What I've Been Watching - further on Daredevil

[major_clanger]

Following on from this, we watched episode 3 of Daredevil, after which attimes_bracing opined that it seemed rather repetitive and she was finding the violence wearing. I commented that I could see signs of a plot arc emerging, so we agreed that I'd watch episode 4 and let her know what I felt.

Well, episode 4 ('In the Blood') certainly takes the wider plot forward, and has one of the most interesting and non-stereotypical depictions of a villain I've seen in a comic adaptation. Vincent D'Onofrio portrays Wilson Fisk as intelligent, pensive, socially awkward and bordering on downright shy, whilst also being a monster capable not just of ordering the most horrific violence but of personally dealing it out. And speaking of that, I had to advice S that no, the violence does not let up - indeed, the episode's conclusion is positively Verhoevenesque. I suspect I'll be watching the rest on my own.

Comments

[ffutures.livejournal.com]

It's VERY bloody throughout but I really enjoyed it, I'll be watching the second series next year.

[daveon.livejournal.com]

Indeed, the violence does not let up but the evolution of the characters was worth the investment.

Weirdly, we had a similar issue with the movie John Wick which seemed highly gratuitous early on but redeemed itself with a shockingly wry sense of humour and some excellent camera work.

[bookzombie.livejournal.com]

I really liked it, but at times I did find the violence wearing. I've been debating whether to get pennski to watch it or not: I think she'd like much of it, but she's even shyer of extreme violence than I am.

[a-cubed.livejournal.com]

As others have said, the violence is unrelenting. Some upcoming scenes are verging on torture porn, though they do advance the plot. So much so that for one scene quite late on even the director couldn't bring themselves to just show it in "real time" and shows it in flashbacks. At least I think that's the reason for that scene (ninja fight for those who've seen it, hopefully not spoilers for those who haven't yet) to be presented in that way.

[stevegreen.livejournal.com]

halloween_jill and I have watched the first couple, but haven't felt a pressing urge to go further. The recurring piss-yellow palette doesn't help.

[ivory-goddess.livejournal.com]

I think episode 4 is the crunch-point, where the show really nails it's colours to the mast in terms of where it's willing to go in terms of violence. But it's also the point where the villain is revealed to be a complicated and flawed human being, as well as a relentless and very dangerous enemy.

Personally I loved the show, but I know I have a high tolerance of tv/film violence (I consider warnings like "the following programme contains scenes that some viewers may find disturbing" to be a positive sales pitch...)