"Daredevil: Born Again" features visionary Hell's Kitchen cinematography

The cinematography for "Daredevil: Born Again" creates a captivating vision of Hell’s Kitchen. Cinematographer Hillary Fyfe Spera worked on seven of the nine episodes and aimed to blend various visual styles to reflect the complex world of the main character, Matt Murdock. In this new series, Murdock, played by Charlie Cox, faces chaos both outside and within. The show contrasts his superhero life with the personal struggles of his rival, Wilson Fisk, portrayed by Vincent D’Onofrio. The cinematographers sought to capture a “dirtbag romance” reminiscent of classic films from the '70s, like "Taxi Driver" and "The French Connection." Spera discussed the technical choices made to achieve this aesthetic. She emphasized the importance of using vintage lenses to create a textured look. The series was filmed using ALEXA 35 cameras and G-Series Panavision lenses, which helped enhance the cinematic experience. The team also conducted extensive testing to find the best ways to portray Murdock's sensory experiences. Most of the effects were achieved in-camera, allowing for a more genuine representation of his abilities. Different visual styles were used to depict the worlds of Murdock and Fisk. For Fisk, the camera techniques were designed to emphasize his oppressive nature. This included wide-angle close-ups and a more rigid camera setup. Murdock's scenes, however, used more natural lighting and a fluid approach to emphasize his humanity. Spera drew inspiration from '70s films, which she considers character-driven. She aimed to find beauty in the gritty details of urban life while showing the human side of both Murdock and Fisk. The series captures their intertwined stories in a visually compelling way, making "Daredevil: Born Again" engaging for viewers. The show is now streaming on Disney+.