Since I have free Sunday afternoons and Monday mornings now with
True Detective over, I decided to finally give
Breaking Bad a shot. Marathoned the whole
season one - it's not that long since it's only seven episodes.
First impressions ? Very interesting premise. Chemistry teacher partners up with his former student to cook meth, when he learns that he has inoperable lung cancer. All that to pay for his treatments and apparently secure the financial future of his family. I have to say, that as Pole I find this all quite bizzare given that our universal health care covers cancer in all types
I like those types of scenarios however, no matter how unebelievable they seem to me. "
America" is what I usually say [and then shrug my shoulders]. Your average man finds himself in dire straits and turns to crime, showing us the glimpses of the underworld - in this case of drug making. I know nothing about this stuff and I doubt that BB strives for realism in that aspect - it's TV, therefore it demands certain mindset. How else could you accept the very convienent fact that Walt has a brother-in-law in DEA, that is suuuurely gonna be going after him in future seasons. And a baby on its way! And cancer !
I give the season one props for using great music! I am writing this listening to the
Out of Time Man and generally speaking I have no bad words to say about it in terms of sound design. Cinematography is another standout, though I have to say I've been spoiled by True Detective and its high-budget, Breaking Bad isn't showing off in any way in that regard... and I don't mind. Careful shots and hand-held camera give it a certain feel. Love the New Mexico setting as well !
So yeah... I am hooked. Sorry for skipping over the characters and story stuff, but it's a material for a longer write-up. I guess I will be making a video review, once I sort my thoughts about that. If there is one thing that stands out to me more that the others is the fact how your "average" man on the verge of death finds motivation and even certain "fulfillment" in his criminal operations. Thrills of living on the edge and realization that death is near, perhaps ?