DP Adolpho Veloso used ZEISS Super Speeds for the Oscar-nominated Train Dreams. Adolpho Veloso reunited with director Clint Bentley for Train Dreams for their second collaboration. The film premiered at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival to widespread acclaim before being acquired by Netflix.
Veloso’s cinematography has since earned recognition across the festival circuit, with wins from the Los Angeles Film Critics Awards and Critics’ Choice Awards for Best Cinematography, along with nominations from the Independent Spirit Awards, The American Society of Cinematographers, and the coveted Best Cinematography nomination for the 98th annual Academy Awards.
Train Dreams recounts the 80-year life of Robert Grainier (Joel Edgerton), a railroad worker and logger in early 20th century Idaho. The quiet, contemplative film follows Robert through love, loss, and the profound changes of America at the turn of the century.
The cinematographer’s approach prioritized creating intimate, observational moments that allow the character’s internal life to shine through.
Filming took place across Washington State. For the camera package, Veloso selected the ARRI Alexa 35, mainly because of its dynamic range. The lens choice proved crucial to achieving the film’s contemplative visual language. Veloso used Zeiss Super Speed Mark IIs on his previous collaboration with director Clint Bentley for the film Jockey, so they wanted to use those lenses again. For the film’s interior sequences, they chose to rely on Super Speeds as the primary tool. For day exteriors, Kowa Cine Prominars were used along with Angénieux Optimo Zoom for select scenes.
The Super Speeds’ capabilities were essential in Train Dreams’ most emotionally complex scenes. Two pivotal dinner sequences feature Robert Grainier and his wife, Gladys.
The ability to work in such minimal light without compromising image quality allowed the production to maintain its commitment to authenticity. This naturalistic approach required a strong connection between lens, camera, and lighting philosophy. Veloso worked closely with gaffer Kevin Cook and key grip Ryan Fritz, who enhanced the fire and candlelight to be flattering while maintaining their essential character.
Every flame seen on screen is real. The decision to use actual fire throughout wasn’t merely aesthetic–it was fundamental to the film’s emotional authenticity.
Working with the Super Speeds at T1.3, Veloso could capture the subtle gradations of candlelight. Veloso was able to shoot wide open and still hold a clean, consistent image at 800 ISO.
Train Dreams is currently streaming on Netflix worldwide.
By Matthew Allard ACS
Matthew Allard is a multi-award-winning, ACS accredited freelance Director of Photography with over 35 years’ of experience working in more than 50 countries around the world.
He is the Editor of Newsshooter.com and has been writing on the site since 2010.
Matthew has won 51 ACS Awards, including six prestigious Golden Tripods. In 2016 he won the Award for Best Cinematography at the 21st Asian Television Awards.
Matthew is available to hire as a DP in Japan or for work anywhere else in the world.