The latest season of the popular TV series Better Call Saul aired on AMC in January 2022, generating a lot of hype and anticipation among fans. The sixth and final season featured an interesting stylistic choice that caught many viewers’ attention – the use of black and white cinematography in some of its key episodes. In this essay, we’ll take a closer look at the reasons behind this decision and the impact it had on the show’s themes and storytelling.
The show’s creators, Vince Gilligan and Peter Gould, made a conscious decision to use black and white cinematography in some episodes of Better Call Saul. According to Gilligan, the aim was to “simplify things and get to the heart of the matter,” creating a more introspective and personal mood. The use of black and white also enabled the show to pay tribute to classic movies and TV shows that commonly utilized this style of cinematography.
One of the early episodes in season 6, “The Beginning,” aired on February 28, 2022, and was the first to feature black and white cinematography. This episode was a prequel to the events of the series and focused on the aftermath of Jimmy McGill’s (Bob Odenkirk) transition to Saul Goodman. The black and white cinematography in this episode served to highlight the stark contrast between the past and the present, underlining the darkness and gloominess of Jimmy’s journey.
Another episode that utilized black and white cinematography was “Wexler v. Goodman,” which aired on March 14, 2022. This episode centered on the fallout from Kim Wexler’s (Rhea Seehorn) decision to aid Jimmy in breaking the law, and the impact it had on their relationship. The use of black and white in this episode intensified the emotional tension of the scenes, and created a timeless feeling that emphasized the gravity of the characters’ decisions.
The final episode of the season, “The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly,” also used black and white cinematography in its opening scene. The scene was a flash-forward to the future, where Jimmy had adopted a new identity and was living in hiding. The use of black and white in this sequence created a sense of detachment and disorientation, underscoring the gulf between Jimmy’s past and present selves.
Overall, the use of black and white cinematography in Better Call Saul’s sixth season was a significant choice that added depth and nuance to the show’s storytelling and themes. By removing color and focusing on the characters and their relationships’ core elements, the show created a more intimate and introspective mood that highlighted the emotional weight of their decisions. Additionally, the black and white cinematography helped the show pay tribute to classic films and TV shows and created a timeless feeling that underscored the universality of the characters’ struggles.
To sum up, the deliberate decision to use black and white cinematography in some Better Call Saul episodes was an effective choice that enhanced the show’s themes and storytelling. By creating a more introspective and personal mood and emphasizing the characters’ choices’ gravity, the use of black and white cinematography contributed to the show’s overall impact and legacy. As the show’s finale approaches, this stylistic choice will remain a memorable and impactful aspect of the series.