The Making of a Great Actor: Vince Gilligan and Bryan Cranston on Breaking Bad and Malcolm in the Middle

TLDRVince Gilligan and Bryan Cranston discuss their collaborations on Breaking Bad and Malcolm in the Middle, exploring key insights into character development and the challenges of fame. They also reflect on the impact of their work and the importance of trust and imagination in the acting process.

Key insights

🔑The emotional core of Walter White's character in Breaking Bad was imagined by Vince Gilligan and brought to life by Bryan Cranston.

🎭Bryan Cranston incorporated subtle physical characteristics, such as an 'impotent mustache,' to convey Walter White's transformation.

😄Bryan Cranston's portrayal of Hal in Malcolm in the Middle provided a refreshing and loving depiction of a married couple on television.

🎬Bryan Cranston's role on Seinfeld allowed him to experience the brilliance of Jerry Seinfeld and Larry David's comedic craftsmanship.

🚗Bryan Cranston's character in Drive showcased the tough and talkative nature of stunt coordinators and stuntmen in the film industry.

Q&A

How was Walter White's emotional core developed in Breaking Bad?

Vince Gilligan imagined the emotional core of Walter White's character, and Bryan Cranston brought it to life through his portrayal.

What physical characteristics did Bryan Cranston incorporate for Walter White?

Bryan Cranston incorporated an 'impotent mustache' and chose clothes that blended in to convey Walter White's transformation.

What was unique about Bryan Cranston's portrayal of Hal in Malcolm in the Middle?

Bryan Cranston's portrayal of Hal provided a refreshing and loving depiction of a married couple on television.

How did Bryan Cranston experience the brilliance of Jerry Seinfeld and Larry David on Seinfeld?

Bryan Cranston had the opportunity to work with Jerry Seinfeld and Larry David on Seinfeld, witnessing their comedic craftsmanship.

What did Bryan Cranston's character in Drive represent?

Bryan Cranston's character in Drive showcased the tough and talkative nature of stunt coordinators and stuntmen in the film industry.

Timestamped Summary

00:00In this video, Vince Gilligan and Bryan Cranston discuss their collaborations on Breaking Bad and Malcolm in the Middle.

03:21Bryan Cranston reveals how he developed the emotional core of Walter White's character in Breaking Bad.

06:14Cranston shares the subtle physical characteristics he incorporated for Walter White, such as an 'impotent mustache.'

13:07He reflects on the impact of his portrayal of Hal in Malcolm in the Middle, portraying a loving depiction of a married couple.

18:59Cranston discusses his experience working with Jerry Seinfeld and Larry David on Seinfeld, witnessing their comedic brilliance.

22:58He shares his insights into the tough and talkative nature of stunt coordinators and stuntmen on film sets, inspired by his role in Drive.