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While movies go on to attain the status of cult classics and masterpieces, more renownedly known around the world, there have been equally brilliant episodes on the small screen that deserve the same status. As far as the seriesBreaking Badis considered, it is a literal masterpiece from start to finish. Yet, there have been certain episodes that just stand out.
Out of its 62 episodes, the fourteenth episode of its fifth season,Ozymandias, is particularly remembered well by fans and critics alike for its brilliant execution. So while Rian Johnson directed the episode, it was really Bryan Cranston’s jaw-dropping performance that made it stand out.
Even Rian Johnson was Shocked by Bryan Cranston’s Performance in One of the Best Episodes ofBreaking Bad
IfBreaking Badis one of the most legendary TV shows of all time, it is inequal measure due to the spectacular portrayalofBryan Cranston. Starring as Walter White, the chemistry teacher struggling with stage three cancer who turns his life around through the illegal drug trade, Cranston’s portrayal will forever remain one of the most unforgettable ones in the history of cinema.
It was also due to his talent and execution that we got to see one of the best episodes of the series,Ozymandias. While the episode alone is a standout, one moment in it is so impactful that even directorRian Johnsonwas left shocked by how well it played out: a pivotal scene between Walter White and his daughter, the infant Holly.
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One of the most iconic moments in the series, it was completely unscripted as Johnson revealed toVulturein an old interview.
In that situation, Bryan is really the one doing the directing because the way that he shapes the performance between himself and the baby is really about the way he handles her and plays off of her. In terms of emotional beats of that scene it’s really Bryan who is doing the directing there. He did a fantastic job.
As he looks into her eyes, grappling with the weight of his decisions, the child actress, unexpectedly added the adlibMama, Mama!that made the scene even more emotional.
Taken aback by this unscripted moment, Johnson later revealed that Cranston’s ability to seamlessly incorporate the baby’s spontaneous cry into the scene was nothing short of remarkable. And it was his unparalleled talent that left Johnson and the entire crew in awe of his performance.
The Best Episode ofBreaking Badwas One of the Most Challenging to Shoot
Ozymandiasis often hailed as one of the best episodes ofBreaking Bad, which also means it was one of the most challenging to bring to life. Not only did Rian Johnson face immense pressure in shooting the episode, but even the writer, Moira Walley-Beckett felt pressurized in delivering an episode that carried such high stakes.
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While talking to Vulture, Johnson revealed how much of a daunting task it was, leaving little to no room for error, and making him feel terrified.
I was terrified, but once you actually get into it and start just working through it and start dealing with the day to day telling the story, there’s not really time to be terrified on set. Also, the process of directing on this show is very much a team effort, and not just in terms of the crew and the actors, which are more obvious, but this is really Moira’s episode.
Johnson, however, was soon relieved thanks to the help she got from Walley-Beckett, who herself felt pretty challenged to get the emotional and dramatic elements of the episodes done right. Despite the many challenges, the combined efforts of the director, writer, and actors resulted in an episode that would go down in television history.
Breaking Badis available to be streamed on Netflix.
Maria Sultan
Senior Writer
Articles Published :2703
Maria Sultan is a dedicated News Content Writer at FandomWire. With over five years of professional experience and hundreds of published articles, she brings a wealth of expertise to her coverage of Marvel, K-dramas, and the latest on streaming platforms.Her work is not just about reporting news; it’s about providing insightful perspectives on the entertainment trends that matter most.
