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Connor Macgregor Reviews...The Neon Demon
Intro: Following Drive, I instantly became an admirer of Nicolas Winding Refn and his work. With parallels from Stanley Kubrick, he's a filmmaker whose approach is more focused on the visual, than the story and characters. So does The Neon Demon live up to expectations?
Logline: The sixteen year-old aspiring model Jesse arrives in Los Angeles expecting to be a successful model. The aspirant photographer Dean takes photos for her portfolio and dates her. Jesse befriends the lesbian makeup artist Ruby and then the envious models Gigi and Sarah in a party. Meanwhile the agency considers Jesse beautiful with a "thing" that makes her different and she is sent to the professional photographer Jack. Jesse attracts he attention of the industry and has a successful beginning of career. But Ruby, Gigi and Sarah are capable to do anything to get her "thing".
Performances: There are three performances that are worth mentioning in this film. First is of course Elle Fanning who leads the film, and like most performances in Refn's films, is silent and discreet. But through physical movement, her change in character comes swiftly. Keanu Reeves was a surprise for me. A really different performance from what I was used to in other films. Thirdly is Jenna Malone who I've always really enjoyed, and definitely delivers a creepy performance in this film.
Technical: Much like Only God Forgives & Drive, the film's cinematography is the true highlight of the film, mixing both the poverty and glamour of LA. Cinematographer Natasha Braier does a splendid job of lighting and camera movements and creates a slick but gorgeous series of images. I love the subtly of the editing too. Slow but effective.
However: I feel the film suffers at points. I feel Refn tries to be too experimental at points. In particular with the walkway scenes, which just go on and on. As well as that, it feels at times like a repeat with Refn's work, particularly with Only God Forgives. Similar cinematography, style, pacing, slow motion movement, etc. Also I found the ending just weird overall. Anti-climatic and just left me puzzled.
Overall Thoughts: Its strength's shine strongly, but The Neon Demon is not Refn's strongest work by any means. Its visuals are great, but its story and pacing suffers. But still a good watch none the less.
Rating - 81% - A-
Connor Macgregor Reviews...The Neon Demon
Intro: Following Drive, I instantly became an admirer of Nicolas Winding Refn and his work. With parallels from Stanley Kubrick, he's a filmmaker whose approach is more focused on the visual, than the story and characters. So does The Neon Demon live up to expectations?
Logline: The sixteen year-old aspiring model Jesse arrives in Los Angeles expecting to be a successful model. The aspirant photographer Dean takes photos for her portfolio and dates her. Jesse befriends the lesbian makeup artist Ruby and then the envious models Gigi and Sarah in a party. Meanwhile the agency considers Jesse beautiful with a "thing" that makes her different and she is sent to the professional photographer Jack. Jesse attracts he attention of the industry and has a successful beginning of career. But Ruby, Gigi and Sarah are capable to do anything to get her "thing".
Performances: There are three performances that are worth mentioning in this film. First is of course Elle Fanning who leads the film, and like most performances in Refn's films, is silent and discreet. But through physical movement, her change in character comes swiftly. Keanu Reeves was a surprise for me. A really different performance from what I was used to in other films. Thirdly is Jenna Malone who I've always really enjoyed, and definitely delivers a creepy performance in this film.
Technical: Much like Only God Forgives & Drive, the film's cinematography is the true highlight of the film, mixing both the poverty and glamour of LA. Cinematographer Natasha Braier does a splendid job of lighting and camera movements and creates a slick but gorgeous series of images. I love the subtly of the editing too. Slow but effective.
However: I feel the film suffers at points. I feel Refn tries to be too experimental at points. In particular with the walkway scenes, which just go on and on. As well as that, it feels at times like a repeat with Refn's work, particularly with Only God Forgives. Similar cinematography, style, pacing, slow motion movement, etc. Also I found the ending just weird overall. Anti-climatic and just left me puzzled.
Overall Thoughts: Its strength's shine strongly, but The Neon Demon is not Refn's strongest work by any means. Its visuals are great, but its story and pacing suffers. But still a good watch none the less.
Rating - 81% - A-