So Altered Carbon series 2 has less impressive cinematography (or appropriate, if that's the more fitting descriptive word) & by this point, the lack of either Neville Kidd or Martin Ahlgren's involvement behind the camera becomes increasingly / immediately obvious; the visuals are nowhere near as experimental or inventive; we've gone from iconic, striking imagery - emboldened by vivid uses of colour, quirky lense choices & original visual styles - which established an instantly recognisable aesthetic that garnered praise & attention... To a design this year which wouldn't look out of place in a Star Trek spin-off series?
Throughout S2, there have been multiple sequences which seemed like missed opportunities - had they not been helmed & shot by someone different. That's not to say they're bad, but conspicuously devoid of the same imaginative creativity present in S1 - & none moreso than during Poe's labyrinthine venture in this episode - which seemed like a failed attempt to capture the same aforementioned level of artistry.
I'm a major fan of cinematographer PJ Dillon & think he's remarkable in what he normally does but don't think his talents were well suited to this particular project, in all honesty. I expected him to continue the "look" whilst developing upon it but over consecutive episodes, it's clear his style is more strictly naturalistic & thus, the transition from images which pop with vibrancy to mostly grounded, muted colours that are gritty & realistic feels jarring / almost misplaced.
This is in no way a criticism of PJ Dillon either as he's still one of the best cinematographers working in television at the moment. It's just about recognising his signature style & acknowledging what kind of projects it would be best applied to (this sadly isn't one of them) as it's clearly not that adaptable.
Furthermore, Anthony Mackie doesn't even compare to Joel Kinnaman's portrayal of Takeshi Kovacs & all Season 2 can continually do is rely upon dragging up more interesting characters from the previous superior season (rather than create new ones) - to build any further semblance of relevance. It's a major shame & an utter waste of an opportunity granted to the creators - in helming another season.
S1 felt as though they were TRYING to craft something unique, S2 unfortunately doesn't.
Throughout S2, there have been multiple sequences which seemed like missed opportunities - had they not been helmed & shot by someone different. That's not to say they're bad, but conspicuously devoid of the same imaginative creativity present in S1 - & none moreso than during Poe's labyrinthine venture in this episode - which seemed like a failed attempt to capture the same aforementioned level of artistry.
I'm a major fan of cinematographer PJ Dillon & think he's remarkable in what he normally does but don't think his talents were well suited to this particular project, in all honesty. I expected him to continue the "look" whilst developing upon it but over consecutive episodes, it's clear his style is more strictly naturalistic & thus, the transition from images which pop with vibrancy to mostly grounded, muted colours that are gritty & realistic feels jarring / almost misplaced.
This is in no way a criticism of PJ Dillon either as he's still one of the best cinematographers working in television at the moment. It's just about recognising his signature style & acknowledging what kind of projects it would be best applied to (this sadly isn't one of them) as it's clearly not that adaptable.
Furthermore, Anthony Mackie doesn't even compare to Joel Kinnaman's portrayal of Takeshi Kovacs & all Season 2 can continually do is rely upon dragging up more interesting characters from the previous superior season (rather than create new ones) - to build any further semblance of relevance. It's a major shame & an utter waste of an opportunity granted to the creators - in helming another season.
S1 felt as though they were TRYING to craft something unique, S2 unfortunately doesn't.
