No one seems to make videos about the company GKIDS. They're sort of like the last group standing that still funds and publishes independent 2d animated movies. A lot of their movies are really great too. Wrinkles, when marnie was there, the prophet are probably my favorite
Breaking Bad is LITERALLY the most perfect thing I've ever watched. All the elements - the acting, plot, dialogue, direction, characters, themes, etc. are flawless and come together in the most perfect way possible. I've never seen anything do all that as perfectly as Breaking Bad does.
I absolutely love how you reference the many books you've read on character development. It helps to validate so much of what you're saying, i've learned a bunch - and I know where to go to learn more. I hope you keep seeing insane success on this channel!
What you didn’t mention but probably only realizes after watching the whole show is that his family loved him in the first episode even though Walt thought he was pathetic. At the end of the show he thought he was a badass but his family hates him.
Another thing is he sees needing and wanting other people (and their help) as a weakness. He repeatedly claims to do things for his family because he enjoys the thought of them depending on him. We can see it because the writers has stated that he left gretchen because he couldnt stand not being the provider. Its also why he wants Jesse - Jesse not being as smart or as capable (in his eyes) is a positive, because he can be a top dog and the head of the operation. At the end of the series, he begs Ed to pretend to be his friend and buys one hour for 10000$, as well as acknowledges Jesse's work with a smile, not angry but proud that his partner did such a good work without him. He finally recognized that his weakness isn't something to hate and avoid. He has squared his circles and became whole.
The fact that this show reached such a high level of quality right from the start, only to get better with every season, still amazes me. It's the only show I've watched where I never once felt like my time was being wasted. Every moment was compelling and meaningful. And yes that includes "Fly", fuck the haters.
I might not hate "Fly" because I watched the show all at once on Netflix. I found it to be an interesting change of pace that allowed us to see the current state of Walt and Jesse's relationship. The way the Jane subplot is explored in that episode and later tied into "Ozymandias" (which I agree is the best episode, I find it funny that the most beloved and most hated episodes came from the same director) is one of my favorite things about it. But I can understand how frustrated people must have felt when "Fly" initially aired, since it did little to develop the season's plot and viewers couldn't just go right to the next episode like they can now. I think that's where most of the hate for it comes from. It's far from the best episode, but even the lesser episodes of Breaking Bad are some top-notch TV, and for a bottle episode it's pretty damn great.
I wondered what did Fly add to the story while I was watching it, but I gotta admit that even as a filler it was pretty funny and showed us how was the Walter-Jesse relationship at the moment
I started working on one that I was going to release on April Fool's day...but then it turned from a joke to a serious video, which needs a bit more time to get right. So. Soon(ish)!
I just watched it for the 3rd time like a few days ago then I got depressed again so I've been watching a shit ton of interview videos and the awesome characters on talk shows lol
I always thought this was a perfect pilot at the time (still top 10 episodes of the series), but when you go back and watch it after finishing the series, it becomes completely euphoric knowing how much everyone and everything changed by the finale. Can't watch this pilot anymore without crying the whole way through. Forever the greatest of all time.
+Lessons from the Screenplay That's why the beginning of Ozymandias is so powerful, because it briefly revisits that time before showing the destruction they've caused
I always teach my students about the "moral weakness" of a character. John Truby talks about it. I couple that theory with John Vorhaus' "how does your character cross the street?" input that makes it ACTIVE. I think every action Walt takes in Breaking Bad, from beginning to end, doesn't have to do always with power. I think a moral weakness also creates ANY type of conflict. When he argues with Jesse, it's not power he wants. It's control. You said it, but it's secondary in your video. If something's off (i.e. mustard on doctor's coat) he'll want the situation controlled again. Like the episode "Fly". It talks about how not in control he is of his lab and his practice against Gus. Every time there's conflict, it's either some dealer with no control (or Jesse losing control because of drugs) and Walter trying to tame the situation. In his search for control, he loses it.
Also in chemistry, you control everything. There are no surprises. Everything happens as it should. Control. Walter inherently likes and wants control in everything. Thats why he likes cooking and never stops too. The machines he touches at last. Saying goodbye to the thing he loves most, chemistry. "I simply respect the chemistry. The Chemistry Must be Respected"
The opening shot for Breaking Bad may very well be the best introduction to a show I’ve ever seen. Drama, action, humor, character development, the whole pilot really goes above and beyond what it needs to do and becomes something truly special. Excellent analysis.
I love this channel. It revolves around substance, not style. The videos are insightful, nicely paced and diligent--not clickbaity, too commercial or screamy. I really like the analyses and they're nice to follow or to take with you into thinking yourself. Well done!
When I saw this, euphoria hits and all I can think is "Oh my god, oh my god, oh my god!". This was a great video, I'm glad to see you did Breaking Bad, and I can't wait for future videos.
that is so true and louie its really aware of how unconventional it is, i remember a chapter in the series in wich louie pitches the idea of a show very much like louie to a paramount executive and describes it like a show where nothing happens and we just follow the character on his daily life and stuff and the executive leaves him alone, an in depth analysis of why it works would be quite something.
You did forshadow which video you were going to do next at the beginning of the Inglourious Basterds Video, didn't you? In your Movie shelf all the films you analyzed were ordered. After Basterds the first season of breaking bad was standing right next to it.
Lessons from the Screenplay That's cool to foreshadow each of your next several videos in the beginning of your videos but I was wondering if you will consider TV shows or movies asked by your subscribers before or after your catalog. Personally I would enjoy a Hannibal series video the most, if you haven't seen it is on par with Breaking Bad and Game of Thrones to me because of its astonishing visuals of beauty and gore, and it's subtly that each actor portrays on the show
On that note, I saw Collateral on your shelf, too. Thinking of doing that sometime in the future? (it wasn't next to Breaking Bad nor to the right of it, but it was there) Other recommendations for Lessons from the Screenplay I have are... Hunger (This is probably just my personal viewing opinion, but I felt the movie was told more with visuals. It seemed very different from how historical films are typically told) Nebraska (Admittedly, I am just suggesting this one because I think it's an underrated film. I suppose you can deconstruct the simplicity of the film) Finally, I don't know if you would be interested in analyzing musicals, but there's an independent musical company that uploads their musicals online to a wider audience. One of the musicals they did was a parody of Wicked called Twisted, which is essentially the story of Aladdin told through the perspective of Jafar. It's incredibly funny, and I can't watch Aladdin the same way again after watching this musical.
I thought of it as a short film. If you never want to watch anything more, you will at very least have been given a satisfying, self-contained story. But you will absolutely know if you want to watch more. That's why it's perfect.
Outstanding essay as usual Michael, I've run out of words to describe how much I enjoy your videos. Just wondering, do you make all those graphics yourself too!?
That's amazing. Besides the incredible content here, It's really hard to find a channel with this level of graphic design & editing. I would also recommend you to check out kaptainkristian's channel if you haven't. You two are the best there is at the moment!
Breaking Banter also is this like the line the Joker says in the Dark Knight "I'm a dog chasing cars, I don't know what I would do if I caught one" in other words your all about the chase but not the end result
Lessons from the Screenplay First half of first season is not so special but then it picks up and doesn't stop making you laugh and making you feel like garbage
Michael, your work is truly excellent. From someone who does something similar, it is obvious how much time and effort goes into these videos. Keep up the good work, and I wish you all the best in the future!
The biggest benefit Breaking Bad had as a TV show is that even though they hadn't had the entire arc planned out, the writers would go through multiple possible scenarios and decide where to take things from there. In the end, it became one of the consistently best shows I have ever watched beginning to end. I also like how they gave Walt traits of his victims so that they lived on in the viewer's mind, constantly reminding you of the lost souls without being in your face about it.
My Recommendations Would be: City of God, Fight Club, A Clockwork Orange, Its always Sunny In Philadelphia, Django Unchained, A Serious Man, We Need To Talk About Kevin BTW I always look forward to your videos, great and quality content you put up
Man, I love how you're now making videos about TV show. Could you make video on Jonathan Nolan's screenplay? It's kinda sad how he has been living under Christopher Nolan's shadow throughout his career until he created 'Westworld' for HBO.
I only recently discovered your channel, and I must say, it has skyrocketed to the top of my list in terms of film and TV analysis on RUclips. Excellent work as always, really smart and well thought out dissection of an amazing pilot of television. Keep up the good work!
Can I just say, being a fairly new viewer. I'm a huge cinephile and absolutely love what you do with these videos. It's helped me to look even deeper into movies and tv shows which I can only love and expect endlessly. Your episodes are like a good classic movie. Amazing editing, and filmmaking credentials yet the actual meat you blow out of the park once again. A big, BIG fan and I think I'll be watching you till your finished with these videos.
Yes!!!! I almost feel guilty watching these for free. The insight and info you share is master level and something you usually see behind a pay wall. Thank you! Please more.
I don't know if you would consider this an interesting enough challenge, but I would be super interested in a screenplay breakdown of a movie like Aardaman's "Shawn the Sheep" (a completely dialogue-less film).
One of the things I enjoy about your videos is seeing the screenplay dialog on screen and observing the subtle alterations made in the final edit. In the clip at 5:50 moving the pause to right before "and I know the chemistry" enhanced the scene.
I heard that the show didnt have much of a fan base at first. I heard in an interview that they thought it would be fun to see how dark they can take the show and see how much of their audience drops off. He said exactly the opposite of that happened.
I've read several books about short screenwriting and THIS encapsulates everything I was looking for. You sir are a gentleman and a scholar! One of my favorite channels!
Not sure if you're still looking at the comments, but if you want to see a show that deals with a lot of similar themes through the darkest comedy I've personally ever seen, I'd really recommend Review with Andy Daly, and I'd love to see what you'd have to say about the writing on the show.
I am, just a little behind because I took a break to get some coffee and food! Interesting, I don't think I've heard of it but I'll try to check it out.
Honestly, Breaking Bad didn’t grab me from the first episode, it grabbed me from the very first MINUTE with the flying pants. This kind of a show comes ones in a lifetime (a bit exaggerated but kinda true in my opinion). So happy I got to watch it and so sad it had to end, even tho the ending was pure gold! Also, thanks for the awesome review ♥️
This is the template for what all television pilots should strive for. It should grab you and make you wish for more within the span of an hour. This particular pilot is almost a short film in and of itself and it's perfect in almost every way. Great job as always!
You are spot on about the pilot getting the audience completely invested in the protagonist, in this case Walter White. Even though he is arguably an extremely selfish and evil man (which he eventually himself admits), we cared so much about him and his path. I don't believe I have ever teared up at the death of an evil protagonist before so it was quite an accomplishment what Vince Gilligan was able to do with the concept and role of the protagonist.
The only shows that even come close to topping Breaking Bad for me are The Wire and the first season of True Detective. Speaking of which... Ever considered doing a video on True Detective season 1?
Until Season 6 GOT was so good. But including the last two seasons. Its just sad how they ruined a show they crafted so beautifully for all these years
I would love to see something about how Se7en tells a riveting mystery or the mystery genre in general! Maybe even a look on relationships in films and how that dynamic works!
Please do a video on a Michael Haneke film! I think you could make a really interesting analysis on any of his work. Really curious to see what you think of Funny Games, Cache, The White Ribbon or Amour. Keep killing it man, your videos are awesome!
You have to do The Wire next Michael. Even though Breaking Bad is my favorite show of all time, I gotta give credit when it's due and acknowledge that The Wire is at the top. I think it's definitely up your alley.
A great essay, and really great guidance for writers! However, I can't help but feel that you missed talking about the scene where Walter sees the huge pile of money in the video where Hank did the drug bust. I think it sets up a huge theme for the rest of the show and a big part of Walter's character development.
Love the way you don't get sidetracked like other RUclipsrs. I love Criswell, etc., but sometimes he just talks for fifteen minutes and then the video is over. Yours are always structured and have a beginning, middle and end. Kind of like breaking bad!
I think it's so amazing how shows are made. I don't understand how you can stretch out a story for 10 episodes a season 5 seasons and still have it play out like a movie. And I would get lost in the possibilities that you can have - day or night scene, location, character personalities, how they interact....
Finished The Sopranos a couple months ago and am ready to start another well known and great show. Watch the pilot of Breaking Bad last night and thought it was great. Excited to continue.
Great video! However the biggest knowledge and surprise I got from this video is the fact there was once an author, Lajos Egri, who I had no idea of up until now. He is not only Hungarian-born and have written a widely acclaimed book in the world of drama/writing, but also he was born in my small homecity of Eger, where I am typing all this right now! A remarkable discovery, thank you. So in my excitement, here are some interesting pieces of trivia, some food for thought, should someone consider reading Egri's book; or just because. :) Egri means "from Eger" - his last name. It is a quite rare last name, plus he is in fact from Eger..., so it is almost certain that this last name was made up by himself, or maybe he had royal ascendants. Lajos - his first name - could be the Hungarian equivalent of Louis. In Hungary, Egri Lajos is the "correct" order in which we Hungarians write our names. Last names first, first names last. But since he moved to the USA and was known in English-speaking regions, where it is "switched up", Lajos Egri is a fine way too to write his name, as a way to avoid confusion in those regions regarding the order. Also, it is quite interesting that in the video, Michael pronounces the "J" in Lajos as it were like a Spanish/Mexican name, like AleJandro or Juan. Actually Lajos is pronounced as follows: L as in Like; A as in lAugh; J as in crY, saY, maY; O as in nO; knOw, shOw; and S as in Shift, wiSh, Shield. Egri is pronounced like "Egg-ree". (Or like "angry", only without the "N".) All this is absolutely irrelevant to Breaking Bad, but here you go...!
I cannot get the fact that so many people find this episode boring. It´s one of the best for sure, incredibly well written, and introduces you perfectly to the best series of all time, with some of the best characters you will ever see. What´s wrong with people lol
Very much enjoyed this - thanks for the video! You mention the book "The Art of Dramatic Writing" which looks really interesting, what else would you recommend reading to improve screenwriting?
Fantastic. You not only broke it down perfectly, you told your own story as a viewer. Well, our story as viewers. Thank you so much for this, great work.
I love how even for the Pilots original premier in 2007, they still managed to make the cinematography savored for the actual first episode air. They just only seemed to have higher up the quality for the 2008 one. No one can actually tell the difference.
Thanks for your videos man. I'm a fiction writer, though not in screenplays, but the arts are close cousins, and I always learn so much from you. Keep at it, please, you're a fascinating teacher for all of us!
Your Tutorial is Fantastic... The execution was spotless. Just recently it was suggested to me (while working on a Screenplay) that my Story would make an even better TV Pilot than a movie... because of it's endless potential growth.... subsequently made here in New Mexico too... This is why I was watching your tutorial... I'm new to TV although I started out making Commercials in the good old days when they still used film!!! "Breaking Bad" was a God-given-gift... it did wonders for our state... I really like this tutorial... (I have watched it 3 times)... "Thank YOU" so much for sharing this...
to me walt didn't like his life he didn't care for it when this all started he felt like he was actually doing something with his life he had a purpose he was good at something thats how i see it
Fun fact. I never watched the pilot because my netflix did that skip thingy and I started with the second episode and thought for a long time it was just some weird in medias res and loved that😅
I'm not sure if you'll read this, but I would love to see an essay describing the way that Rick and Morty finds a balance between Sci-Fi/philosophical themes and comedy. I think that's what makes it such a popular show, in that it doesn't insult its audience's intelligence with its humor.
Ahh man, even if you never do a video on it, it's something I highly recommend watching. Their jokes are subtle at times, so you kinda have to work for the laughs. It makes them that much more worthwhile.
I can't commend these videos enough. Concise & thoughtful writing combined with great editing makes each one one of these videos remarkable. Thank you for making this.
Wow! This is awesome. I love the fact that you took your time to use elements associated with the Breaking Bad brand. The chemical table font style, the gas mask. Great job.
Hi Michael! I just wanted to say thank you. I'm a director / writer and I discovered your channel a feew weeks ago. It has made me enjoy writing again. So yea, thanks man! Keep it up.
Just discovered this channel, and after watching a few videos, and applying the principles of a story to my greatest movie...my life, everything just changed for me.
What a way to explain the entire of Breaking Bad greatness and great script with only spoiling the first episode. Amazing. (Sorry if my english is bad)
Hope you enjoyed the video! What film or TV show should I do in the future? Let me know!
Definitely Stranger Things!
Lessons from the Screenplay The Sopranos
Freaks and Geeks!!
Lessons from the Screenplay hey man I love your videos it really helps me as a screenwriter myself look forward to more great videos keep it up 👌
No one seems to make videos about the company GKIDS. They're sort of like the last group standing that still funds and publishes independent 2d animated movies. A lot of their movies are really great too. Wrinkles, when marnie was there, the prophet are probably my favorite
Breaking Bad is LITERALLY the most perfect thing I've ever watched. All the elements - the acting, plot, dialogue, direction, characters, themes, etc. are flawless and come together in the most perfect way possible. I've never seen anything do all that as perfectly as Breaking Bad does.
Ha I get the elements pun
Exactly
@suny123boy1 nope
Mex Donald that’s what I was thinking😂😂
@@bdn4306 same
I absolutely love how you reference the many books you've read on character development. It helps to validate so much of what you're saying, i've learned a bunch - and I know where to go to learn more. I hope you keep seeing insane success on this channel!
Thank you!!
last place i expected to see you but i now expect even deeper analysis for Souls games now :)
I don't know why you fucks give these fake comments to try and get likes. What a piece of shit you grew up to be
@@frenchgundam9079 asshole
Well now, this is certainly a surprise.
What you didn’t mention but probably only realizes after watching the whole show is that his family loved him in the first episode even though Walt thought he was pathetic. At the end of the show he thought he was a badass but his family hates him.
holy shit, what a tragic but great observation
Another thing is he sees needing and wanting other people (and their help) as a weakness. He repeatedly claims to do things for his family because he enjoys the thought of them depending on him. We can see it because the writers has stated that he left gretchen because he couldnt stand not being the provider.
Its also why he wants Jesse - Jesse not being as smart or as capable (in his eyes) is a positive, because he can be a top dog and the head of the operation.
At the end of the series, he begs Ed to pretend to be his friend and buys one hour for 10000$, as well as acknowledges Jesse's work with a smile, not angry but proud that his partner did such a good work without him. He finally recognized that his weakness isn't something to hate and avoid. He has squared his circles and became whole.
They loved him, yes, but didn’t respect him. To be loved but not respected may be worse than not to be loved at all. It was for Walt
I don't think people appreciate how great breaking bad's first episode was. That episode could've just been like a short film on its own.
Now, *Breaking Bad - Crafting A TV Finale*
Nico Marquez15 and then, *Breaking Bad- crafting a third last episode*
@@JPage-wl5em And then *Breaking bad: Crafting a perfect show*
I made a TV Pilot inspired by this👇
ruclips.net/video/dHTTps4s5bw/видео.html
Lmk what u think🥷🏿
The fact that this show reached such a high level of quality right from the start, only to get better with every season, still amazes me. It's the only show I've watched where I never once felt like my time was being wasted. Every moment was compelling and meaningful.
And yes that includes "Fly", fuck the haters.
I did hate the fly...but otherwise I agree with you completely :P "Ozymandias" may be the greatest episode of television ever.
I might not hate "Fly" because I watched the show all at once on Netflix. I found it to be an interesting change of pace that allowed us to see the current state of Walt and Jesse's relationship. The way the Jane subplot is explored in that episode and later tied into "Ozymandias" (which I agree is the best episode, I find it funny that the most beloved and most hated episodes came from the same director) is one of my favorite things about it. But I can understand how frustrated people must have felt when "Fly" initially aired, since it did little to develop the season's plot and viewers couldn't just go right to the next episode like they can now. I think that's where most of the hate for it comes from. It's far from the best episode, but even the lesser episodes of Breaking Bad are some top-notch TV, and for a bottle episode it's pretty damn great.
speaking of which, i do think "Ozymandias" deserves its own analysis by you
I wondered what did Fly add to the story while I was watching it, but I gotta admit that even as a filler it was pretty funny and showed us how was the Walter-Jesse relationship at the moment
Fly was a dope episode, they did one of the best bottle episodes I've ever seen.
I' d like to see you analyse a bad screenplay and talk about why it doesn't work.
I started working on one that I was going to release on April Fool's day...but then it turned from a joke to a serious video, which needs a bit more time to get right. So. Soon(ish)!
@@LessonsfromtheScreenplay Hey, did you ever do this? If so, what's the video's title?
@@LessonsfromtheScreenplay Yes, please show us the ways
@@LessonsfromtheScreenplay The Last Jedi vs. Rouge One, Right?
This makes me want to rewatch Breaking Bad
Yep. Me too.
That reply earned you a sub. lol
I just watched it for the 3rd time like a few days ago then I got depressed again so I've been watching a shit ton of interview videos and the awesome characters on talk shows lol
*DO IT*
I made a TV Pilot inspired by this👇
ruclips.net/video/dHTTps4s5bw/видео.html
Lmk what u think🥷🏿
I forgot that they fit all this into episode 1. It’s paced so expertly that I was sure this stuff was spread over at least 3 or so episodes.
this is quality youtube
It really is
I made a TV Pilot inspired by this👇
ruclips.net/video/dHTTps4s5bw/видео.html
Lmk what u think🥷🏿
I always thought this was a perfect pilot at the time (still top 10 episodes of the series), but when you go back and watch it after finishing the series, it becomes completely euphoric knowing how much everyone and everything changed by the finale. Can't watch this pilot anymore without crying the whole way through.
Forever the greatest of all time.
Yeah...it's pretty nuts and tragic to revisit where it all began.
+Lessons from the Screenplay That's why the beginning of Ozymandias is so powerful, because it briefly revisits that time before showing the destruction they've caused
a great journey though :D
One of the best/memorable series and worthy end!
+Breaking Banter can I just say you guys I love your content and...well, your faces lmao
I always teach my students about the "moral weakness" of a character. John Truby talks about it. I couple that theory with John Vorhaus' "how does your character cross the street?" input that makes it ACTIVE. I think every action Walt takes in Breaking Bad, from beginning to end, doesn't have to do always with power. I think a moral weakness also creates ANY type of conflict. When he argues with Jesse, it's not power he wants. It's control. You said it, but it's secondary in your video. If something's off (i.e. mustard on doctor's coat) he'll want the situation controlled again. Like the episode "Fly". It talks about how not in control he is of his lab and his practice against Gus. Every time there's conflict, it's either some dealer with no control (or Jesse losing control because of drugs) and Walter trying to tame the situation. In his search for control, he loses it.
That's a very good point. They're closely related, but "control" is probably a more accurate description more of the time for Walt.
Also in chemistry, you control everything. There are no surprises. Everything happens as it should. Control. Walter inherently likes and wants control in everything. Thats why he likes cooking and never stops too. The machines he touches at last. Saying goodbye to the thing he loves most, chemistry.
"I simply respect the chemistry. The Chemistry Must be Respected"
The opening shot for Breaking Bad may very well be the best introduction to a show I’ve ever seen. Drama, action, humor, character development, the whole pilot really goes above and beyond what it needs to do and becomes something truly special.
Excellent analysis.
Now, you should do the crafting of a season finale or mid-season finale or anything like that.
I like it!
I made a TV Pilot inspired by this👇
ruclips.net/video/dHTTps4s5bw/видео.html
Lmk what u think🥷🏿
I love this channel. It revolves around substance, not style. The videos are insightful, nicely paced and diligent--not clickbaity, too commercial or screamy. I really like the analyses and they're nice to follow or to take with you into thinking yourself. Well done!
Agree with your comment. Substance! Yes!
I made a TV Pilot inspired by this👇
ruclips.net/video/dHTTps4s5bw/видео.html
Lmk what u think🥷🏿
When I saw this, euphoria hits and all I can think is "Oh my god, oh my god, oh my god!". This was a great video, I'm glad to see you did Breaking Bad, and I can't wait for future videos.
Thanks Ian!
Can you do Louie please? Everything he does is so unconventional yet still works...
I really need to start watching his show...
Horace and Pete is also great
I support both request, with passion.
that is so true and louie its really aware of how unconventional it is, i remember a chapter in the series in wich louie pitches the idea of a show very much like louie to a paramount executive and describes it like a show where nothing happens and we just follow the character on his daily life and stuff and the executive leaves him alone, an in depth analysis of why it works would be quite something.
Yeah, Horace and Pete is even better!
You did forshadow which video you were going to do next at the beginning of the Inglourious Basterds Video, didn't you? In your Movie shelf all the films you analyzed were ordered. After Basterds the first season of breaking bad was standing right next to it.
:D It makes me really happy that you were able to catch my little easter-egg...
Lessons from the Screenplay That's cool to foreshadow each of your next several videos in the beginning of your videos but I was wondering if you will consider TV shows or movies asked by your subscribers before or after your catalog. Personally I would enjoy a Hannibal series video the most, if you haven't seen it is on par with Breaking Bad and Game of Thrones to me because of its astonishing visuals of beauty and gore, and it's subtly that each actor portrays on the show
On that note, I saw Collateral on your shelf, too. Thinking of doing that sometime in the future? (it wasn't next to Breaking Bad nor to the right of it, but it was there)
Other recommendations for Lessons from the Screenplay I have are...
Hunger (This is probably just my personal viewing opinion, but I felt the movie was told more with visuals. It seemed very different from how historical films are typically told)
Nebraska (Admittedly, I am just suggesting this one because I think it's an underrated film. I suppose you can deconstruct the simplicity of the film)
Finally, I don't know if you would be interested in analyzing musicals, but there's an independent musical company that uploads their musicals online to a wider audience. One of the musicals they did was a parody of Wicked called Twisted, which is essentially the story of Aladdin told through the perspective of Jafar. It's incredibly funny, and I can't watch Aladdin the same way again after watching this musical.
9:39 That puts a whole new spin on "money laundering".
Whole new spin
I like that
I thought of it as a short film. If you never want to watch anything more, you will at very least have been given a satisfying, self-contained story. But you will absolutely know if you want to watch more. That's why it's perfect.
Outstanding essay as usual Michael, I've run out of words to describe how much I enjoy your videos. Just wondering, do you make all those graphics yourself too!?
Thank you! And yeah, besides feedback and guidance from a few key people each video is a one-person job.
That's amazing. Besides the incredible content here, It's really hard to find a channel with this level of graphic design & editing. I would also recommend you to check out kaptainkristian's channel if you haven't. You two are the best there is at the moment!
omg that's so true @rudahms
Thank you! And I love kaptainkristian, great videos and I'm always blown away by his visuals and animations.
Interestingly the graphics are the fastest part of the whole process. The writing is by far the most time-consuming.
Breaking bad oh hell yeah!!!!! You need to do one video about Gattaca ;) talking about metaphors within a script!
I can't believe I still haven't seen that!
Highly recomended! ;) I think you will enjoy it a lot!
OH GOD YES PLEASE
Holy shit, finally! I can stop asking now!
But then what will we talk about?! I broke our banter.
I think you should do a video essay on Gus Fring since he is returning for Better Call Saul.
Breaking Banter Ask him to do more breaking bad
Breaking Banter also is this like the line the Joker says in the Dark Knight "I'm a dog chasing cars, I don't know what I would do if I caught one" in other words your all about the chase but not the end result
Oh my.. Breaking Banter is also here?! That's amazing!
Love the outfit at the end haha
Thanks Akilah! ;)
Yeah same lmao
I made a TV Pilot inspired by this👇
ruclips.net/video/dHTTps4s5bw/видео.html
Lmk what u think🥷🏿
Once Season 4 comes out, you should do an analysis of Bojack Horseman and its realistic depiction of depression and existentialism
I hear that it's really good but haven't watched it yet.
Lessons from the Screenplay First half of first season is not so special but then it picks up and doesn't stop making you laugh and making you feel like garbage
Please do Bojack Horseman!
"The View From Halfway Down" .
Michael, your work is truly excellent. From someone who does something similar, it is obvious how much time and effort goes into these videos. Keep up the good work, and I wish you all the best in the future!
Thanks, Jack! It's always nice to hear from a creator who appreciates the work involved.
You gotta do some kind of analysis on Mad Men dude. Like the character arc of Don Draper or something.
Man, I freaking love Mad Men. Definitely on my list.
yes!
Oh my god yes please. Please analyze both Don and Betty.
im on season 4 right now im loving this show. didnt like the pilot episode tho so i stopped watching it but i came back :D
yasss
can you do Silences of the lambs
I've been meaning to rewatch this for forever!
He did it this week
The biggest benefit Breaking Bad had as a TV show is that even though they hadn't had the entire arc planned out, the writers would go through multiple possible scenarios and decide where to take things from there. In the end, it became one of the consistently best shows I have ever watched beginning to end. I also like how they gave Walt traits of his victims so that they lived on in the viewer's mind, constantly reminding you of the lost souls without being in your face about it.
My Recommendations Would be: City of God, Fight Club, A Clockwork Orange, Its always Sunny In Philadelphia, Django Unchained, A Serious Man, We Need To Talk About Kevin
BTW I always look forward to your videos, great and quality content you put up
Thanks Byron! That is a list of excellent suggestions, as well.
Byron Diaz Django Unchained is so good.
Hey brother for us black folks do mind covering Luke cage, empire, the new roots, power
Great suggestions! I would love to see Fight Club and Django broken down! I still need to watch We Need to Talk about Kevin.
I recently watched 'Filth' and I would like to add that to my list :P
Man, I love how you're now making videos about TV show. Could you make video on Jonathan Nolan's screenplay? It's kinda sad how he has been living under Christopher Nolan's shadow throughout his career until he created 'Westworld' for HBO.
I've definitely thought about doing Westworld. It would be interesting to follow his career, specifically.
well to be fair he's living in his brother's shadow for a reason..its christopher nolan
I only recently discovered your channel, and I must say, it has skyrocketed to the top of my list in terms of film and TV analysis on RUclips. Excellent work as always, really smart and well thought out dissection of an amazing pilot of television. Keep up the good work!
Wow, thanks Timothy. I appreciate that!
Damn u now I have to rewatch entire breaking bad again
mah bad
Can I just say, being a fairly new viewer. I'm a huge cinephile and absolutely love what you do with these videos. It's helped me to look even deeper into movies and tv shows which I can only love and expect endlessly. Your episodes are like a good classic movie. Amazing editing, and filmmaking credentials yet the actual meat you blow out of the park once again. A big, BIG fan and I think I'll be watching you till your finished with these videos.
Yes!!!! I almost feel guilty watching these for free. The insight and info you share is master level and something you usually see behind a pay wall. Thank you! Please more.
Don't feel bad at all! I appreciate you spending your time to watch them :)
god i missed your videos
They missed you too, undertaker0079. They missed you too.
I don't know if you would consider this an interesting enough challenge, but I would be super interested in a screenplay breakdown of a movie like Aardaman's "Shawn the Sheep" (a completely dialogue-less film).
I haven't seen that, but will try to check it out because that does sound like an interesting challenge.
One of the things I enjoy about your videos is seeing the screenplay dialog on screen and observing the subtle alterations made in the final edit. In the clip at 5:50 moving the pause to right before "and I know the chemistry" enhanced the scene.
I heard that the show didnt have much of a fan base at first. I heard in an interview that they thought it would be fun to see how dark they can take the show and see how much of their audience drops off. He said exactly the opposite of that happened.
I've read several books about short screenwriting and THIS encapsulates everything I was looking for. You sir are a gentleman and a scholar! One of my favorite channels!
haha, thank you!
Not sure if you're still looking at the comments, but if you want to see a show that deals with a lot of similar themes through the darkest comedy I've personally ever seen, I'd really recommend Review with Andy Daly, and I'd love to see what you'd have to say about the writing on the show.
I am, just a little behind because I took a break to get some coffee and food! Interesting, I don't think I've heard of it but I'll try to check it out.
Honestly, Breaking Bad didn’t grab me from the first episode, it grabbed me from the very first MINUTE with the flying pants. This kind of a show comes ones in a lifetime (a bit exaggerated but kinda true in my opinion).
So happy I got to watch it and so sad it had to end, even tho the ending was pure gold!
Also, thanks for the awesome review ♥️
This is the template for what all television pilots should strive for. It should grab you and make you wish for more within the span of an hour. This particular pilot is almost a short film in and of itself and it's perfect in almost every way. Great job as always!
It's true! As I was analyzing it I was realizing it's basically just a film but in a somewhat shorter package.
You are spot on about the pilot getting the audience completely invested in the protagonist, in this case Walter White. Even though he is arguably an extremely selfish and evil man (which he eventually himself admits), we cared so much about him and his path. I don't believe I have ever teared up at the death of an evil protagonist before so it was quite an accomplishment what Vince Gilligan was able to do with the concept and role of the protagonist.
Thank you for actually talking about the script. I rarely if ever seen channels like this show or even talk about the script.
The only shows that even come close to topping Breaking Bad for me are The Wire and the first season of True Detective. Speaking of which... Ever considered doing a video on True Detective season 1?
Would love to do True Detective...just need to figure out how to condense a whole season into a video.
Oh man I agree. The Wire and True Detective Season 1!!! I hope you consider doing The Wire since you already have True Detective on your sights.
0:06 and now, after the Game of Thrones fiasco I think it's safe to say it is The greatest show of all time
We needed this episode. Totally transformed the way we see the screenplay we’ve got on our desks right now.
Walt's passing out in the pilot is like Peter Parker getting bit by the spider
Okay Michael, that ending with you in the hazmat suit was epic. Your videos and insights are SOOOOOOOO good!
Breaking bad was way better than Game of thrones
I would have disagreed 2 years ago when you posted this, but after season 8 of GoT, I wholeheartedly agree
Until Season 6 GOT was so good. But including the last two seasons. Its just sad how they ruined a show they crafted so beautifully for all these years
Subhan's Vault I would still argue that GOT is much more ambitious in turns of scope and the large cast.
I would've argued against that, but after s8, you are right.
I don't want to be reminded of Game of thrones, 8 years and all I have left is disappointment
Laughed so hard at the turn around at the end. Did not see that coming. 10/10 video as always!
This is one of the best film channels on RUclips, Nerdwriter ain't got shit on you
Thanks Diego :P
Lessons from the Screenplay you are welcome Michael ;)
The pilot is what sets the tone and leaving no doubt as to future watching or going with something else.Very good job.
After Better Call Saul, it is so funny you using the title "Fun and Games", it is so balanced as all things should be. Lol
Was looking for this comment
I would love to see something about how Se7en tells a riveting mystery or the mystery genre in general! Maybe even a look on relationships in films and how that dynamic works!
That would be awesome! I love Se7en. One of my favorites.
@@LessonsfromtheScreenplay Still waiting
@@bookeblade i think he made one, look up se7en vs true detective from this channel
Please do a video on a Michael Haneke film! I think you could make a really interesting analysis on any of his work. Really curious to see what you think of Funny Games, Cache, The White Ribbon or Amour. Keep killing it man, your videos are awesome!
Had to drop everything I was doing cause LFTS uploaded a new vid
:P
You have to do The Wire next Michael. Even though Breaking Bad is my favorite show of all time, I gotta give credit when it's due and acknowledge that The Wire is at the top. I think it's definitely up your alley.
A great essay, and really great guidance for writers! However, I can't help but feel that you missed talking about the scene where Walter sees the huge pile of money in the video where Hank did the drug bust. I think it sets up a huge theme for the rest of the show and a big part of Walter's character development.
Love the way you don't get sidetracked like other RUclipsrs. I love Criswell, etc., but sometimes he just talks for fifteen minutes and then the video is over. Yours are always structured and have a beginning, middle and end.
Kind of like breaking bad!
I appreciate that. I think everybody has their own styles, but I try to aim for concision as much as possible.
I think it's so amazing how shows are made. I don't understand how you can stretch out a story for 10 episodes a season 5 seasons and still have it play out like a movie. And I would get lost in the possibilities that you can have - day or night scene, location, character personalities, how they interact....
Finished The Sopranos a couple months ago and am ready to start another well known and great show. Watch the pilot of Breaking Bad last night and thought it was great. Excited to continue.
finished it yet
Great video! However the biggest knowledge and surprise I got from this video is the fact there was once an author, Lajos Egri, who I had no idea of up until now. He is not only Hungarian-born and have written a widely acclaimed book in the world of drama/writing, but also he was born in my small homecity of Eger, where I am typing all this right now! A remarkable discovery, thank you.
So in my excitement, here are some interesting pieces of trivia, some food for thought, should someone consider reading Egri's book; or just because. :)
Egri means "from Eger" - his last name. It is a quite rare last name, plus he is in fact from Eger..., so it is almost certain that this last name was made up by himself, or maybe he had royal ascendants.
Lajos - his first name - could be the Hungarian equivalent of Louis.
In Hungary, Egri Lajos is the "correct" order in which we Hungarians write our names. Last names first, first names last. But since he moved to the USA and was known in English-speaking regions, where it is "switched up", Lajos Egri is a fine way too to write his name, as a way to avoid confusion in those regions regarding the order.
Also, it is quite interesting that in the video, Michael pronounces the "J" in Lajos as it were like a Spanish/Mexican name, like AleJandro or Juan. Actually Lajos is pronounced as follows: L as in Like; A as in lAugh; J as in crY, saY, maY; O as in nO; knOw, shOw; and S as in Shift, wiSh, Shield.
Egri is pronounced like "Egg-ree". (Or like "angry", only without the "N".)
All this is absolutely irrelevant to Breaking Bad, but here you go...!
I actually applauded when he came up at the end with the suit on... genius analysis.
Okay, but that outro was everything lol! Love it, keep up the good content! ☺️
I cannot get the fact that so many people find this episode boring. It´s one of the best for sure, incredibly well written, and introduces you perfectly to the best series of all time, with some of the best characters you will ever see. What´s wrong with people lol
Very much enjoyed this - thanks for the video! You mention the book "The Art of Dramatic Writing" which looks really interesting, what else would you recommend reading to improve screenwriting?
I have a handy new website that I can point you to for just this kind of thing! www.lessonsfromthescreenplay.com/blog/
Thanks, and I love the website design!
Moar!!!
Moar!!
Lessons from the Screenplay Moar
Fantastic. You not only broke it down perfectly, you told your own story as a viewer. Well, our story as viewers. Thank you so much for this, great work.
I love how even for the Pilots original premier in 2007, they still managed to make the cinematography savored for the actual first episode air. They just only seemed to have higher up the quality for the 2008 one. No one can actually tell the difference.
Best show to ever be created no doubt about it. Sad it ended
Yeah. Glad it ended when it did though, dragging it on could have made it less great.
its great because its ended. not get dragged until its loss its feel
Better call Saul is different but really quite good. Get your "breaking bad world" fix
I ended on the right time.
How do you feel about so Camino
I really appreciate the work you put into this. These are always quality
Thanks! I apprecate that.
Another GOLD episode! Beautiful job. I also like your ending in the meth brewing uniform. lol
lol, thanks Rutch!
Thanks for your videos man. I'm a fiction writer, though not in screenplays, but the arts are close cousins, and I always learn so much from you. Keep at it, please, you're a fascinating teacher for all of us!
Your Tutorial is Fantastic... The execution was spotless.
Just recently it was suggested to me (while working on a Screenplay) that my Story would make an even better TV Pilot than a movie... because of it's endless potential growth.... subsequently made here in New Mexico too... This is why I was watching your tutorial...
I'm new to TV although I started out making Commercials in the good old days when they still used film!!!
"Breaking Bad" was a God-given-gift... it did wonders for our state...
I really like this tutorial... (I have watched it 3 times)...
"Thank YOU" so much for sharing this...
"Hey guys, Michael here"
Wait a minute, what channel is this?
Screenplaysauce! Yeah, that's a bad name.
to me walt didn't like his life he didn't care for it when this all started he felt like he was actually doing something with his life he had a purpose he was good at something thats how i see it
Use some punctuation my guy
Would love it if you did a Soprano's video.
BRILLIANT. One of the best videos I've seen on YT. So informative about the 4 Act structure.
Fun fact. I never watched the pilot because my netflix did that skip thingy and I started with the second episode and thought for a long time it was just some weird in medias res and loved that😅
Great video. You're such a nerd for that ending! adorable.
I'm not sure if you'll read this, but I would love to see an essay describing the way that Rick and Morty finds a balance between Sci-Fi/philosophical themes and comedy. I think that's what makes it such a popular show, in that it doesn't insult its audience's intelligence with its humor.
Interesting. I have only seen a few episodes... I should watch more.
Ahh man, even if you never do a video on it, it's something I highly recommend watching. Their jokes are subtle at times, so you kinda have to work for the laughs. It makes them that much more worthwhile.
YES PLEASE! The first episode of Season 3 is crazy good!
Nick Cumpian YES.
🤓
I'd like to watch a Lessons from the Screenplay on Lessons from the Screenplay
Meta. Just wait til I do "Adaptation."
I can't commend these videos enough. Concise & thoughtful writing combined with great editing makes each one one of these videos remarkable. Thank you for making this.
this was very helpful and your costume at the end was the best part.
wow, i was never this early, i think
You are about as early as can be!
Dude your videos kick ass! Can't get enough!
You're not early. You're on time.
Thanks Guillermo!
Please please please do an essay on The Godfather! love your vids, keep them up!
Definitely on my list! Thanks!
Oh yeeee boi! He's back with an exceptional essay.
Sup boyzzz
The editing and production in your videos are as insightful as your commentary. Thank you so much for all your efforts.
Wow! This is awesome. I love the fact that you took your time to use elements associated with the Breaking Bad brand. The chemical table font style, the gas mask. Great job.
Pure Gold Information. You've inspired me to do a TV show. 😄
At 2:28, I thought it said acne
In Bruges
Roger
Sam Lindgren I third that. 😁😁
I live in Bruges and thought everybody hated that movie? :D
Hi Michael! I just wanted to say thank you. I'm a director / writer and I discovered your channel a feew weeks ago. It has made me enjoy writing again. So yea, thanks man! Keep it up.
Just discovered this channel, and after watching a few videos, and applying the principles of a story to my greatest movie...my life, everything just changed for me.
I love Breaking Bad. Thanks for doing this
My pleasure!
The ending of this video surprised me.
I'm going to go with, "good."
What a way to explain the entire of Breaking Bad greatness and great script with only spoiling the first episode. Amazing.
(Sorry if my english is bad)
The greatness was there from the beginning!
Wow, advertising at the end of the video. I like it. It's generous and respectful to the audience.
Just finished rewatching the show 3rd time, I watch all related videos everytime I rewatch this show.