From chemistry classroom to P lab

Aaron Paul loved high school chemistry, but never thought he'd find himself making crystal meth on screen. He talks to James Croot about starring in Breaking Bad.

When Aaron Paul first saw a script for Breaking Bad he thought it was the best thing he ever read. However, he was convinced that it would never get made.

"I thought 'how can AMC pick up a show about this subject matter?' A high school chemistry teacher, Walter White [Brian Cranston] who turns to a life of crime."

However, not only is the programme currently shooting its third season, it has also picked up four Emmy Awards, with 30-year-old Paul this year nominated for his role as Jesse, one of Walter's former students and now meth- making partner.

"I definitely gravitate towards something that's different and interesting and a lot of the time that happens to be dark subject matter. I love stories that a lot of people are afraid to tell. But the thing is, this is happening, it is part of the dark side of the world we live in.

"For example, while we were shooting the pilot, there was a principal who got arrested for cooking and selling crystal meth to his students."

He says the popularity of shows like Breaking Bad and Dexter proves that "we're all very messed-up people".

"With our show, you get intrigued by the characters and you want to ride this rollercoaster with them, go through these emotions. I think it's nice to have ups and downs, if you don't, stuff gets boring. It's like a car accident. You don't want to see it but you can't [help] but look to see what's happening.

"Plus our show is just so beautifully written and acted, and we have a wonderful director of photography Michael Slovis who paints with light."

Viewers watching season two (which begins screening on C4 on December 14) will see all the characters go through changes, warns Paul.

"You'll see a softer side of Jesse, where he's coming from. There's a lot more drug use, a bit of his backstory and he gets constantly beat down. It's all pretty dark but yet you find yourself laughing at things you probably shouldn't be."

Paul says he enjoys filming the show in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

"I love the setting, it's like another character of the show. Characters on Breaking Bad feel so desolate and alone and a lot of our locations feel that way as well." And far from being upset about their city being the backdrop for a drama about drug dealing, Paul says the locals are excited the show is set and made there.

Although he has done some work in film, he says he enjoys the family environment fostered by working on a TV series.

"The crew are all just as happy as we are to be involved in something this special. This could be my one shot to be a part of something truly spectacular and I'm really enjoying diving deeper and deeper into my character. It's nice to find all these layers I haven't found before."

Paul admits sometimes after a long day's shooting elements of Jesse's character creep into his life.

"It can be hard to shake off certain emotions but I definitely try to keep that away from my personal life."

* Breaking Bad, C4, Monday, 8.30pm.

- © Fairfax NZ News