Key takeaways:
– Bryan Cranston hails Rosie Perez for driving the scenes in Your Honor amidst significant challenges.
– Despite initial struggles, the sequel to Cranston's first-ever rotten show has received a certified fresh rating on Tomatometer.
– Cranston's dedication is reflected in his preparation for season 2, where he lost 16 pounds to portray his character's deteriorating mental state authentically.
The Allure of Damaged Characters
Bryan Cranston, known for his portrayals of complex and damaged individuals like Walter White in Breaking Bad and Michael Desiato in Your Honor, has revealed on multiple occasions his fascination with morally compromised characters. According to Cranston, the key allure for playing such characters lies in the unique challenges they bring and the unique connection they can establish with audiences.
Overcoming Challenges in Your Honor
Your Honor, which marked Cranston's TV comeback after a break of seven years, had not quite lived up to the expectations set by Breaking Bad. However, season 2 of Your Honor signified a remarkable improvement over the previous season, partly credited to the contribution of one particular cast member – Rosie Perez. Her arrival brought fresh energy to the scenes that were necessary due to the dwindling interest of Cranston's character, Michael Desiato, who had lost everything and ended up in jail.
Cranston praised Perez, for stepping up to the plate and doing an outstanding job, even as her character was required to drive the scenes, given Desiato's resistance and lack of will to live. Despite the daunting challenge, Perez managed to succeed spectacularly.
The Brilliance of Breaking Bad
Speaking about his role in Breaking Bad, Cranston described how the narrative's complexity resulted in an engaging experience for the audience. They initially sympathized with Walter White's reasons for venturing into the drug world. It was easy for the audience to reckon with the character's motivation, making them more inclined to invest in his journey.
However, as Walter's character evolved into a darker and more antagonistic persona, the show's creators kept challenging the allegiance of the audience. Vince Gilligan, the series creator, admitted to insights into Walt's manipulative tendencies, which reduced his empathy for the character.
Cranston's Dedication to Acting
Cranston's commitment towards his characters transcends emotional depths to physical alterations too. To authentically portray Desiato's deteriorating mental state in Your Honor season 2, the actor lost around 16 pounds.
Conclusion
Both Breaking Bad and Your Honor provided Cranston with complex characters that allowed him to showcase his immense acting skills. However, it was his co-star Rosie Perez in Your Honor who took center stage in season 2 amidst significant challenges, earning Cranston's praise and the approval of viewers and critics alike. After analyzing his fascination with troubled characters, one can safely say that Cranston is an actor who isn't afraid to dive into dark waters for compelling storytelling. Both Breaking Bad and Your Honor are now available for streaming on Netflix.
