From Hollywood Disillusionment to TV Genius
Vince Gilligan, the mastermind behind the critically acclaimed TV shows Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul, might have ended up as a Walmart greeter if not for a single image that popped into his head. If you’re not familiar with Gilligan, then you probably haven’t been watching much television in the past decade. His groundbreaking work on these two shows has solidified his status as one of the greatest storytellers of our time. And to think, it all started with one simple idea.
Gilligan had been growing increasingly disillusioned with the Hollywood scene after his run with the X-Files and its subsequent transition to the big screen. Following that, he worked on Hancock and was really starting to get tired of the entire industry. It’s not hard to understand why; Hollywood’s success is like a tide that continues to roll in and out, producing great hits one year and giving nothing but garbage the next. Gilligan no doubt realized this, but he grew weary of the necessary delays, the over-indulgent writing, and the scripts that couldn’t challenge a four-year-old.
A Conversation That Changed Television
On that point, we can’t blame him. There’s nothing more frustrating at the theater than plunking down one’s hard-earned money for what’s supposed to be an epic film and finding out it’s something dug up from the bottom of the trash can. The sticky, cloying scent of those moldy old movie titles is something that Gilligan despises, and as a result, he was thinking, jokingly, of getting out when he and his friend began talking.
Then his buddy mentioned something about opening a meth lab in the back of an RV. Granted, Gilligan didn’t actually do that, but he did bring the idea to life by casting someone else who would. That’s how Breaking Bad came to be. And of course, Better Call Saul was born because of Breaking Bad’s success.
The GOAT of Storytelling
Vince Gilligan is considered to be the GOAT (Greatest of All Time) of storytelling at this time, thanks to his innovation and his desire to make the everyman the star at times. Walter White, the protagonist of Breaking Bad, wasn’t anyone special; he was a chemistry teacher who got about as much respect as a coat rack, aside from what he got from his family. He wasn’t a standout guy, he didn’t try to be anything other than a good father and husband, and for all intents and purposes, he would have passed away as a nobody. But that wasn’t Gilligan’s vision.
The meth lab in the back of the RV was only the beginning of the story, and that’s the fun part. That was actually a significant part of the opening of the initial episode, and it left a lot more questions to be answered, which was great. Gilligan essentially plunks you right down in the middle of the story and then has his writers work around it without giving away everything all at once. It’s a style that a lot of people like since it’s like shining a light on bits and pieces of the story without revealing too much. Others want the story to be more action, less drama, but Gilligan balances out his stories just fine.
A Directorial Master
As a director, Vince Gilligan is nothing short of exceptional. His ability to create compelling narratives and complex characters has earned him a well-deserved place among the greats in the world of television. With Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul, Gilligan has proven that he has the talent and vision to captivate audiences and keep them coming back for more. It’s safe to say that we’re all grateful he didn’t end up as a Walmart greeter after all.
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