Significance of Blue Lighting for Bullseye in Daredevil: Born Again
Directors Aaron Moorhead and Justin Benson delve into the creative choices concerning the blue lighting employed for Wilson Bethel’s portrayal of Bullseye in the latest installment, Daredevil: Born Again. They emphasized the importance of accurately representing Benjamin Poindexter’s journey as he integrates into the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU).
Exploring the Visual Cues
In a recent interview with Brandon Davis, the directors elaborated on their decision to incorporate blue hues as a visual motif for Bullseye. According to Benson and Moorhead, the aim was to pay homage to Bullseye’s character arc from Netflix’s Daredevil season 3, while also providing visual distinctions that resonate with Matt Murdock’s persona. They stated:
Justin Benson: “The whole concept of using blue lighting and the thematic inclusion of blue flowers were integral to our vision, stemming from our profound appreciation for Bullseye.”
Aaron Moorhead: “In season 3, he faces relentless adversity that shapes him into his monstrous form. It was crucial for us to honor that transformation while ensuring viewers can still empathize with his character, emphasizing his tragic background. We fiercely protected this aspect while allowing room for his evolution.”
Behind the Scenes: A Spontaneous Discovery
Moorhead further explained how the decision to use rich blue lighting for Bullseye emerged organically during production. While filming a sequence in episode 8 set within a prison corridor, the team engaged in a bit of playful experimentation with the lighting. They discovered that varying the color dramatically enhanced the character’s narrative. Moorhead recounted:
Aaron Moorhead: “During the shoot, our gaffer, Charlie Grubs, had upgraded the lighting fixtures to be manageable via a dimmer board. As we experimented, the lighting unexpectedly transitioned from a stark atmosphere to one reminiscent of a lively party. Everyone started enjoying the moment, and amidst the fun, we decided to test a shot where we faded to blue at the end of the scene. That moment resonated with everyone so deeply that it evolved into a defining feature of Bullseye’s visual identity.”
Conclusion
As Daredevil: Born Again unveils Bullseye’s character through innovative storytelling and strategic visual elements, it showcases how directors Moorhead and Benson honor the complex nature of beloved characters from the Marvel universe. Their insights highlight the collaborative spirit and creativity essential in filmmaking, particularly in adapting narratives with rich histories.
Source: Brandon Davis