Gabriel Beristain

Biography

Gabriel Beristain, born Luis Gabriel Beristáin on May 9, 1955, in Mexico City, Mexico, is a highly acclaimed Mexican cinematographer, producer, and television director whose work spans decades and continents. The son of respected actor Luis Beristáin, he grew up in a theatrical environment that fostered his early fascination with visual storytelling.

Early Life and Education

Beristain’s passion for film emerged during Mexico’s vibrant independent film movement in the 1970s. Initially studying engineering at the Instituto Politécnico Nacional, he shifted his focus toward film and began working on documentaries and newsreels across Europe, tackling political, social, and environmental subjects.

In 1977, he moved to Italy to further his craft. Soon after, at the recommendation of celebrated director Sergio Leone, he relocated to the United Kingdom. There, Beristain was accepted into the prestigious National Film and Television School (NFTS) in Beaconsfield — a highly selective institution. Under the mentorship of distinguished cinematographers Oswald Morris and Billy Williams, he honed the technical and artistic foundations that would define his career.

Career and Breakthrough

Beristain’s first breakthrough came with the 1983 Colombian horror film Bloody Flesh (Carne de tu carne), which earned him the Best Cinematography award at the Bogotá Film Festival. His work on Derek Jarman’s 1986 film Caravaggio garnered a Special Silver Bear Award at the Berlin International Film Festival for its striking visual style — an early sign of his ability to blend painterly composition with cinematic storytelling.

That success led him into international cinema and eventually to Hollywood. Throughout the 1990s and 2000s, Beristain became known for his versatility across genres — from cult classics like Blood In, Blood Out and Dolores Claiborne to action favorites such as S.W.A.T., Blade II, and The Ring Two.

Work with Marvel and Later Highlights

A major chapter in Beristain’s career has been his work with Marvel Studios. After meeting producer Louis D’Esposito during S.W.A.T., he contributed additional photography to Iron Man and continued this role on numerous Marvel films, including Thor: Ragnarok, Guardians of the Galaxy, and The Avengers. He also served as the cinematographer on Marvel’s Black Widow and on the Marvel One‑Shot films Item 47 and Agent Carter, extending his influence into television.

Beyond Marvel, his recent credits include The Beekeeper and Harold and the Purple Crayon (both 2024), further showcasing his adaptability to both blockbuster and genre cinema.

Television, Direction, and Other Work

In addition to his extensive cinematography career, Beristain has directed television episodes for popular series such as MacGyver and Hawaii Five‑0. He has also shot pilots and contributed to visually distinctive series like Magic City. In his development as a filmmaker, he has explored narrative projects beyond photography, including conceptual and documentary work.

His portfolio also spans over a hundred commercials and music videos — notably including the iconic trilogy for rock band Aerosmith: Crazy, Crying, and Amazing.

Recognition and Affiliations

Beristain’s artistic contributions are recognized globally. He is a member of the American Society of Cinematographers (ASC), the British Society of Cinematographers (BSC), the Mexican Society of Cinematographers (AMC), the Directors Guild of America (DGA), and is affiliated with both the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) and the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA).

Over the years, his work has earned prestigious awards and nominations, including international recognition for visual achievement at major film festivals.