Daredevil

Ben Affleck plays Matt Murdock, a New York lawyer who lost his sight in childhood and developed extraordinary senses. By day he works within the law; at night he confronts criminals as Daredevil. Jennifer Garner, Michael Clarke Duncan and Colin Farrell join this 2003 screen version, written and directed by Mark Steven Johnson.

The useful question to follow is how Matt reconciles two different ideas of justice. His legal work asks for evidence and restraint, while his masked life offers a more immediate response to violence. Watching those impulses pull against each other gives the action a personal focus beyond the question of who wins a fight.

Begin with this film for Affleck's Matt Murdock. It introduces his double life, so no earlier Marvel film is recommended as preparation for this particular viewing route.

Start here for the Ben Affleck film portrayal. Elektra is a follow-up option for Jennifer Garner's character. Marvel's Daredevil, starring Charlie Cox, is a separate adaptation to explore through its own guide; the shared title is not a reason to treat this film as that series' first episode or required introduction.

The viewing time above uses the existing catalog entry. The studio also lists a Director’s Cut at approximately 134 minutes; allow extra time if that is the edition you choose.

This film is not on the current reviewed Doomsday preparation list. That is separate from its value as a film or a starting point.