Breaking down one of my favorite Breaking Bad scenes

    He starts out as a timid, frail man, not very traditionally masculine. Those who mock him seem to get away with it. He wears many light shades of grey and beige in this stage, often in the forms of soft, warm fabrics like sweaters. Combine this with his hushed voice, rounded shoulders and transparent moustache – and its like he’s trying to blend into the damn walls. Kind of like how in nature prey camouflage themselves to avoid predators.

    After being introduced into the local drug trade by his former student, Jesse Pinkman, his fashion choices contain a lot more saturation, hues and contrast than before. Like many predators in the wild, the more colorful he grows the more dangerous he becomes.

    The red shirt, bald head and noticeably thicker moustache make him stand out way more in a crowd, reflecting his downward climb into crime and violence. Unlike the old him, he can assert himself and will use force if required. He walks with his shoulders further back and head held higher, he speaks from his core and does so with confidence. Contrasted by his wife Skyler White who is a force that works against him, she is cautious, serene, levelheaded, “with us”. This also is reflected upon in her clothing: low contrast & low saturation. her white cardigan paired with her blue shirt evokes the feeling of (quite literally) looking at the sky(ler).

    Sky believes Walter is in danger, at this stage she knows he’s a meth cook, but explicitly tells him he’s ‘not some hardened criminal’. Walt gradually turns angrier hearing her question his power and authority. He sheds his red shirt to reveal an even darker shade of red, after which he asks: “Who are you talking to? Who is it you think you see?” he reveals to Skyler a side only those in on the drug trade get to see, and it understandably scares the fuck out of her. in this moment: Walter is completely unrecognizable, he is in fact a hardened criminal and a threat. Following this scene, she snaps out of her shock, packs her belongings and leaves the house, taking with her their newborn baby.

    By the way, speaking of hardened criminals, Walter shaving his head (which I mentioned earlier), was almost ceremonial, a hardening of the heart. And we don't only see this with Walt. When Jesse was mourning over Jane's (his girlfriend's) passing, he too shaved his own head.

    the scene above depicts the aftermath of their talk, (For context: Walter bought his son, Walter Jr/Flynn a brand new, very flashy car with unlaundered drug money. When they're supposed to appear as if they're struggling financially) as per usual, Skyler is the one seeing things clearly:

    "Someone has to protect this family from the man protecting this family."

Id love to hear your all of your thoughts on my analysis! as well as suggestions for any future posts. I was thinking about posting recipes I've tried or info-dumping about my favorite songs or something LOL.