Television series have become more and more popular in the course of time. Analyses of this kind of scripted entertainment deal with quality and quantity of content and form. The following term paper focuses on the aspect of music in television and in this sense intents to show, that the soundtrack is an essential part of the narrative storytelling in television series. "Breaking Bad", an American crime drama television series, serves as an example within the context of this term paper.
The so called "auteur series" express a historical turn, from the silent film era to todays new American television culture, on the level of content and form, by acquiring innovative stylistic devises (from both, cinema and television). Many scientific researches survey television series in terms of dramaturgy or the pictorial design, whereby the area of sound design has received less attention for a long time.
The purpose of this work is first of all to consider the expression and significance of musical ideas and concepts in televisual structures in theory, and secondly to analyze in how far the music supports the narrated story, especially the character change of one of the main characters in "Breaking Bad", namely Walter White, who – as the series’ title says – "breaks bad".
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. Theory of Television Music
2.1 Functions of Television Music
2.2 Music as a source of emotion
2.3 Diegetic vs. Nondiegetic Sound
2.4 Musical Association
3. Music in “Breaking Bad”
3.1 Negro y Azul
3.2 Ozymandias
3.3 Felina
4. Conclusion
Objectives and Thematic Focus
This paper explores the vital role of music within television series, specifically examining how soundtracks contribute to narrative storytelling. Using the American crime drama "Breaking Bad" as a primary case study, the research investigates the connection between musical scores and the psychological and character-driven evolution of the protagonist, Walter White.
- The theoretical foundations of television music, including diegetic and non-diegetic sound.
- Functions of music in evoking emotion and establishing atmospheric mood.
- The application of music in "Breaking Bad" to mirror character development.
- Analysis of specific episodes (Negro y Azul, Ozymandias, Felina) as case studies for narrative support.
Excerpt from the Book
3.1 Negro y Azul
In some cases the diegetic level gets blurred, what is a specific technique of television music. It is a matter of ambiguity where extra diegetic elements all at once become a part of the diegetic level and the other way round. This method fits into the narration and supports the immersion of the recipients (Boecker 2014: 86-87).
One very special case is the teaser of the seventh episode in season two, “Negro Y Azul” (Breaking Bad 2008-2013: S02E07), which is completely composed of a Mexican music video including subtitles. Purposely the viewer gets confused, assuming that he has turned on something wrong, since the episode starts directly with the act and ends at 3:15. It’s a music video of the Mexican band “Los Cuates de Sinaloa”, called “Negro Y Azul: The ballad of Heisenberg”. The song and the episode bear the same title, which translates to “black and blue” referring on the one hand to the colors of Walter’s appearance (black hat, black clothing, black sunglasses) and on the other hand to the blue crystal meth. Furthermore bruises are also associated with the colors black and blue, what could be an allusion to Walt’s trouble.
Summary of Chapters
1. Introduction: This chapter introduces the growing significance of music in the context of "auteur" television series and outlines the paper's intent to analyze Walter White's transformation in "Breaking Bad".
2. Theory of Television Music: This section establishes the theoretical framework for analyzing television sound, focusing on the functions of music, its emotional impact, and the distinction between diegetic and non-diegetic audio.
2.1 Functions of Television Music: An overview of the semiotic system of music and specific compositional techniques such as descriptive, mood, and leitmotif techniques.
2.2 Music as a source of emotion: Explores how filmmakers utilize standardized musical forms to evoke specific audience responses and influence perceptions of a film's genre.
2.3 Diegetic vs. Nondiegetic Sound: Differentiates between sounds perceived by characters within the narrative world and those that act as an intermediary layer between the film and the viewer.
2.4 Musical Association: Analyzes how cultural background and symbolic signs enable viewers to derive meaning and interpret narrative through music.
3. Music in “Breaking Bad”: Provides a detailed examination of the show's score, focusing on how Dave Porter’s theme and the use of pre-existing songs mirror Walter White’s shift from a teacher to a criminal.
3.1 Negro y Azul: Analyzes the use of a Mexican music video in the episode teaser to foreshadow the narrative consequences of Heisenberg's business activities.
3.2 Ozymandias: Examines the climax of the series through specific music sequences that highlight the impossibility of Walter White’s return to normalcy.
3.3 Felina: Investigates the final episode’s song choices and how they reflect Walter White’s ultimate state of mind and his final acceptance of his fate.
4. Conclusion: Summarizes how the soundtrack of "Breaking Bad" serves as a critical element in supporting the show's complex character evolution and moral-philosophic narrative.
Keywords
Breaking Bad, Television Music, Narrative Storytelling, Soundtrack Analysis, Walter White, Heisenberg, Diegetic Sound, Non-diegetic Sound, Auteur Series, Character Development, Musical Association, Film Scoring, Emotional Impact, Ozymandias, Felina.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this research?
The work examines the role of music in television series as an essential narrative tool, specifically focusing on how the soundtrack in "Breaking Bad" reflects the character development of Walter White.
What are the core thematic pillars of this paper?
The core themes include the theoretical functions of television sound, the semiotics of music, the distinction between reality and representation in media, and the practical application of these concepts in the "Breaking Bad" series.
What is the central research question?
The paper aims to show that the soundtrack is an essential part of narrative storytelling and explores how music specifically supports the "broken" transformation of Walter White across the series.
Which scientific methodology is applied?
The author employs a film and television analysis approach, drawing upon theoretical frameworks regarding film music (such as those by Bullerjahn, Cohen, and Rodman) to interpret specific scenes and narrative arcs.
What does the main body cover?
The main body is divided into a theoretical section defining sound techniques and a practical section that analyzes specific episodes and musical choices within "Breaking Bad".
Which keywords best characterize this work?
Key terms include "Breaking Bad," "Television Music," "Narrative Storytelling," "Character Development," and "Musical Association."
How does the "Negro y Azul" episode utilize music?
It uses a Mexican "narcocorrido" music video as a narrative device, purposefully confusing the viewer while providing foreshadowing regarding the drug cartel's conflict with Heisenberg.
Why is the music in the episode "Ozymandias" significant?
The music, particularly the folk song "Take My True Love By The Hand," is used contrapuntally to emphasize the isolation and tragic reality of Walter White's situation after the death of Hank.
What is the significance of the song "Baby Blue" in the series finale?
Chosen by music supervisor Thomas Golubić, the song signifies Walt's love for his "work" and chemistry, serving as an appropriate ending that concludes his journey on his own terms.
How does the show's theme music reflect the narrative?
The theme music uses specific instruments like the Dobro to evoke the Southwest setting and creates a "startlingly aggressive" sound that foreshadows Walter White's dark transition.
- Citar trabajo
- Pauline Hein (Autor), 2015, Music as an essential part of storytelling in television series such as "Breaking Bad", Múnich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/354546
