Daredevil DIRECTOR'S CUT is a 2003 superhero film directed by Mark Steven Johnson. Starring Ben Affleck as the titular character, the film follows the story of Matt Murdock, a blind lawyer who also moonlights as the superhero Daredevil, as he tries to bring justice to the criminal underworld of New York City. Unlike the original theatrical version, Daredevil DIRECTOR'S CUT offers a much darker and grittier interpretation of the story. Clocking in at almost two and a half hours, the film adds nearly thirty minutes of additional footage that further explores the characters and their motivations. This extended edition also trims down some of the more controversial elements of the original release, such as the infamous "Elektra in a playground" scene.
The film opens with a tragic accident that leaves young Matt Murdock blind but with enhanced senses. Murdock's father, a boxer, inspires him to use his abilities to fight for justice, and the young boy grows up to become a lawyer by day and a vigilante by night. Matt's alter ego, Daredevil, operates in the shadows, using his heightened senses to track down criminals and bring them to justice.
As the film progresses, Daredevil comes into conflict with the Kingpin, a powerful city kingpin who controls the criminal underworld. The Kingpin, played brilliantly by Michael Clarke Duncan, is determined to keep Daredevil from interfering with his operations, and hires an assassin known as Bullseye (Colin Farrell) to take him out. Meanwhile, Matt gets involved with a woman named Elektra Natchios (Jennifer Garner), who has her own reasons for seeking revenge against the Kingpin.
One of the strengths of Daredevil DIRECTOR'S CUT is its exploration of the characters' backstories. Matt's childhood flashbacks give context to his motivations as a superhero, while scenes involving Elektra and her father add depth to her character. Similarly, the film goes deeper into the relationship between Matt and his law partner Foggy Nelson (Jon Favreau), showcasing their friendship and how it informs their work as lawyers.
The action sequences in Daredevil DIRECTOR'S CUT are also impressive, with the extended fight between Daredevil and Bullseye being a standout moment. The film also introduces the character of Wilson Fisk, better known as the Kingpin, in a way that makes him a formidable adversary to our hero. The final confrontation between Daredevil and the Kingpin is intense and satisfying, showing just how determined our hero can be when fighting for what's right.
The film's cast, led by Ben Affleck, deliver solid performances throughout. Affleck's portrayal of Matt Murdock is more nuanced in the extended cut, with additional scenes fleshing out his character's internal struggle to balance his dual identities. Jennifer Garner's Elektra is also more fully realized in this version, with her motivations and backstory receiving more attention. Colin Farrell's over-the-top portrayal of Bullseye might not appeal to everyone, but it certainly makes the character a memorable villain.
Overall, Daredevil DIRECTOR'S CUT is a significant improvement over the original theatrical release. Its darker tone and more fleshed-out characters make it a must-watch for fans of the character and the superhero genre as a whole. While it may not be perfect (some of the special effects haven't aged well), the film still holds up as a solid entry in the world of comic book adaptations.
Daredevil DIRECTOR'S CUT is a 2003 action movie with a runtime of 2 hours and 13 minutes.
