Daredevil: Born Againhas just begun, but the new series has already set a new standard for visual storytelling in theMarvel Cinematic Universe, andI can’t believe I missed this incredible moment on my first watch.After three seasons on Netflix and a handful of appearances since,Daredevil’s powers in the MCUseem to be fairly well-defined. However, in the new series, the filmmakers used a couple of creative twists to communicate aspects of these powers in a refreshingly compelling way.
The MCU timelineis full of characters with god-like powers, and has been since very early into its runtime. With this in mind,Daredevil’s powers of enhanced senses might seem comparatively small.While his abilities are incredible, they do not match the godlike powers of Thor or the incredible technology that characters like Iron Man possess. To better show the actual impacts of Daredevil’s powers, however, the new series has made some changes to how they show up onscreen.
Daredevil: Born Again’s Aspect Ratio Change Detail Is Very Cool
The Show Gives A Fresh Look At Daredevil’s Hearing Powers
Even though the character has been seen before in the MCU many times,Daredevil: Born Againepisode 1 & 2quickly establish a new look for the character’s powers when he first taps into his enhanced hearing.In this short moment, with the lens focused on the hero’s ears, the aspect ratio of the scene changes.The black bars that appear at the top of frame extend outward, expanding the scope, just as the scope of Daredevil’s senses seem to be increased as he dedicates his attention and energy to his hearing.
Powers that are as internal as enhanced hearing are difficult to express visually. However, by using tricks of the camera and editing like this,viewers quickly understand how the breadth of what Matt is privy to can change so swiftly and completely. This also helps to show that Matt’s hearing is under his control, and the character is not accosted by this sense at all times. That said, while this addition helps to demonstrate Matt’s powers, there is another element used here that I did not find quite as successful.
However, I Think The Light Effect In Daredevil: Born Again Is Distracting
The Other Visual Effect Feels Superfluous
In addition to showing that Daredevil’s hearing is being used by the extending of the aspect ratio, the filmmakers also used another visual cue for this power, asthe same scene puts a direct visual emphasis on Matt Murdock’s ears with a circle of light.Beginning blurry and large, the light shrinks and hardens as Matt’s hearing comes into focus, as if in sync with his concentration.
This visual addition is entirely unnecessary, and to be honest I found it to be distracting from the aspect ratio trick.The black bars extending told viewers all that they needed to know, but many of us, myself included, missed this, because of the lighting visual in front and center. If this light visual wasn’t used, the aspect ratio effect would have been perhaps even more effective.
The possibility of aDaredevilAvengers: Doomsdaycameolooms large, but the fact is that the character seems to be given his own little corner of the MCU. Following street-level stories that seem ancillary to the world-shattering issues that the Avengers must resolve,Daredevil: Born Againfeels unique and special in this world. With powers so excitingly expressed, and with an excellent path forward for the character,it seems likely that more interesting visual tricks will be used in the show’s future, andI can’t wait to see what’s next.
