Nicolas Winding Refn – Style Over Substance?

 

Nicolas Winding Refn is quite possibly one of the best visual directors of our time. His movies are impeccably shot and are the absolute definition of eye candy. Bronson (2008), Drive (2011) as well as the Pusher series (1996-2005) from early on in his career helped to establish the visual style of Refn’s films and created anticipation for future projects. With the release of highly divisive Only God Forgives (2013), arguments about whether Refn’s films prioritize visual style in expense of substance started to pop up. The debate was only amplified upon the release of The Neon Demon in 2016.

Personally, I happen to enjoy Refn’s films more than most. I have still to see the Pusher series, as well as Valhalla Rising (2009), but I’m up to date on the rest of his work. Out of Drive, Only God Forgives and The Neon Demon, it’s interesting to see how Refn has retained a certain visual aesthetic to his films. They look remarkably “clean”, which could be down to the digital age of film, but with Refn, his use of digital cameras seems to make his work look more polished and perfected. This directly contrasts what can actually be seen within the frame, where gore and violence are all heavily prominent.

So we’ve established that his films look great, but what about the story? The general consensus is that Drive is his best work, and that everything after it is perhaps not so great. Personally, I feel like Drive is a little overrated, the story has never really done anything for me. I never really bought the relationship between Stunt Driver (Ryan Gosling) and Irene (Carey Mulligan). It felt relatively forced, yet the context surrounding the relationship still gives it some strength. Gosling’s character has been involved in the criminal underworld for a long time and sees Irene as his way out. Once people threaten her existence, he must do everything he can to prevent it. Sure, its a decent plot, but for me when I watch Drive, the main thing catching my eye is the cinematography.

What about Only God Forgives? Upon a first viewing, I was bored out of my mind and actually stopped paying attention to what was going on. Suffice it to say I didn’t remember much after the viewing. Then a few years later The Neon Demon was released, and I ended up liking it quite bit. I decided to give Only God Forgives another shot, and it’s now probably my favourite of Refn’s films. I have come to appreciate when action is shot well, specifically hand to hand fight scenes, and this film delivers in that department. Well choreographed fight scenes along with other action sequences tend to not hide through the power of editing. There is a significantly less number of cuts in comparison to an average summer blockbluster – where I can barely make out what’s going on. It’s pacing is very slow, but I’d take a film takes it’s time to develop its ideas rather than feeling rushed. This in itself has left me feeling a lot more appreciative of the film, and gaining a new found love for it’s badass characters, such as Chang the Police Chief (Vithaya Pansringarm), who is hinted to be the physical embodiment of God himself. I mean, just watch this:

Also, The Neon Demon might be the weirdest out of the lot. In my opinion it’s the best shot out of any of his works, cleverly using colours and other imagery to emphasize the deterioration of Jesse’s (Elle Fanning) innocence. Many would argue that the film’s ending is just outright nuts and that Refn should definitely see a doctor. But ultimately, there’s a deep undertone to most of his films. I think it would ignorant to suggest that his works favour style over substance. The difference with these films is that the viewer may have to dig a little deeper to find the real meat of the Danish director’s films.

Tarantino’s Films Ranked

#9 – Death Proof (2007)

The second part of the collaborative “Grindhouse” project between long time friends Tarantino and Rodriguez proved to show how Tarantino’s screen-writing ability is always a work of genius. While Death Proof is filled with silly plot sequences and jokes (after all it is a homage to 70s and 80s B movies), there are also moments of incredible dialogue between each of the characters, who with little screen time still seem to be relatively fleshed out. The only reason it’s bottom of the list is because Tarantino’s other works simply have more going on. I consider Death Proof to be underrated and a piece of work that any director should be proud of having.

8/10

 

#8 – Django Unchained (2012)

Jamie Foxx and Christoph Waltz form a partnership that glues the film together and creates some of the most memorable scenes in all of Tarantino’s filmography. Also, Leonardo DiCaprio‘s first collaboration with Quentin is something everyone is excited to see more of in the future. Despite being low down on the list, Django is probably one of the most watchable Tarantino films. If I had to choose a film to watch out of Django Unchained, Jackie Brown or The Hateful Eight, I’d probably pick Django. However as a film I feel that the other two are just executed a bit better.

8.5/10

 

#7 – Jackie Brown (1997)

Pam Grier got a return to the big screen with her performance as the smart and savvy protagonist, alongside Robert Forster. De Niro also got his shot to be in a Tarantino flick and probably plays one of his most unique roles. Rather than being type-cast as the tough and gruff leading man, he’s given a more laid back character which becomes very humorous to watch as the film progresses. Sam Jackson and Michael Keaton also support well as you’d expect them to.

8.5/10

 

#6 – The Hateful Eight (2015)

While definitely one of his more slower films, the first half of the film may be off putting for some. On top of stellar performances from the cast, Tarantino’s wordplay proves again that it can keep you glued to the screen in a similar way to action set pieces in a summer blockbuster. Upon more viewings, The Hateful Eight may even move up further on the Tarantino list in years to come.

9/10

 

#5 – Kill Bill: Volume 2 (2004)

We all know Kill Bill was intended to be one long film, however the two parts play very well individually. The interesting debate everyone has is which one’s better? Vol. 2 has many stand out moments. The training sequence with Pai Mei, the fight between Beatrix and Elle Driver, to the verbal battle between Beatrix and Bill at the climax are all arguably better than anything in Vol. 1. But to be honest, I’ve switched back and fourth between which Volume I like better as I’m writing this. But I guess what really seals the deal for me is the Crazy 88 fight in Volume 1.

9/10

 

#4 – Kill Bill: Vol 1 (2003)

I feel like the general consensus is that Volume 2 is better. But like I said, I love the climax to Volume 1 too much. From the way the action is shot, from the choreography, from the amount of cuts that are in the whole sequence, it means a lot to me when action is shot properly. The same can be said for the fight scene between Beatrix and Copperhead. And therefore, Kill Bill: Vol. 1 gets the #4 spot.

9/10

 

#3 – Reservoir Dogs (1992)

Tarantino’s feature length debut has been described by many as a mini pulp fiction. And considering how good pulp fiction is, it means that Reservoir Dogs is exceptional. Tarantino shows off to the world for the first time his immaculate screen-writing skills with the opening breakfast scene, serving as an introduction to the characters. Which then goes onto the scene where they’re all walking down the street with the opening credits – its simply one of the coolest things Tarantino has done.

9.5/10

 

#2 – Inglourious Basterds (2009)

One of the funniest, dramatic, and entertaining war films you’ll ever see. Tarantino gives us an alternative look on World War 2. The opening scene alone is probably one of the best things Tarantino has ever done. It’s perfect in every sense and Christoph Waltz gives a menacing performance as Hans Landa. Brad Pitt plays his most hilarious role as the leader of The Basterds. This is one of the best war films of all time and is close to being Tarantino’s greatest.

10/10

 

#1 – Pulp Fiction (1994)

As expected, Pulp Fiction lands itself in the number one spot as it does for hundreds of other Tarantino’s film lists. But there’s a reason for it, it’s a masterpiece. It’s incredible, it’s unlike anything that came before it, and it changed the game for the way films were wrote and thought out. Pulp Fiction is probably the film I’ve seen the most, and each time I watch it I try and find faults. But upon each viewing, I come away loving it more. Pulp Fiction simply is one of the best films of all time.

10/10