Setting the Stage for Crime Drama: How “Breaking Bad” Elevates the Genre
You might think you know what to expect when you hear the term “crime drama”—perhaps the gritty atmospheres of “The Sopranos” or the high-stakes law enforcement operations in “The Wire” come to mind. However, “Breaking Bad” is one of those genre-bending shows that elevates the art of crime drama storytelling to a level that’s uniquely its own.
In traditional crime dramas, we often encounter protagonists who are either on one side of the law or the other. But Vince Gilligan, the genius behind “Breaking Bad,” took a different approach. He gifted us Walter White, a man situated in the twilight zone between legality and criminality—a high school chemistry teacher turned methamphetamine producer. This intriguing duality serves as a hook and gives the narrative an innovative angle right from the get-go.
But what are the foundational elements of a crime drama? At its core, this genre often deals with legal and ethical complexities that involve crime and the characters who perpetrate or prevent it. A deep dive into this genre would reveal core elements like suspense, moral dilemmas, and, of course, crime and punishment. But you don’t have to take my word for it—books like “The Anatomy of Story” by John Truby go into great detail about the intricacies of genre, including crime drama.
“Breaking Bad” makes an art of blending these fundamental elements while also pushing the boundaries. For instance, unlike conventional crime dramas, which often utilize urban settings, the series opts for the less-explored Albuquerque, New Mexico. The Southwestern landscape not only offers aesthetic uniqueness but also reflects the isolation and barren morality of its characters. Thus, if you’re writing a screenplay and wish to delve into crime drama, considering an uncommon setting could be among your initial screenwriting tips to make your script stand out.
Another striking feature is the use of an anti-hero as the protagonist. Walter White’s transformation over the series is emblematic of this genre’s tendency to delve deep into its characters’ psyches. However, Walter’s shift from sympathetic to morally dubious offers a narrative richness that defies simple categorization, creating a character who is neither entirely good nor completely bad.
For writers looking for writing prompts, imagine a character who starts with morally justifiable motives but eventually spirals into ethically questionable behavior. How would you create a story arc for such a character while maintaining audience engagement and empathy?
It’s also worth noting that “Breaking Bad” is a masterclass in building tension, a core requirement of any crime drama. The writing often employs dramatic irony, letting the audience in on facts that other characters don’t know. This invites the audience to participate emotionally, urging them to keep watching to see how the characters react when they discover the truth. If you’re looking for screenwriting tips focused on increasing engagement, weaving in elements of dramatic irony should be high on your list.
When it comes to screenplay structure in crime dramas, “Breaking Bad” often subverts expectations. While traditional crime stories might follow a procedural format, with each episode solving a new case or presenting a new challenge, “Breaking Bad” is serialized. It crafts long story arcs that require attention and dedication from the viewer. This breaks the mold of what audiences traditionally expect from crime dramas, and yet the show’s popularity proves that taking risks can pay off substantially. Thus, when writing a screenplay in this genre, consider whether a serialized or episodic structure serves your narrative better.
Not to overlook, the dialogue in “Breaking Bad” is often imbued with subtext, and the choice of words or phrases adds another layer to the story. Dialogue can reveal hidden agendas, fears, and even unspoken alliances or rivalries. For those focusing on writing tips to improve dialogue, studying the conversations between Walter White and Jesse Pinkman can offer insights into how dialogue can serve multiple narrative functions at once.
Crafting Complex Characters: The Humanity Behind the Meth Empire
When it comes to building a compelling story, there’s no substitute for complex, believable characters. In the realm of crime dramas, this often translates into figures that embody moral contradictions and emotional complexity. Yet, what sets “Breaking Bad” apart in this area is the extent to which its characters are crafted with psychological realism.
Walter White, portrayed by Bryan Cranston, exemplifies this perfectly. Here we have a character whose motivations aren’t rooted in greed or psychopathy, but in a kind of desperate pragmatism. Recently diagnosed with terminal cancer and grappling with the financial incapacity to support his family after he’s gone, Walter makes an unconventional choice: to manufacture and sell methamphetamine. This foray into the criminal underworld doesn’t stem from a lifetime of malfeasance but rather a moment of existential panic. Any good screenwriting guide, like “Save The Cat!” by Blake Snyder, will emphasize the importance of a ‘Save The Cat’ moment to elicit empathy for your protagonist; for Walter White, his ‘moment’ extends through the initial episodes, making his descent into the criminal realm both relatable and tragic.
Let’s talk about Jesse Pinkman, the emotional core of the series, portrayed by Aaron Paul. Originally intended to be killed off early in the series, the character ended up being so compelling that he became the yin to Walter White’s yang. Jesse starts off as a low-level drug dealer with seemingly little moral fiber. However, as the series progresses, it becomes clear that he’s grappling with guilt and seeking some form of redemption, factors that make him relatable and deepen the emotional resonance of the story.
For anyone interested in writing a screenplay or even short stories where characters evolve significantly, Jesse provides a plethora of writing tips to consider. How do you write a character who changes substantially, yet believably, over a series or novel? Start with giving them a ‘North Star,’ a moral or emotional point of reference that guides their choices. For Jesse, that North Star is often his desire for familial love and acceptance, whether it’s his biological family or his chosen one.
“Breaking Bad” also ventures into the psychology of side characters, making even the antagonists multi-faceted and relatable. Take Gustavo Fring, for instance. On the surface, he’s a successful businessman, running the fast-food chain Los Pollos Hermanos. But beneath that veneer lies a calculating drug lord with a knack for eliminating rivals. Even so, the show takes time to explore his backstory, humanizing him without necessarily excusing his actions.
For those pondering screenwriting tips on creating intricate characters, one key aspect to consider is backstory. A rich, well-thought-out backstory can inform a character’s choices, making their actions and decisions feel inevitable, even when they’re surprising. Books like “Creating Character Arcs” by K.M. Weiland are excellent resources for understanding the mechanics of character development in storytelling.
But complex characters aren’t just about intricate backstories or psychological depth; they’re also about how they interact with each other. The dynamics between Walter White and his wife, Skyler, add a domestic layer to the criminal endeavors, raising questions about moral culpability and loyalty. In crafting characters for a crime drama, consider how familial relationships or friendships could add layers to your narrative, making it not just a story about crime but also about people.
Thematic Cohesion: How “Breaking Bad” Weaves a Moral Tapestry
Arguably, one of the standout characteristics of “Breaking Bad” is its masterful execution of themes. From existentialism to morality, family, and the American Dream, the series is a multi-layered exploration of complex issues, which makes it not just entertaining but profoundly resonant. This thematic cohesion is a high-wire act in storytelling, and it’s worth digging into for anyone seriously considering writing a screenplay or even a novel in the crime drama genre.
Let’s start with the most palpable theme: morality. “Breaking Bad” is often a morality play set in the arid landscapes of Albuquerque. Whether it’s Walter White pondering his choices in the desert or Jesse Pinkman wrestling with his conscience, the show constantly questions what is ethically acceptable when survival is on the line. This approach to storytelling adds a philosophical dimension that elevates it above many other shows in the same genre. If you’re brainstorming writing prompts or plot points, consider scenes that place your characters in moral quandaries, forcing them to reveal their true selves. In literature, novels like “Crime and Punishment” by Fyodor Dostoevsky excel at this, presenting characters in situations where moral norms are pitted against human instincts.
Next, we can’t overlook the theme of transformation, symbolized most vividly through the chemical transformations in Walter White’s meth lab. From a timid high-school chemistry teacher to the feared Heisenberg, Walter White’s metamorphosis serves as the narrative backbone of the series. But his transformation is more than just a plot point; it’s a thematic journey that explores the mutability of human nature. It reminds us that circumstances, choices, and even random events can radically alter who we are. For screenplay structure, this transformational arc is crucial. Characters should evolve (or devolve) in a way that complements the broader themes of your story.
Another major theme is the corruption of the American Dream. Walter White initially turns to crime with a seemingly noble goal—to secure his family’s financial future. However, as he finds success in the drug trade, he becomes intoxicated by power, greed, and ego, highlighting the darker facets of the dream for prosperity and success. This isn’t just storytelling; it’s a commentary on society. If you’re looking for writing tips on how to add layers to your story, social critique can be an effective way to do so without becoming preachy. Think of novels like “The Great Gatsby”, which also offer a nuanced critique of the American Dream, providing readers with more to ponder than just the surface narrative.
Family dynamics also play a significant role in shaping the thematic structure of “Breaking Bad.” On the one hand, family is portrayed as a motive for criminal activity, but on the other hand, it is often the victim of it. This tension adds a layer of tragedy to the story, making the stakes personal and deeply affecting.
And finally, let’s talk about the theme of consequences. One of the show’s masterstrokes is its refusal to let its characters off the hook. Actions have repercussions, often devastating ones. This cause-and-effect mechanism is essential for any story aiming for realism and emotional impact. If you’re in the process of writing a screenplay or a story, remember that the absence of consequences creates a narrative void. Characters must reap what they sow, for better or worse.
Just like a well-executed recipe, the themes in “Breaking Bad” are carefully measured, mixed, and baked into the narrative, contributing to its enduring appeal. The series leverages these themes to deepen its characters, enrich its plot, and elevate its storytelling to the realm of high art. So, when you sit down to write, think beyond just the plot or the characters. Consider the broader themes you want to explore and how they resonate with the experiences, questions, and conflicts that your audience grapples with in their own lives. Keep in mind, a truly great story doesn’t just entertain; it probes, questions, and lingers long after the credits roll.
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A.I. in Screen Trade 