The Genius Way Better Call Saul Starts its Scenes

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This essay explores a unique and creative way that Better Call Saul establishes scenes.
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[@ThomasFlight]

Thank you to my patrons: patreon.com/thomasflight

[@MrCowboySpaceman]

I started a mubi subscription. Thanks for bringing that website to my attention.

[@ThomasFlight]

Awesome! I'm glad to have sponsors that are genuinely great, and that I can honestly recommend to people. :)

[@denicecarlagordon3040]

I' Love "Better call Saul" Great Amazing actors four stars writer's excellent story drama and incredible directing. Can't wait for Season 5. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[@bruhsweet3154]

Better Call Saul is probably the closest TV has ever gotten to poetry. It is a truly beautiful and underrated show

[@WildHeart7777]

i was thinking that the other day...very well said.

[@paperchasindude6578]

Fr tho

[@andrewstephens5885]

Dark takes that spot! mind bending and beautifully bleak german series. don’t watch the english dub !!

[@Mandibularmenace]

@@andrewstephens5885 Fargo comes extremely close as well

[@bruhsweet3154]

@I drink your milkshake Still have not binged those yet!

[@hankwicklund2182]

The cinematography of BCS is so consistently great. With BB, there were many impressive shots, but in BCS it seems like almost every shot is perfect. Definitely a step up.

[@Angelica-is3en]

completely agree. I think this is a perfect example of a person with an iconic creative idea executing it amazingly the first time around, and then PERFECTING it the second time. BCS is beyond iconic with its cinematography.

[@8bitmagic]

The depth of this show is astonishing

[@Carlos-ln8fd]

It's crazy to me that a show about lawyers and drug dealers can look so incredible. They find beauty in the most ordinary places.

[@solharv7817]

Wow, so right. BCS isn’t a trajectory-show, like Breaking Bad. It’s a scene-show. It drifts narratively because the drama isn’t to be found in ultimate outcomes; we already know most of those outcomes from B.B. The drama of the show is present on a scene to scene basis. Genius.

[@skialarmahar6991]

I will never get over how genius this show really is, especially for a spin-off.

[@saskiaviking9447]

Glad you are covering the best show right now on Tv.

[@conbrioartajo3135]

Best show indeed

[@wifine1951]

Criminally underrated

[@ty_teynium]

The show is much better than I thought. It’s doing it’s own thing even for a show that doesn’t have a lot of scenes with Jimmie and the BB cast. It focuses on its own set of characters and their background and not just making it tie in with the BB timeline.

[@Carlos-ln8fd]

No wonder Wes Anderson said this was his favorite show.

[@LukeIsyourfasha]

The whole video, demonstrated why this show isn't a drama, it just a piece of art.

[@TomatoestDuck]

Was that meant to downplay the show? Or were you complimenting how well it is made?

[@mergieismoronic]

+TomatoDuck Complimenting.

[@Dominic-Decoco]

You think the writers ever watch these videos and feel rewarded knowing that there’s fans out there that pick up on this stuff and fully appreciate it?

[@Carlos-ln8fd]

the people making the show have a podcast and they often say that they love how the viewers notice all the small details and that it inspires them to work harder.

[@alyxbabineaux2412]

@@Carlos-ln8fd can u give a link?

[@Carlos-ln8fd]

@@alyxbabineaux2412 it's called "better call saul insider's podcast". you can find it on spotify also i think some episodes are on youtube.

[@shivzzi]

When it comes to visual storytelling and just that then BCS > BB. Every character's story is told so beautifully and visually.

[@thiccboss4780]

alot of great classic film either start or end on these majestic existentialist shots of contemplative cinematography but in Breaking Bad&Better Call Saul , 70% of shots filmed are that good , true cinema is't dead......it just moved over to smaller monitors

[@williamdavis8076]

This opened my eyes to a whole new dimension of the show, thank you.

[@vicenteortegarubilar9418]

The best example of a spin off for me. Is great to see this video.

[@SlipNJimmy]

This is easily my favorite show on tv right now. It’s even surpassed Breaking Bad in my opinion. The writing and directing is absolutely brilliant.

[@KyanNezhad]

They've mastered their craft. I don't separate the two shows anymore.

[@michaelharris4693]

It'd def better than BrBa, as good as that program is. BCS takes it to another level...

[@tommorrison5400]

I agree, the only reason BB is almost comparable is because of how thrilling of a plot it has. BCS is better on nearly every other metric

[@David73490MY]

I've been watching Ozark, and although the story moves everything passionately, the camera work is so very boring with a profound lack of creativity. Parallelly I've been watching season 5 of Better Call Saul and honestly the camera work is masterful... it's more powerful when one remembers that 90% of the job happens in the writers' room. BSC is streets ahead of any other powerful series, such as Westworld for instance. The camera is merely descriptive.

[@nobodyatallvallejo3672]

I'm trying to "muscle" my way through Ozark, but I can't help but think of it as a decaffeinated version of the Breaking Bad universe.

[@David73490MY]

@@nobodyatallvallejo3672 Perfect way to describe it. It is an impotent show... whit such a powerful story, feels like a waste.

[@Carlos-ln8fd]

i get you. the filmmaking in BCS is exciting and brings the story to life. in other shows it's either boring or distracting.

[@rawman44]

I can't believe I've now seen someone actually use the term "streets ahead." Pierce would be proud

[@LanceVanceDance84]

Give Fargo a try. To me it stands at an equal height to BCS and is just as beautifully shot.

[@theonlymexicanman4422]

Too bad this video came out less than a day after one of the bests intros of the series

[@ThomasFlight]

Yeah I just watched it tonight. It might be too soon but it was maybe one of TVs best intros. So good.

[@Hypnoticish]

I didnt expect it at all and it was such an amazing scene it blew my mind

[@caroluduena2304]

Best intro ever!

[@blitzgolu123]

which episode ?

[@Hypnoticish]

@@blitzgolu123 I believe its 8 or 7 not entirely sure

[@angelodeita4605]

I love this show way too much

[@denisesancan9715]

I love your cerebral approach to the subject matter. These are tomorrows classics, and you appreciate that.

[@PumpkinEyes-fn2ht]

I really hope for a “El Camino” style movie for Gene at the end of the series!

[@antoinetrefeu1800]

As the intros being longer each season, the next will probably conclude the Gene story.

[@More_Row]

It’s a great fricking show.

[@sspprashant20]

Vince Gilligan is a genius. I remember watching the scene where Kim is trying to resolve the state border and then wondering what the subsequent scene where her car is stuck would signify later, only to be revealed that her work pressure indeed caused her to crash the car.

[@maxobyrne1474]

The👏video👏we👏need👏on👏the👏prequel👏we👏need👏

[@donaminta]

0:53 there's a season 5 episode (cant remember which) that does this exactly with Kim and Jimmy both drinking on the balcony. Such a gorgeous show.

[@MrsTherrylein]

I always wondered why they showed the clock as an opening shot! very well done video, the use of the split screen and the scenes you chose support your explanations perfectly

[@VigneshKrishnamurthy2509]

This show is one of the great pieces of modern art.

[@PinacoladaMatthew]

that's why this show is so good.....so many small yet ingenious details underneath, that you dont even realize....but together you just can't help utfeel utterly engrossed by it.

[@fabricio_santana]

So interesting. We don't notice how much craft goes into making a show like that when we're watching.

[@tomstonemale]

I remember the constant use of red and blue colors. No sure if every season but we jump from red to blue whenever there was tension or the promise of tension. Like when Jimmy puts the giant billboard.

[@marcogh]

They really do use amazing shots.

[@ParrotheadPoet]

your analyses are going to cause me to watch the show in a different way now. I love this kind of details!

[@djsosonut]

Thanks for pointing out another thing to love about the series.

[@LPerion]

dude your voice gives the video such a chill atmosphere just wow

[@justincarnes1656]

It took me 2 seasons to get into Breaking Bad (I was really bored one summer and was told it was a great show.) It took me one episode to get into Better Call Saul. I do feel like that's due to the stories, and the personalities of the characters. It could also be that I already liked Saul from Breaking Bad though.

[@Savion787]

Better call Saul is crazy good like a lawyer show is one of the most interesting shows I’ve watched😂

[@palindrome2599]

Fantastic video analysis here, it's good to see this show get some genuine love.

[@michaelharris4693]

I must say that I always admire those who have a working knowledge base on things about which I know so little. I am very impressed with your assessments (this and other vids). Very well done. I wish I were eloquent enough to explain these things to others when praising BCS. You are on point on all counts!

[@greenbeagle13]

Good video - thank you. I rarely grasp the obvious symbolism used in shows like this - appreciate your analyses.

[@rasmustagu]

Great analysis!!

[@SR-uo9bm]

Better Call Saul has such amazing cinematography. It floors me every episode.

[@austinitsua]

I could study this show for 500,000 hours and never get bored

[@stolensentience]

That would be about one lifetime. Are you sure you would like to continue? [ yes ] [ no ]

[@Travisdeste]

Wow AMAZING video. I like to try and understand the cinematography, the composition of shots and what each scene is trying to convey, especially in shows like Breaking Bad, Better Call Saul, and Mr. Robot, as they all feature very interesting, thought provoking and sometimes just beautiful shots. I never studied anything about film making so all this is just casual fun for me while watching the shows I love. So thank you for making this video and helping me understand more about this world and keeping my eyes open to things I wouldn't have otherwise thought about.

[@DeflectingDinosaurs]

wow i never noticed this! that’s really cool. thanks for laying it out in an easy to understand way

[@crepaulcog5849]

I also noticed this pattern but I didn't realise there were so many examples ! Great video.

[@mavtot]

Your BCS videos are great. Keep doing this please :)

[@ThataGiy]

It’s legitimately a crime that GoT gets 10 million viewers per episode but BCS can barely break 2 million.

[@claudiap.53]

its because sex and violence sells......

[@IfOUGHTpIRANHAz]

The more videos you make about better call Saul, the better. It is a brilliant show and you are a brilliant KZbinr

[@bruh666]

this makes me craaaaaaaaave a new season so much , can't wait

[@milkdud6993]

You’re way underrated. The wire series, everything that tickled my ears. Much love

[@caroluduena2304]

Great video! i love the symbolism of this show.

[@runxiaoluo7559]

Wonderful videos man. Subscribed.

[@ryanm7263]

Great content, thank you

[@Pekkamaattanen]

I love this show

[@ThomasFlight]

Me too.

[@therat7886]

Bro just use the great gatsby’s approach of just making everything yellow

[@bndawg2000]

This points out things to me I never would have even thought twice about. That makes this show even more impressive

[@ishwarchandragupta4952]

Man... you're a one hell of a ananylist ! Bravo Thomas 👏👏

[@TinyFord1]

You could basically just have said “Better call Saul is the perfect series”😂

[@user-oj6fy8ox4k]

Good job! I knew something was missing in season 5, it is the opening shot.

[@prashanth_js]

I was waiting for someone to do this.

[@senshai1267]

Best shows I've seen ever . The level of genius behind it !

[@departmentofpoetry1416]

Well said!

[@iwillheadlockyournan731]

awesome video

[@LaffTwous]

Great video

[@isg75]

The courthouse coffee is a double callback; to the first season as you show, and to the opening scene of the episode where Howard lovingly makes his wife a top-shelf coffee. It's a contrasting callback (I'm sure there's a better term for it).

[@Carlos-ln8fd]

This show is too good to be real

[@scoutswell]

great video

[@Jamie-kv9eg]

Liked the video before watching because i knew it would be good

[@louishugh-jones1743]

That was smashing. Probably your best.

[@58lespaul]

Thoughtful analysis, however the future is not a fixed point on BCS. As each season opens on Gene’s predicament, there remains the very real likelihood of future transformation for Jimmy/Saul/Gene. I don’t believe his story will end in Omaha.

[@tsresc]

*This show is subconsciously trippy!*

[@Brandonhayhew]

BSC and Breaking Bad is the best TV show ever!

[@basstian]

Magnificent!

[@moony3890]

I just need Thomas Flight to make more videos about bcs.

[@AndyJmovies]

Better Call Saul is a masterpiece

[@d-552]

great spin-off for a great series

[@justinhamilton8647]

Such a good series.

[@plzzz]

The pinnacle of story-telling.

[@mikemorris1530]

BCS is better than BB IMHO. It may not have the action of BB but the characters and scrip are more interesting and rewarding. The conflict between Saul and Chuck is so intense and brilliant and even though you want Saul to win you know deep down that Chuck is right, creating a conflict within myself. FYI, they could also do a "spin off" of a "spin off" with Mike if he wasn't so old.

[@YvesKhachan]

Wow, what a great, intelligent analysis! What is the music used at 4:28 please? Thank you and keep up the good work.

[@amirsalarhamidi]

perfect!

[@aryanjoshua8]

Could you please make a video on how you study a film or breakdown a show. Like the process ?

[@ifog99]

Man I can't wait to see how you view season 4. It's getting to be better than the previous one

[@iloveeveryone8611]

Today is the start of season 5!!!

[@KaiserUnique]

My favorite opening shot in the whole series is the scene in season 1 where Jimmy kicks the trash can after he lost the Kettlemans to HHM. The opening shot is focused on the trash can, there’s other stuff in frame so it could seem rather innocuous. But even on first watch I was like weird how they put the trash can in focus but assumed it was just a random choice. Jimmy then goes up the elevator and after learning that his possible clients have been lost to HHM he goes right back down the elevator and does what? Kick that same trash can that the camera was focusing on before. The shit literally made break up laughing cuz I didn’t expect a pay off to what had been set up visually. Simple things like that really show the power of visual storytelling and why BCS is so good at it.

[@StefanReich]

God damn, Chuck's brain-insulting "condition"

[@tsresc]

*Here's Johnny!*

[@3ossomok588]

Hello sir can you please tell me the name of the music at the begaining or what type of jazz was that thank you so much

[@bethwenner]

Does anyone know any books that would list and delve into these types of techniques?

[@blackbird9645]

you have a good eye for seamlessly missed gems....

[@xExile7]

I feel like Bob Odenkirk could play a good joker

[@atanatokosmiki216]

The jazzy background music, please?

[@ajinsam]

BCS its a masterpiece

[@TheDCGuitar13]

Bcs is to breaking bad what godfather 2 is to The Godfather. A sequel you didn’t expect a lot out of that outdid the original in ways you cant pinpoint but you know.

[@Airoehead]

typo in the video title: "Start A Scenes" cover it up before Chuck can find it!

[@pixelprincess9]

maybe its because im high but it took me five minutes to figure out what the title of this video was supposed to be saying without any punctuation

[@StefanReich]

Nice

[@barsorhan2304]

The greatest show of all time

[@sophiaanderson3064]

wow, and now a video on better call saul?? marry me!

[@laurenjcoates]

Love your analysis but is there a reason all of your better call Saul videos only use examples from the Jimmy plot lines and not the Nacho/Mike ones

[@Carlos-ln8fd]

Do you think so? i think the filmmaking is just as good in the Mike/Nacho sequences. In the Mike storyline you have that great tracking shot in season 2 showing how the Salamancas smuggle drugs into the US. It's a visual motif that pays off almost a whole season later. There's also all those super slow scenes of Mike disasembling the car and tracking Gus at the start of season 3. With Nacho you have that spectacular sequence at 403 of the fake shootout. It's a really complicated story element that gets explained solely through visuals.