Daredevil (2003)

Directed by: Mark Steven Johnson | 110 minutes | action, fantasy, science fiction | Actors: Ben Affleck, Jennifer Garner, Colin Farrell, Michael Clarke Duncan, Jon Favreau, Scott Terra, Ellen Pompeo, Joe Pantoliano, Leland Orser, Lennie Loftin, Erick Avari, Derrick O’Connor, Paul-Ben Victor, David Keith, Frankie J. Allison

After the success of the ‘Spider-Man’ and ‘Blade’ films, the American publishing house Marvel comics decided to have more superheroes from their stable made into films. In the United States, there is a whole culture around cartoons. Major publishers such as Marvel, DC and Image are competing for reader interest. The character of Daredevil is deeply rooted in the American comic book world. The superhero character was conceived way back in 1964 and quickly became one of the most popular heroes in the Marvel stable. In the rest of the world, the character is not as well known as in homeland America.

Daredevil’s little fame abroad didn’t stop director Mark Steven Johnson from filming the superhero’s adventures. The character of Blade himself was fairly unknown in America, but nevertheless managed to score great internationally at the box office. Johnson’s film failed to do that. In the Netherlands, the print silently disappeared from the galleries after a few weeks. Despite the all-star cast, ‘Daredevil’ had become a flop. It can’t be the story. The character Daredevil bears some similarities to the popular Spider-Man. Daredevil also gained his powers through an accident. Spider-Man and Daredevil also use much the same method, they also work alone. Both characters have secret identities to protect their loved ones. If the story would be worked out well, Marvel would once again have gold in their hands with this cartoon character. Unfortunately that didn’t happen.

Director Johnson was a wrong choice for this comic film adaptation. The young filmmaker’s limited experience is clearly noticeable in the break in style in the print. ‘Daredevil’ starts strongly with the tragic history of Daredevil, the alter ego of young lawyer Matt Murdock. The maligned actor Ben Affleck plays his part very well. Thanks to Affleck’s modest playing, he knows how to interpret the tragedy of the unfortunate ‘hero’ very well. Daredevil is disgusted by the world around him.

Especially in the first half hour, the grim atmosphere of the film is very well hit. It soon becomes apparent that the film version of Daredevil is inspired by director Tim Burton’s first two Batman films. Daredevil is clearly presented as an antihero, who has no pure motives. In the beginning of the film, for example, the vigilante kills a criminal without conscience by throwing him in front of a tram. Unfortunately, the oppressive, mysterious atmosphere is not retained. Strangely enough, the tension just disappears with the introduction of the villains. The colourful, flamboyant opponents break down the careful construction in one go. Everything changes in the movie. From the stylish music to the character development.

At once, Daredevil’s character is no longer plagued by a guilt complex and feelings of revenge. No, he fell in love with Elektra. The atmosphere of the film suddenly becomes much lighter. Unfortunately, the obligatory romantic touch is not even interestingly worked out. Actress Jennifer Garner doesn’t have much to add to the film. Besides some fight scenes, she only needs to be beautiful in her tight leather suit. A very thankless role, which is clearly aimed at a young audience of teenage boys. In addition to romance, there must also be fighting in a superhero movie. The criminals that Daredevil fought in the beginning of the film presented no challenge to him. Kingpin, the superhero’s arch nemesis, therefore sends the Irish bad guy Bullseye after Daredevil. Rising talent Colin Farrell plays the Irish hitman who never misses. Apparently Farrell didn’t see much of a challenge in the caricatural role, because the actor doesn’t get any further than heavy shrieking. Farrell pushes his role so much that it seems very over the top. The realistic, grim atmosphere of the print is instantly negated. An adult audience no longer takes the film seriously. The rest of the cast is also completely lost after this style break. Besides one-dimensional acting and hard rock music, there is nothing left in the film. The only bright spot of the film is the breakthrough of American rock band Evanescence, who have become known thanks to the film’s soundtrack. After the first part of ‘Daredevil’, the story drifts aimlessly.

The director has been very excited about the film adaptation of the American cartoon character. With the introduction of the villains, it seems like Johnson doesn’t take his production seriously anymore. Everything is exaggerated for the spectacle to be staged. Ultimately, ‘Daredevil’ has become neither fish nor meat. Comic book lovers will feel cheated by their hero’s chaotic and misguided treatment. Action fans don’t get enough good scenes to enjoy the print.