Dan Laustsen
Cinematographer, Guillermo del Toro's Frankenstein
With a career spanning more than four decades and 60 international productions, Dan Laustsen stands among the most celebrated cinematographers working today. A native of Denmark, Laustsen is a two-time Academy Award nominee and a member of both the American Society of Cinematographers (ASC) and the Danish Society of Cinematographers (DFF). Laustsen’s journey into visual storytelling began at age 14, when he was captivated by the striking black-and-white imagery in fashion magazines. Upon graduating from the National Film School of Denmark, he pursued fashion photography before discovering his true passion for cinematic storytelling.
Renowned for his bold use of light, color, and composition, Laustsen has collaborated with visionary directors including Guillermo del Toro, Chad Stahelski, and Ole Bornedal. His signature style—rich in atmosphere and emotional depth—has elevated films across genres, from the gothic elegance of Crimson Peak and The Shape of Water to the kinetic intensity of the John Wick franchise.
His work on The Shape of Water and Nightmare Alley earned Academy Award and BAFTA nominations for Best Cinematography, while his contributions to John Wick: Chapter 4 were honored with the Florida Film Critics Circle Award for Best Cinematography. Laustsen’s many accolades include three Bodil Awards, five Danish Film Academy Awards, a Swedish Guldbagge Award, and the prestigious Erik Balling Award for lifetime achievement.
Laustsen’s filmography ranges from cult classics such as Silent Hill, Brotherhood of the Wolf, and The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen, to the vibrant reimagining of The Color Purple (directed by Blitz Bazawule), the Emmy-nominated The Gorge for Apple TV, and the much anticipated Frankenstein, which reunites him with director Guillermo del Toro for a fifth time. Whether crafting hauntingly beautiful worlds or adrenaline-fueled action, Laustsen continues to redefine cinematic storytelling through his lens, bringing depth, artistry and innovation to every frame.