The stark black and white cinematography of Better Call Saul‘s season 6 premiere, “Wine and Roses,” is not merely an aesthetic choice; it’s a deliberate narrative device signaling the irrevocable shift into the post-Breaking Bad timeline and Gene Takavic’s lonely, colorless existence in Omaha, Nebraska. This monochrome palette serves as a visual shorthand for the loss of color, vibrancy, and hope in Jimmy McGill/Saul Goodman’s life, emphasizing the consequences of his actions and the enduring weight of his past.
The Significance of Monochrome: Beyond Aesthetics
The use of black and white in film and television often carries significant weight, extending beyond mere stylistic preference. In “Wine and Roses,” its application is particularly potent, acting as a multifaceted metaphor for the themes woven throughout Better Call Saul‘s final season.
A Visual Representation of Loss and Isolation
Perhaps the most straightforward interpretation of the black and white is its representation of loss. Gene Takavic has lost everything: his identity, his profession, his wife, and arguably, his soul. The absence of color mirrors the emptiness and emotional barrenness of his current existence. The vibrant hues of Albuquerque, the flashy suits of Saul Goodman – all have been stripped away, leaving behind a grey, muted reality. The isolation Gene experiences, both physically and emotionally, is amplified by the monochrome, highlighting his detachment from the world and the people around him.
Foreshadowing and the Breaking Bad Connection
The black and white sequences also serve as a crucial connection to the Breaking Bad timeline. We know from Breaking Bad that Saul ends up managing a Cinnabon in Omaha under the guise of Gene Takavic. The black and white reinforces this future reality, reminding viewers that the colorful escapades of Saul Goodman will inevitably lead to this bleak and muted conclusion. It acts as a constant foreshadowing, hinting at the tragic fate that awaits Jimmy.
Highlighting Details and Creating Contrast
While the lack of color signifies loss, it also paradoxically highlights specific details. The textures of objects, the nuances of facial expressions, and the composition of scenes become more prominent in the absence of color. This allows the filmmakers to draw attention to certain elements within the frame, adding layers of meaning and symbolism. The stark contrast between the vibrant flashbacks and the colorless present further emphasizes the profound changes Jimmy has undergone.
Exploring the Underlying Themes
The black and white palette is not merely a superficial stylistic choice; it is deeply intertwined with the core themes of Better Call Saul.
Consequence and Redemption
The black and white serves as a constant reminder of the consequences of Jimmy’s choices. His actions as Saul Goodman have led him to this desolate existence, a far cry from the vibrant and ambitious lawyer he once was. The absence of color is a visual punishment, a constant reminder of the price he has paid. Whether he can find redemption in this new reality remains a central question throughout the season, and the monochrome serves as a stark backdrop against which his potential for change is measured.
Identity and Transformation
The show explores the complex issue of identity – Jimmy McGill, Saul Goodman, and Gene Takavic are all different facets of the same person, each shaped by circumstances and choices. The shift to black and white represents the final stage of this transformation, a complete stripping away of the Saul Goodman persona. Gene is forced to confront the consequences of his past actions and grapple with the question of who he truly is beneath the layers of deceit and manipulation.
The Nature of Time and Memory
The use of black and white can also be interpreted as a reflection on the nature of time and memory. The past, represented by the colorful flashbacks, is vibrant and alive, while the present, rendered in monochrome, is muted and distant. This contrast highlights the way memory can distort and shape our perception of reality, and the way the past continues to haunt us.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions regarding the show’s stylistic choice:
H3 Why did they choose to use black and white specifically for Gene Takavic’s scenes?
The choice of black and white for Gene Takavic’s scenes visually distinguishes them from the “present” storyline leading up to the events of Breaking Bad. It clearly indicates that these scenes are set after the events of Breaking Bad, creating a visual marker to help viewers understand the timeline and the consequences of Saul Goodman’s actions.
H3 Has Better Call Saul used black and white before?
Yes, the “Gene” scenes at the beginning of previous seasons have also been filmed in black and white, establishing this stylistic convention for the post-Breaking Bad timeline. Season 6’s premiere continues this established pattern.
H3 Is there any chance the Gene scenes will switch to color later in the season?
While anything is possible, the established pattern suggests that the Gene scenes will likely remain in black and white. A switch to color would likely signify a significant shift in Gene’s character or circumstances, perhaps even hinting at a sliver of hope for a better future. However, series creators have remained tight-lipped on this aspect.
H3 Does the black and white affect the way the actors approach their roles?
Potentially. The actors, particularly Bob Odenkirk playing Gene, might approach their roles with a greater emphasis on subtle expressions and body language, knowing that the absence of color will amplify these nuances. The overall tone is subdued and introspective to fit in with the black and white palette.
H3 Did the production team use any special techniques to create the black and white effect?
The show’s cinematography team likely employed a combination of techniques, including using specific lighting setups and post-production color grading. They would likely have used a digital intermediate process to remove the color information from the footage and fine-tune the grayscale tones to achieve the desired look.
H3 How does the use of black and white in Better Call Saul compare to other shows or movies that have used it?
Black and white has been used for various reasons in other media, from creating a classic noir atmosphere to signifying flashbacks. In Better Call Saul, it’s most akin to its use in The Wizard of Oz, where the black and white world represents a starkly different reality from the vibrant land of Oz. The black and white highlights a sense of desolation, loss, and a drastically changed world.
H3 Could the black and white also be a reference to classic Hollywood cinema?
Absolutely. The use of black and white can be interpreted as a nod to classic Hollywood cinema, evoking a sense of nostalgia and timelessness. This can add another layer of meaning to the show, suggesting that the themes it explores are universal and enduring.
H3 Is the choice of black and white simply a cost-saving measure?
While filming in black and white might offer some marginal cost savings (as it reduces the need for certain color correction processes), this is highly unlikely to be the primary motivation. The narrative and artistic benefits of using black and white far outweigh any potential financial advantages.
H3 How do viewers react to the black and white scenes?
Viewer reactions are generally positive, with most appreciating the artistry and narrative impact of the black and white cinematography. Some viewers find it depressing or unsettling, which is arguably the intended effect, reflecting the bleakness of Gene’s situation.
H3 What other visual cues does the show use to differentiate timelines?
Besides black and white, the show utilizes other visual cues such as hairstyles, clothing, cars, and the overall aesthetic of the locations to clearly delineate the different timelines. These elements work together to create a cohesive and understandable narrative structure.
H3 What are the symbolic implications of the title “Wine and Roses” in the context of the black and white opening?
The title “Wine and Roses” ironically juxtaposes the opulence and vibrancy associated with those items with the stark, colorless reality of Gene’s existence. It highlights the contrast between the life Jimmy/Saul once lived and the desolate life he now inhabits, emphasizing the profound loss and the impossibility of reclaiming his past.
H3 Where can I learn more about the cinematography of Better Call Saul?
Many online resources offer insights into the cinematography of Better Call Saul, including interviews with the show’s directors of photography, behind-the-scenes documentaries, and articles analyzing the visual storytelling techniques employed in the series. Searching for “Better Call Saul cinematography analysis” will yield valuable information.
The choice of black and white in Better Call Saul‘s season 6 premiere is a masterful example of visual storytelling. It is a powerful reminder of the consequences of choices, the fragility of identity, and the enduring power of the past. It elevates the show beyond mere entertainment, transforming it into a profound and thought-provoking exploration of the human condition.