Q&A - Bryan Cranston (Walter White)
The Emmy-winning star describes Walt's multiple-personality style, shares a tale of on-set rabble-rousing and denies any secret fondness for Funyuns in AMCtv.com's exclusive interview.
Q: You directed the first black and white teaser in Episode 1. Did you know then that it would result in a plane crash?
A: I didn't. And they were trying to keep it a secret. Had I just been an actor, I wouldn't even ask. But as a director I really felt I needed to know so I could shoot it correctly -- is it supposed to be eerie? Odd? Is it scary? And so as we progressed I had more and more questions and I realized I should know where this is going. And when I got the script and found out, I guess I'm very subjective and proprietary to the character, because even after I read it I went, "Well how am I responsible for that?"
Q: Before the big reveal, one of the leading theories was that the water heater Walt installed exploded.
A: They think that I'm that bad of a handyman? I'm pretty handy! I do a lot of things around the house, and I actually enjoy it. Walt is probably not as handy as I am -- but he's much smarter than I am. He looks at a task from a scientific point of view and says, "That makes sense because that connects to that." And he hasn't had that opportunity, so putting in a new water heater is like, "I'm doing something for my family, and it keeps my mind occupied."
Q: Did your knowledge of chemistry improve this season?
A: I learn all my chemistry from my teacher, Walter White. I was from the era where you memorized the periodic table like you're memorizing dates. "How is that important?" "Nevermind Cranston, just memorize it!" It's the lazy teacher's way out. I'm already pissed off that I have to memorize the elements, then I see that Iron is "Fe." Why is Iron "Fe?" Is that like some joke? I really rebelled against lazy teachers. So the scenes when Walt is teaching are important scenes to me. You get to see Walt in his element and actually enjoying life as a teacher -- dispelling myth and encouraging kids and getting them excited.
Q: Walt's wardrobe shifted to dark colors this season. Was that a welcome change for you?
A: It was something that Vince wanted to do, and I accepted it because I thought it should be a subliminal choice. Walt wouldn't say, "I'm going to start wearing black." It's something that he just starts to feel. He just feels this color is right. The other thing Walt's done, which I think is interesting, is that even though he's told his hair is going to start growing back, he shaves his head. I think it's a subliminal feeling from Walt, like "I don't recognize that guy in the mirror." He's dropped a considerable amount of weight; he's gotten a lot older in the past four or five months. And as long as he's looking in the mirror and seeing someone he doesn't recognize he can justify what he's doing: "That's not me; that's Heinsenberg."
Q: Do you plan to direct an episode next season?
A: I'm going to direct the first episode again. It's great to be able to think in terms of the bigger picture. As an actor you only think of me, and that's why actors are so self-centered. And sometimes that spills over into your real life and that's no good. So it's a good lesson in humility, because you realize how demanding actors can be.
Q: Who was the troublemaker on set this season?
A: We all have a lot of fun. You pull some practical jokes from time to time. For the episode where one of Jesse's guys gets ripped off, I go to his house and I pull out a gun and put it on the counter and say, "I want you to handle it." Well, props had a dildo, and I'm all serious and Aaron didn't know so I'm looking at him and I pull out the dildo and say, "I want you to handle it." He looks down and sees that and it's all over. [Laughs]
Q: Episode 9's director, Michelle MacLaren, told us you're quite the Funyun connoisseur.
A: I never even knew what they were. I'd never had one. And I was like my character: "Funyuns? This is what you get when I say get food? Are you an idiot?" We're out there and he's having a smoke and I'm eating Funyuns, just giving in. And it's like eating anything that's sugary sweet or salty good. I start eating them during the scene, and then she noticed we're in between takes and I was still eating them. She's like, "Oh you like those!" I'm like, "S---! She caught me." It was just one of those mindless things.
Q: You studied police science in college. What was the inspiration?
A: It was very manly. My brother had joined this police explorer group, and the first thing he did was go to Japan for three weeks. Then the following year he went to Hawaii, so I was like "Man, I gotta join this thing." So I went through the LAPD training program and I graduated first in my class of 111 recruits. So I thought, "Oh, I'm good at this. I guess I'll do it." Then I went to college to get a degree in it, and I was going to become a detective, put in 30 years and then retire. But then I took acting classes in junior college, and that was the end of that. So here I am on the other side of the law, where none of it comes into play because Walt wouldn't know a thing about it!
Check back Wednesday for an exclusive interview with Breaking Bad's special effects coordinator Dennis Petersen.
Click here to read AMCtv.com's exclusive interview with Breaking Bad's creator, Vince Gilligan.
Dear Bryan,
You are fantastic in this role. Thanks for bringing to life such a complex character like Walt. I hope you both stay with the show for a very long time. Any chance that this show will have more than 13 episodes per year? After all its such an abyss in tvland these days. This show makes alot of people think as opposed to not thinking. Real actors in real shows. What a novelty. Anyway thanks again.
Dear Bryan...
You have to be having the time of your life doing this series and with such a great funloving actors and actresses. This series is such a hit with me and it never ceases to amaze me the humor ingrained throughout the series along with such serious subject matters as making methin an RV the drug scenes, marie shoplifting..etc. The series has such a powerful message of "cause and effect", act and reaction of all the characters. Vince Gilligan is a genius with his creative writing and directing the series will most definitely be a classic in years to come and an inspiration to other young writers and directors. Thank you Bryan for your characterization so wonderfully portrayed...the simpliest face gesture is fantastic...what an artist you are! This series should be up for an Oscar and your acting ability is tops with me...Thanks again for bringing this series into my home. Wish you well for upcoming episodes...hang in there Walt! ..Linda
Bryan, keep up the good work, you are the man. Breaking bad is my favorite show.
Bryan, You are the master of keeping it subtle. (except of course, when you are walking around in your underware). I love your character, because I am always pulling for Walter, or I'm yelling at the tv, "No Walt! What are you doing?" Thank you for a very moving performance.
My crystal ball sees another emmy.
I can't believe that Season 2 has ended. My husband got me hooked on BB with the first episode of season 1, and we watch it religiously.
You are great as WW, and your comments about memorizing the elements is exactly what my HS Chemistry Class was all about!! Do as I say, and you don't have to understand...
So, lets move to Season3... any idea when Season 3 starts??? The finale from Season 2 certainly left a lot of doors open!! How about some hints??
Thanks for another great season of Breaking Bad. There is no other actor who could play the role of Walt. Have a great summer Bryan.
The prank with Aaron and the dildo is priceless. I can only imagine the roar of laughter on the set. You know the phrase, you've come a long way baby. Well, you have from Malcolm in the middle. I hated that show. Your talent as an actor has definitely shined in Breaking Bad. I thank you and your side kick "Aaron" for your great work in the show and giving us a program to look forward to watching after a long and hard days work.
I can imagine Jesse saying "Why is there a dildo on my counter, yo?" ROFL!!!!!!
Breaking Bad is the only TV drama I watch and I cannot get enough if it. I'll second that second Emmy award!
Since 'chemistry is the study of change', what element on the periodic table does Walt represent? Love that pink teddy bear matching the pink sweater in ABQ.
What a show and performances. Great stuff!!!
I just love you! I never watched an episode of Malcolm in the Middle, so I don't have the luxury of comparing the two roles, but I think you are just wonderful in Breaking Bad. Your acting choices and instincts are fantastic.
All true villains are those who cannot be easily recognized. You have kept Walt from being a caricature of a villain, and I think that's what's been so enjoyable. We're loving and hating Walt all season long, and we still can't completely abandon him as a person. That's talent! Thank you for the most unique fictional character I have ever watched on television!
Bryan, I'm so glad that Walter did not give up on Jesse. I was sure that Walter/ Heisenberg would eventually have to drop Jesse like a bad Habit, but Walt was a true friend to Jesse. That says a lot about Walters true character and strength. Looking forward to Season 3 and all your miss adventures with Jesse and company, till then Adios Amigo.
I'm gonna feel cheated if the dildo on the counter joke isn't included on the season 2 dvd extras lol that is gold.
YO, Walt! I mean, Bryan! Unlike cooking meth, acting is art, but it's almost like you got Mr. White down to a science. It's going to be a drag waiting for the next season. Maybe you can hook us BB addicts up with some minisodes to tide us over?
Dear Bryan...
Do you suppose "Stan Grossman" (from the film, "Little Miss Sunshine")could sell your meth for you??????????? Haha...
Dear Bryan...I am sure you hear this all the time, but I loved you in 'Malcom In The Middle', and love you even more as Walt. I seriously have not looked forward to a TV show...since I was a youngster...waiting for the new episode of 'Happy Days'. I have told all my friends and relatives that 'Breaking Bad' is a mix between 'To Live and Die In L.A.', and 'Pulp Fiction'...and they all agree. Walt is one of the most complex characters I have ever seen on television. Thank you for putting your heart and soul into this character...I almost feel like I know Mr. White. I am sure millions of American agree...one of the best overall performances in television history. To the rest of the bloggers...if you enjoy this show, and have not seen 'To Live and Die In L.A.'...I highly suggest renting it. That film is not only underrated, but it was seriously the beginning and the influence...on this whole genre. Every character is complex...and all the players are jaded in one way or another. I am sure 'The French Connection' and 'To Live and Die in L.A.' were major inspirations.
I agree DrakeFlix, and I absolutely loved To Live and Die in L.A.. A fabulously tense story, and William Petersen and Willem Dafoe were fantastic in it!
i just wanted to say that Walt's character is "bad azz" Flint and i love your acting, it went from being an innocent family man, to a hard core Druglord, and im not Tuco lol, but i look a little like him, but not very much, i wish i could be on ya show its so cool, my email is purewriting@hotmail.com
Jamm54...YES!! I swear this show reminds me so much of those shots of shady parts of L.A. in that film...and some scenes in it too...William Petersen, William Dafoe, John Pankow, John Turtorro, & Dean Stockwell...pretty much all their first major roles. Vince Gilligan is a William Friedkin protege. I bet he could remake that one. I heard the car chase scene was filmed IN ONE TAKE. Just well-planned. I was on the edge of my seat the entire movie...it still works perfectly today...PLUS...one of the best soundtracks. It is so nice to be on the edge of my seat watching a television show!! William Peterson's character was as intense and complex as Walt Sr. is...on 'Breaking Bad'. William Dafoe was just outright creepy. He was like Tuco. I mean...these two characters made you furious. Both that film and 'Breaking Bad' keep you guessing...and so much is left up to the viewer to decide. These blogs...show people who are all upset, pissed off, disappointed, confused, dying for more, satisfied...happy, sad...ALL RANGES OF EMOTION. NOW THAT IS ENTERTAINMENT. Then...the ENDING of 'To Live...' is unforgettable...as it was...last Sunday!! I was...shocked...and I loved it. ALL OF US ARE HOOKED...NO QUESTION ABOUT IT. I mean...yesterday...I watched 'I'm a Celebrity...get me out of here'...JUST PLAIN GARBAGE. BB sets the bar way up high. Perhaps reality TV will finally go away. At least...I hope so.
"you got Mr. White down to a science." LITERALLY.
I have the soundtrack for To Live and Die in L.A. by Wang Chung (very hard to get at the time was out of print basically). I own the VHS tape of the movie, but I've watched it so much, it's now kind of screwed up.
Watching William Petersen go completely bad was the ride of a lifetime. Especially when they kill an FBI agent, and seeing John Pankow turn bad because of it all when he was such a by-the-book treasury agent. Whew! It was the first time I'd ever seen Willem Dafoe, and yes, he was creepy as hell. His looks are kind of a turnoff, but when I saw him on Bravo's Inside the Actors Studio, he was as cute and charming as could be. Just goes go to show you, personality can really light up a person's features, and he had a great one!
Bryan Cranston is a cutie, too. Everytime they show an outtake interview of him from the series, his sense of humor and charm shine through. He's a doll!
sorry for gushing... but.... this is the best(non comedy) show on the air!.... by an order of magnitude!.... are we really subjected to wait til 2010 for our next installment????!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!........ doesn't seem fair!!!!! please give us something? :-)
How about a rerun of Season 2 about midway before the next one starts? 9 months is an awful long time to not see hide nor hare of this. Especially if AMC won't put the episodes on-line for a while.
Unbelievably great work on the series--we're all rooting for another emmy for you.
I seem to remember my chemistry teacher--Mr. White--saying that Iron was "Fe" because "I" (Iodine) and "Ir" (Iridium) were taken, so they used the Latin for iron (i.e. ferrous).
He also said that whenever I do an interview I should never confuse sulphuric acid with hydroflouric acid. ;-)
I tried to track down Mr. White, but apparently he changed his name (first to Mr. Black, then to Mr. Pink). I think he owns "Pink's Prop Penises" in L.A. somewhere now.
Okay, I have to ask. Saw your fancast AMC interview Bryan, with you and your Harley (it looked like you had it parked in the house!). Have you ever done the annual motorcycle round-up at Sturges, SD?
I haven't had cable tv in years. I watched the first three episodes of season one at a friend's house and I had to get cable again. Breaking Bad is easily the best show to come along in many years. I can't wait for season three!
Bryan, you are awsome in this season! So much for Malcolm's dad! You are now Jesse's dad. Walt showed so much compassion for Jesse when he hit bottom. He could have just blown Jesse off any number of times, but he has stayed true to his partner. It is the little bit of Walt that is left as Heisenberg takes over. I fear for Jesse if Heisenberg completely takes over.
I had to take chemistry in college. It scared the heck out of me, but as I progressed through the course, I realized all it is is cooking. And I have always liked cooking. My home EC teacher in HS always taught us the chemical process involved.
Bryan-
I haven't enjoyed a show this much since Babylon 5 (which you had a small, but important role in). JMS and Vince G. are amazing writers.
You and all the BB cast are amazing actors!! THANK YOU for not becoming a cop.
I had a kickass chem teacher like Walt in school, its why I am what I am and not a 'degenerate piece of filth'
Thanks, man.
Henry
Dear Bryan!
The big question is what acting role is going to "surpass" Walt on Breaking Bad? Do you feel this will be a real dilemma for you and will you always be stereo-typed to the Walt role? Such was the case with George Reeves as Superman....he couldn't get beyond that role and felt he was doomed to play with a cardboard sword and entertain only children. Do you believe this will be a struggle for you in the future?....Linda
Bryan,
damn fine job!! I loved the way you told the guy at the hardware store to stay out of your territory!! I watched that episode and later was watching Malcom.. I know you are the same guy but it's like day and night you are a very gifted and versatile actor I can't wait to see where you take Walter next season