Dan Laustsen

Biography

Dan Laustsen, ASC, DFF (born June 15, 1954), is a highly esteemed Danish cinematographer whose career spans over four decades. He is renowned for his rich, atmospheric visual style and his close collaborations with major international directors.

Biography and Early Career

Born in Aalborg, Denmark, Laustsen's passion for visual storytelling led him to study at the National Film School of Denmark, where he graduated in 1979. His early work established him in Nordic cinema, where he collaborated with Danish directors like Søren Kragh-Jacobsen and Ole Bornedal. Despite the Dogme 95 movement's emphasis on naturalism in Danish film, Laustsen's personal style leaned toward expressive, highly planned lighting and shadows. 

His early credits include the Danish films Nightwatch (1994) and Guldregn. He has been recognized multiple times by the Danish film industry, winning the Robert Award for Best Cinematography several times for films like Min farmors hus and Just Another Love Story.

Key Collaborations and Style

Laustsen became well-known internationally for his bold, genre-defining cinematography, often characterized by high contrast, stylized color palettes, and meticulous use of light and darkness. His work is a testament to the idea that cinematography is about "painting with light."

He is most famous for his collaborations with two distinct directors:

Guillermo del Toro: Their partnership began with Mimic (1997) and continued with the Gothic horror romance Crimson Peak (2015). Laustsen's most acclaimed work with del Toro is The Shape of Water (2017), a film that earned him an Academy Award nomination. He received a second Academy Award nomination for their neo-noir thriller, Nightmare Alley (2021).

Chad Stahelski: Laustsen defined the slick, action-noir aesthetic of the popular franchise, serving as the cinematographer for John Wick: Chapter 2 (2017), John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum (2019), and John Wick: Chapter 4 (2023).

His other notable feature credits include Silent Hill (2006), The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen (2003), and Brotherhood of the Wolf (2001). His career highlights his ability to adapt his distinctive visual artistry across fantasy, horror, action, and drama genres.