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Bryan Cranston: Beyond Malcolm in the Middle

One of our loyal commenters, JP Bordon, has recently posted an interesting topic:

I don't know what possessed Bryan Cranston to take this challenging role but kudos. Great first script,editing and directing. I have not seen him in anything but sitcoms and he usually played that comedic frantic father role. I could always see great performance even in those rolls but because of the high profile of Fox's Malcolm in the Middle I was afraid he was doomed to play this type cast forever.



I really think he wont be looked at the same after this. All I can say is WOW, great move and great depth as an actor! --JP Bordon

I think JP makes a great point, because Walt White is both in line with, and at the same time a total departure from Cranston's role on Malcolm in the Middle. They're both devoted family men, and both give off this sense of reluctance about almost every facet of their lives. And yet Walt is so different--I can't see Hal breaking bad, but for Walt it was not only understandable, it seemed inevitable.

What do you think the differences between the two characters are? Has Bryan Cranston broken new ground or reshaped it?

Posted by Clayton Neuman
January 24, 2008 11:59am

Comments

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By Clayton Neuman on January 24, 2008 4:29 PM

If you'd like to see Cranston's view on the two characters, check out this clip from his interview on Shootout

http://link.brightcove.com/services/link/bcpid353549892/bclid1127686878/bctid1381640526

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By Jager818 on January 27, 2008 12:47 AM

I see a little bit of Hal in Walt , being how milk toast and square he is. But Cranston blows that image out water in the first episode and I expect it only to get better.

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By amsterdamsam on January 28, 2008 9:58 AM

i honestly could not think of a better person to play walt!!!!!!i am looking forward to more episodes!!!

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By Wright Stuff on January 30, 2008 7:37 PM

I remember watching him on an episode of "Thank G-d You're Here". It was a pretty crummy "Who's Line is it anyway" type show that lasted like two episodes ,but every scene Bryan was in he absolutely stole and was hysterical. I was waiting for him to do something else

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By Roberto Montalban on May 28, 2008 12:19 AM

For a dose of Bryan Cranston at his comedic best, check out "The Big Thing". It's a movie he made back in 2000, and it's just been released on DVD.

The story is pretty silly, but the performances are good, particularly the top-notch Mr. Cranston.

TheBigThingMovie.com has a trailer, photos, and more info.