How do the characters in Better Call Saul and 12 Angry Men navigate the complex balance between personal ethics and the pursuit of the greater good, especially within the legal system, and how do their choices shed light on their perspectives on justice and truth?
Throughout the 1957 film 12 angry men, directed by Sydney Lumet and based on Reginald roses 1954 screenplay of the same name, and Vince Gilligan’s television drama series Better Call Saul, a major theme explored throughout both stories is the fine balance between personal morals and the pursuit of the greater good. Both pieces, being character studies, explore these themes by focusing a large portion of their stories on examining the motivations and ethics of their characters through
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The ideas of justice and the legal system are both major themes, prevalent throughout both pieces with Better Call Saul and 12 angry men both critiquing the legal system by highlighting its shortcomings while 12 angry men, to a certain extent, also praises the justice system, or more specifically the jury system for its impartialness and diversity of perspectives.
Personal ethics and principles within the justice, legal or jury systems are major themes explored throughout both Better Call Saul and 12 angry men. Both Gilligan and Lumet criticise the justice system for its many shortcomings throughout their texts often by highlighting said shortcomings. In Better Call Saul this is often done through Saul’s manipulation and disregard for honesty and integrity while dealing with the legal system. A key example of this is his legal representation of Mexican cartel member Lalo Salamanca. During the scene where the two appear in court for Lalo’s murder charge, the masterful cinematography plays a crucial role in portraying the ethical dilemma of the moment. The use of high contrast colours coupled with the bright lighting