Cinematographer Shares Secrets Behind Netflix's Visually Stunning "Train Dreams"

In 2025, Netflix's "Train Dreams" has garnered well-deserved praise for its visually stunning and immersive depiction of the 20th century. The film, which debuted at the Sundance Film Festival earlier this year, follows the story of a logger (played by Joel Edgerton) as he battles against the forces of nature.

According to cinematographer Adolpho Veloso, the key to the film's success was creating an impressionistic, contemplative viewing experience. "We really wanted it to feel like you're watching someone's memories," Veloso explained during a recent cinematography roundtable. To achieve this, the team decided to shoot the movie in a 3:2 aspect ratio, more commonly associated with still photography than contemporary cinema.

"We thought that could connect to the audience in a way that feels like you're watching your own pictures on your phone, or your old family photos," Veloso said. This intimate, personal approach was further enhanced by the production's decision to shoot entirely on location, allowing Veloso and director Clint Bentley to respond to the natural light and environment in the moment.

The result is a visually stunning film that transports viewers to a bygone era, with a sense of immediacy and authenticity that is both gripping and poetic. "It's liberating, knowing that you can try things," Veloso said. "If you're confident enough in your director not to use something wrong, or maybe even understand that a little mistake is actually good, then you're trying things without being afraid. Which is good."