“Better Call Saul” is a prequel spin-off to the popular series “Breaking Bad,” and it follows the story of Jimmy McGill (Bob Odenkirk) before he becomes the criminal lawyer Saul Goodman. The show’s creators, Vince Gilligan and Peter Gould, use a variety of storytelling techniques to explore Jimmy’s character and his transformation into Saul. One of these techniques is the use of black and white scenes throughout the series, which serve to deepen the show’s themes and add layers of meaning to the story.
The black and white scenes in “Better Call Saul” take place after the events of “Breaking Bad” and show a present-day Jimmy working at a Cinnabon in Omaha, Nebraska, under the assumed name Gene Takovic. These scenes serve as a contrast to the colorful, high-energy world of Albuquerque, where the rest of the series takes place, and help to emphasize Jimmy’s isolation and sense of loss. The use of black and white also adds a nostalgic quality to these scenes, as if they are memories that Jimmy is reliving.
One of the main purposes of the black and white scenes is to show the consequences of Jimmy’s actions in the past. As the show progresses, we see Jimmy making morally questionable decisions in order to get ahead in his career, such as changing the address on a legal document or conning a wealthy potential client. These decisions have long-term consequences that affect not only Jimmy, but also the people around him. The black and white scenes show Jimmy living with the aftermath of his choices, alone and haunted by his past.
In addition to their function as a framing device, the black and white scenes also serve to deepen the show’s themes. One of the central themes of “Better Call Saul” is the struggle between morality and self-interest. Throughout the series, we see Jimmy trying to reconcile his desire to do good with his ambition to succeed. The black and white scenes emphasize the weight of Jimmy’s decisions and the toll that they have taken on him, suggesting that the cost of pursuing self-interest may ultimately outweigh any benefits.
Another theme that the black and white scenes explore is the concept of identity. Jimmy is a complex character with multiple identities – he’s a con artist, a brother, a lover, a lawyer. The black and white scenes show Jimmy living under yet another identity, that of Gene Takovic. The scenes highlight the theme of identity crisis, as Jimmy struggles to maintain his facade and avoid detection. The black and white filter used in these scenes also creates a sense of emotional distance and detachment, further emphasizing the idea that Jimmy has lost touch with who he really is.
Finally, the black and white scenes also serve to add a layer of suspense and intrigue to the show. The scenes are shot in a way that creates tension and anticipation, as we wonder what will happen to Jimmy and whether he will be caught. The scenes are also filled with references to “Breaking Bad” and hints at how Jimmy’s story may ultimately intersect with the events of that show. By using black and white as a visual motif, the show’s creators are able to create a distinct and memorable tone for these scenes.
In conclusion, the black and white scenes in “Better Call Saul” serve multiple purposes. They provide a framing device for the show’s story, emphasize the weight of Jimmy’s decisions and their long-term consequences, deepen the show’s themes of morality and identity, and add a layer of suspense and intrigue. The use of black and white creates a distinct and memorable tone for these scenes and helps to differentiate them from the rest of the show.