I have been wondering what the differences are between the two in terms of story narrative. Like how did Scarface cover a similar trajectory of the downfall of a kingpin in two and a half hours vs. five seasons for Breaking Bad?

When trying to analyze it I looked for similar story beats that were included. Both showed them with poor problems. Tony Montana is a poor immigrant and gets a crappy job as a dishwasher. Walter White is a low paid high school teacher, gets cancer, and becomes "poor" since he now needs treatment money and to provide for his family. Two poor guys theb get an opportunity to join the lucrative drug trade.

Montana gets the chance to do a coke deal, while White gets the chance to deal meth. Things go wrong and Montana gets to meet the big timer, Frank. Things go wrong and White gets to meet the big timer, Gus. They strike a deal and start making tons of cash. Life is good.

Then things inevitably go south. They become a liability and are almost killed by their bosses. But they prevail. Montana offs Frank. White offs Gus. They are now the kingpins.

But it doesn't last. The law is on to them. Montana gets caught washing money. Walter gets discovered by his DEA agent bro-in-law. They try and fix the situation. Montana screws up a hit and his Colombian connection sends a crew to kill him in the end. Walter screws up with his money and gets arrested by Hank but Walt's crew kills Hank and then tries to kill Walt himself. Walt retaliates which results in his death. The end.