Let me start off by talking about Nicolas Winding Refn and the way mainstream views his work. Refn came on the American scene with the film Drive starring Ryan Gosling. It was a hit critically and commercially for an indie film. The mainstream wanted more of that but got Only God Forgives that was very polarizing for audience members. With that being said, don’t expect a film like Drive in The Neon Demon. In fact, expect the same polarizing attitude and something totally different, but in a good way, for this film. Now, let’s get on with the show.
As the story goes The Neon Demon follows Elle Fanning as she goes into the world of Los Angeles modeling. She quickly becomes that “It” girl that no one can put their finger on but everyone wants a piece of. That’s the film on a simple level, but is more… much, much, more. The writing is something that is more than just surface level. It has layers upon layers of hidden meaning and what the characters intentions truly are that will stick with you well after the credits have rolled.
It takes a look at the world of female modeling in a way that is new and refreshing. In other films on the subject, certain villainy stereotypes are played by obvious characters, but this film takes that idea and puts it in a different way that makes a weird and intense left turn near the end that is well worth it.
Refn’s direction is, for a lack of a better word, amazing. He doesn’t try a lot of new camera tricks, but he uses the right shots and set-up of scenes to convey the characters emotions and actions. Many of the scenes are helped out with an amazing soundtrack with Refn’s regular collaborator, Cliff Martinez. The music that is used isn’t brailing or jarring, but adds more depth to the film. The title of “Neon” is no joke in the film. There are lots of amazing bright colors that aren’t overly used but are playfully placed to bring the world more to life.
The acting in this film is not exactly amazing but, what the actors and actress bring is something that should definitely be noted. Elle Fanning character is the innocent “Fresh Meat” in the modeling world but as the film progresses, you begin to see pieces of her that come off as calculated and manipulative.
Keanu Reeves is here of an asshole motel manager and owns the role. It’s nice to see Keanu doing something different than the hero or nice guy. I mean, he is a fucking scumbag that gets in a few laughs. Another one to mention is Jena Malone. Without giving away too much of her character, she befriends Fanning character and uummmm… stuff happens.
As I brought up at the beginning, don’t expect another Drive. Refn makes films to challenge himself and to challenge the audience. This is a film that should be seen with an open mind and with a strong stomach. I hate to use this term but this film is for the “thinking” audience. Don’t see it at a simple level; see it for what it is. An art piece that examines the hidden actions of people and what they will do to get what they want.