “Chicanery,” which sets the tone for the episode’s themes of deception and betrayal.
• The use of “The Ballad of Heisenberg” by Dave Porter in the final scene of the episode “Bagman,” which creates a sense of tension and anticipation as Jimmy and Mike make their way through the desert.
• The use of “Something Stupid” by Lola Marsh in the final scene of the episode “Wexler v. Goodman,” which creates a sense of melancholy and sadness as Jimmy and Kim’s relationship begins to unravel.

The use of music in Better Call Saul’s cinematography is a testament to the show’s commitment to visual storytelling and its ability to create a unique and compelling viewing experience.

Role of Objects in Better Call Saul’s Visual Storytelling

Objects play a crucial role in Better Call Saul’s visual storytelling. The show’s creators make brilliant use of objects to convey meaning and emotion, often using them to support and juxtapose the mood. For example, the use of a yellow mug to represent Jimmy’s transformation into Saul Goodman, or the use of a pink teddy bear to represent the aftermath of a plane crash.

Objects are also used to create a sense of place and atmosphere, and we see this in set dressing, costuming, and props. The use of objects in Better Call Saul’s cinematography is a testament to the power of visual storytelling.

Comparison of Better Call Saul’s Cinematography to Breaking Bad

Better Call Saul is a prequel to Breaking Bad, and the two shows share a similar visual style. However, Better Call Saul’s cinematography has evolved over the series, becoming more sophisticated and nuanced as the show progresses. The show’s creators have made rich use of objects, gestures, and expressions to create a unique and compelling viewing experience.

Better Call Saul’s cinematography excels in just about every area, including lighting, framing, focus, and camera movement. The use of color is also a significant part of Better Call Saul’s cinematography, and it has been praised for its exceptional use of color to create mood and atmosphere.

Significance of Silhouette Shots in Better Call Saul’s Cinematography

Silhouette shots are used to great effect in Better Call Saul’s cinematography. The show’s creators use silhouette shots to create mood and atmosphere, often using them to support and juxtapose the mood. For example, the use of a silhouette shot to show a figure emerging from a manhole creates a sense of mystery and intrigue.

The use of silhouette shots in Better Call Saul’s cinematography is a testament to the show’s ambition and creativity. Overall, Better Call Saul’s cinematography is a masterclass in visual storytelling.

The show’s creators make brilliant use of objects, color, location, camera angles, close-ups, music, and other techniques to create a unique and compelling viewing experience. The show’s cinematography has influenced other TV shows, and it will continue to inspire and influence other shows for years to come.

Examples of Specific Scenes in Better Call Saul Where the Use of Objects Enhances the Storytelling

Objects play a crucial role in Better Call Saul’s visual storytelling. Here are some specific scenes in Better Call Saul where the use of objects enhances the storytelling:

• In the episode “Chicanery,” Jimmy uses a tape recorder hidden in a coffee mug to record Chuck’s confession, which is a pivotal moment in the series.
• In the episode “Bagman,” Jimmy and Mike use a broken-down car as a hiding spot, which creates a sense of tension and danger.
• In the episode “Wexler v. Goodman,” Jimmy gives Kim a “World’s 2nd Best Lawyer” mug, which represents their relationship and foreshadows their future.

The use of objects in Better Call Saul’s cinematography is a testament to the show’s attention to detail and its commitment to visual storytelling.

Contribution of Cinematography to Better Call Saul’s Tone and Mood

Better Call Saul’s cinematography is a crucial part of creating the show’s unique tone and mood. The show’s creators make brilliant use of lighting, framing, focus, camera movement, color, location, and other techniques to create a unique and compelling viewing experience.

The show’s cinematography has evolved over the series, becoming more sophisticated and nuanced as the show progresses. The use of cinematography in Better Call Saul’s storytelling is a testament to the show’s ambition and creativity.

Differences Between Better Call Saul’s Cinematography and Breaking Bad’s

Better Call Saul is a prequel to Breaking Bad, and the two shows share a similar visual style. However, Better Call Saul’s cinematography has evolved over the series, becoming more sophisticated and nuanced as the show progresses. The show’s creators have made rich use of objects, gestures, and expressions to create a unique and compelling viewing experience.

Better Call Saul’s cinematography excels in just about every area, including lighting, framing, focus, camera movement, color, location, and other techniques. The use of color is also a significant part of Better Call Saul’s cinematography, and it has been praised for its exceptional use of color to create mood and atmosphere.

Breaking Bad’s cinematography, on the other hand, was more focused on creating a gritty and realistic tone, with less emphasis on visual storytelling techniques. Overall, Better Call Saul’s cinematography is a masterclass in visual storytelling.

The show’s creators make brilliant use of objects, color, location, camera angles, close-ups, music, and other techniques to create a unique and compelling viewing experience. The show’s cinematography has influenced other TV shows, and it will continue to inspire and influence other shows for years to come.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, Better Call Saul’s cinematography is a masterclass in visual storytelling. From the use of lighting and framing to camera movement and focus, the show’s cinematography excels in every area.

The show’s creators have made rich use of objects, gestures, and expressions to create a unique and compelling viewing experience. Better Call Saul is a testament to the power of visual storytelling and a must-watch for anyone interested in the art of cinematography. You should also read: Cinematography Salary to learn more.

Dennis Gayirah

I am a highly experienced film and media person who has a great deal to offer to like-minded individuals. Currently working on several exciting projects, I am a film and media practitioner for over a decade. I have achieved a great deal of success in my professional career.