Nicolas Winding Refn is back with a new and haunting film, this time portraying the cut-throat fashion industry. The director, famous for his previous Drive and Only God Forgives, finally took on the challenge of a young female protagonist instead of grasping for his usual masculinity - and the feminine back drop suits him well.
The story is of the aspiring model Jesse, (Elle Fanning), and her entrance in to the beauty-obsessed fashion industry which is displayed brilliantly by Refn. Here, she meets jealous competitors, visionary photographers, and make-up artists. Although she joins the glamorous world of fashion, Jesse stays in a dodgy hostel where we see Keanu Reeves in the role of a misogynistic and creepy host. The concept itself can seem boring, Winding masters the psychological thrill brilliantly, and through the film’s aesthetic, he faces the audience with their own obsession of this seductive, yet dangerous beauty.
Drenched in neon light and heavy synths, the surface might come across as superficial for some, yet the film works as a stylistic statement on the devastating effect of the increasingly destructive beauty focus in our society. The cold hard surface holds up, even in the movie's more soft scenes. The horrifying plot twists and lack of humanity completes the film’s cynicism marvellously.
The most impressive detail overall is the hauntingly beautiful cinematography, extremely seductive and vibrantly coloured, it serves as the most prominent feature in telling the story. “Beauty isn’t everything, it’s the only thing” is a line from the film that will stick. It leaves you with an uncomfortable feeling, and it isn’t the only element in the flick that sends shivers down your spine. Through extremes such as necrophilia and cannibalism, Winding Refn has you both terrified and uncomfortable by the end. In spite of the emotional play on the audience’s behalf, it works, somehow, and this underlines Winding’s undeniable talent.
It is no surprise that this film has lead to wide polarisation among the critics. As every masterpiece, it demands discussion as much as hate and adoration. Overall, I would simply recommend people to judge for themselves. It is a film worth watching, and one of the few that has made me consider a trip back to get it in cinema quality again.
Drenched in neon light and heavy synths, the surface might come across as superficial for some, yet the film works as a stylistic statement on the devastating effect of the increasingly destructive beauty focus in our society. The cold hard surface holds up, even in the movie's more soft scenes. The horrifying plot twists and lack of humanity completes the film’s cynicism marvellously.
The most impressive detail overall is the hauntingly beautiful cinematography, extremely seductive and vibrantly coloured, it serves as the most prominent feature in telling the story. “Beauty isn’t everything, it’s the only thing” is a line from the film that will stick. It leaves you with an uncomfortable feeling, and it isn’t the only element in the flick that sends shivers down your spine. Through extremes such as necrophilia and cannibalism, Winding Refn has you both terrified and uncomfortable by the end. In spite of the emotional play on the audience’s behalf, it works, somehow, and this underlines Winding’s undeniable talent.
It is no surprise that this film has lead to wide polarisation among the critics. As every masterpiece, it demands discussion as much as hate and adoration. Overall, I would simply recommend people to judge for themselves. It is a film worth watching, and one of the few that has made me consider a trip back to get it in cinema quality again.