5 Master Editing Techniques Mini-Analysis

 My assignment for this week in Media Studies was to analyze an episode of a TV series we enjoy, based on the episodes composition and editing techniques. I chose to analyze one of my favorite series Breaking Bad; because of how well the show is filmed and edited. I chose S4 E11, specifically a scene where Walter discovers his wife has given his money away.

Breaking Bad is known for its amazing storytelling, but I feel as though many overlook how much the camera work and filming contribute to the shows success. This series is very action packed throughout, which involves many high speed camera angles one usually does not see in many series.

    The scene starts off very fast paced, as Walter is rushing to his money stashed under the floor boards. The director pans the camera around Walter as he is rummaging in the dust, following him without cutting once. The director utilized this technique to show what a rush Walter was in to find his money, while also showing the audience the cobwebs that surround Walter as he scrambles around.

    In a nearly 40 second clip, the director only cuts to two different shots. For 40 seconds the camera is quickly following Walter, without cutting. This technique really allows the audience to feel the true suspense of the scene. Watching this, it makes me feel as though I am in just as much a hurry as Walter is. This camera method truly puts the audience into the scene with Walter, making us feel as rushed as he does.

    Later on in this episode the director decides to utilized close up shots. as well as long shots. Pictured here, Gus kidnaps Walter and brings him to the middle of the desert to tell him he was been fired. The director uses close up shots when Walters hood is taken off and he is blinded by the light, giving the audience the feeling that Walter is small and scared. When Walter then understands the situation and feels more confident, the director zooms out into a long shot. The director uses a long shot to show that despite this difficult situation, Walter still stands his ground.

A few seconds later, when Gus cuts Walter loose, and drives away, the director uses a Low angle shot. In doing this, the director shows that Walter is alone and scared, as he lies on the ground wincing in pain. After a series of high, wide angle shots, the director utilizes this shot to show how Walter is really feeling, putting his persona to the side. Putting the camera on the ground with Walter, watching the car drive off into the distance puts the audience in Walters shoes, making the audience feel just as alone and lost as Walter is.

    Towards the end of the episode, these two men confront Ted for his money. The director consistently utilizes over the shoulder shots in this scene to show the audience how frightened and confused Ted is when confronted by these two big men. Over the shoulder shots like this show Ted as being small and alone, as these two big men stand in front of him. I quite like how the director placed Ted in between the two men, showing that he is surrounded, with no escape.

    I chose Breaking Bad, as well as the particular episode because it is not only a show I thoroughly enjoy, but I respect. The intricate camera angles and editing techniques subconsciously captivate the viewers and further express the story, which I find to be fascinating. The camera work and film choices are one of the reasons Breaking Bad is so successful, showing how important things like angles and shots are to a film.