Griselda’s rise to power: A tale of ambition and revenge

Episode 4: Middle management

In the fourth episode of “Griselda,” Sofia Vergara’s character, Griselda Blanco, declares war on her enemies. This episode, titled “Middle Management,” delves into her relentless pursuit of revenge and her quest to reclaim her territory. As Griselda’s power and ambition grow, she is on the brink of being anointed the “Cocaine Godmother.”

A metaphorical beginning

The episode opens with a poignant scene at a car wash. Cinematographer Armando Salas explains that this scene serves as a metaphor for Griselda’s journey. As she processes and relives past betrayals, the act of washing the car symbolizes her attempt to cleanse her past and move forward. “It’s essentially washing the slate clean as she moves forward into this new chapter of her life, and she goes to war with the dealers and Ochoas,” Salas notes.

A devastating setback

Just as Griselda believes she has the upper hand, she faces a devastating setback. Her Miami home is burned to the ground, and several of her closest confidants are murdered. This turn of events forces her to confront the harsh realities of her dangerous world.

The duality of Griselda

Salas highlights the duality of Griselda’s character, balancing her role as a mother and the importance of family with her ruthless persona as a drug kingpin. “So much of that duality is dealt with both in color and in framing,” he explains. The use of two-tone colors, such as gold and amber, represents the glamour she aspires to, while an olive base balances it out. In this episode, the color palette expands to include blues and greens, symbolizing both a shift in location and her growing ambition.

A shift in perspective

As Griselda chooses her path, the cinematography evolves to reflect her newfound determination. “The camera work becomes more centered, and the world revolves around her,” Salas explains. This shift in perspective underscores her central role in the unfolding drama.

A powerful rallying scene

One of the episode’s key scenes is shot on a thirty-foot techno crane, capturing a dramatic moment as Griselda oversees a pile of cocaine being doused in gasoline. Surrounded by newly recruited Marielitos, she delivers a rousing speech, rallying them behind her cause. Salas explains that the camera remains focused on her, emphasizing her commanding presence.

Technical innovations

Salas tested several cameras before settling on the RED V-Raptor, a new camera at the time. “What was amazing about the camera was its ability to capture subtle images in low light,” he says. The camera’s small size allowed for seamless transitions between different setups, enhancing the fluidity of the shoot. Paired with Panavision Panaspeed lenses, the camera delivered consistent performance and gentle skin tones, crucial for the aggressive lighting used on Griselda.

The fire element

The fire element in the episode was shot in-camera as a practical effect, creating a dramatic change in exposure once the bonfire ignites. Salas aimed for compositions that conveyed a wealth of information at once. In this scene, he used longer lenses to shoot through the fire and heat ripple, bringing Vergara closer to the flames.

A pivotal moment

When Griselda gives Miguelito the sword and he calls her “Godmother,” Salas captures this moment silhouetted against the fire. “It’s the first time we jump to the other side for this exchange,” he explains. This scene leaves room for interpretation, as the audience pieces together the unfolding events. In the next scene, a news report reveals that Griselda’s rival dealer has been killed in public at Miami International Airport with that sword.

Setting the tone for the future

As Griselda sets the cocaine on fire, she sets the tone for the next chapter of her life. This act symbolizes her ascent to power and her determination to become untouchable in the cocaine empire.

For those eager to dive deeper into Griselda’s world, you can watch the trailer for “Griselda” here.

This episode of “Griselda” masterfully blends visual storytelling with character development, offering a compelling look at the rise of one of history’s most notorious drug lords. The meticulous attention to detail in cinematography and the powerful performances make this a must-watch for fans of crime dramas.