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.

Christopher Nolan’s Films Ranked

#10 – The Dark Knight Rises (2012)

The highly anticipated sequel to the legendary, “The Dark Knight” (2008), unfortunately has not held up for me over the years. Being only 13 years old and a massive batman fanboy, I couldn’t even sit still in the cinema upon the films release. At the time I ate the film up and loved it. However, each viewing over the years makes realize the film has too many plot holes and flaws. Ultimately it lacks quality in comparison to the rest of Nolan’s work. However, with this being said the film it’s still very much watchable, especially to Batman fans like myself.

6.5/10.

 

#9 – Insomnia (2002)

A remake of a Norwegian film of the same name, this is one of the few films where Nolan himself does not have a writing credit. A decent plot with superb acting from Pacino and Robin Williams makes sure the film holds up well. Personally, Insomnia feels like the most detached film Christopher Nolan has made so far. It doesn’t really give me the “Nolan” feel that I’m used to when watching one of his films. However, Insomnia is still a good watch.

7.5/10.

 

#8 – Following (1998)

Made while studying English Literature at University College London, this was Nolan’s debut feature length film. The mystery/drama is not only short and sweet, it’s also smart, quirky and leaves hints at what is to come for the career of the man behind the camera. While not perfect, it’s still very well done considering it’s a first attempt at a feature.

8/10.

 

#7 – Batman Begins (2005)

The start of what can be considered the proper rise of the superhero genre, Batman Begins highlights how Nolan can handle the pressure of bringing new life to a character who was thought to be dead after the onslaught of horrible films that happened in the previous decade. Also, Hans Zimmer steps in to create a brand new theme for Batman which resonates throughout the rest of the trilogy and gives me goosebumps every time I hear it. Batman Begins is a solid film, and cements its place high up in the saturated comic book film genre.

8/10.

 

#6 – Dunkirk (2017)

Nolan’s take on the historic World War 2 event was excellent. It was unconventional, beautifully shot and executed with technical prowess. Nolan’s new partnership with Hoyte Van Hoytema proves to be one that could potentially top the previous partnership with Wally Pfister, as the cinematography for Dunkirk and Interstellar (2014) prove to be some of the best so far for all of Nolan’s films.

9/10.

 

#5 – Interstellar (2014)

Some may consider this to be too high up on the list, but Interstellar holds a personal spot in my heart. Matthew McConaughey gives an outstanding performance alongside Jessica Chastain. The score is beautiful, which is now a standard for Hans Zimmer at this point. Yes, Interstellar is not perfect as many plot holes can be found. But you cannot deny that it is simply a beautiful film.

9/10.

 

#4 – Memento (2000)

I will admit – it’s been quite a while since I’ve last seen Memento. However, the plot has had such a lasting effect on me that I’m still aware it must be placed high on the list. Kudos to the teamwork between Nolan and his brother Jonathan in shaping this complex narrative. Memento also marks the beginning of the relationship between Cinematographer Wally Pfister and Christopher Nolan, who would go on to have one hell of a decade together.

9.5/10.

 

#3 – The Prestige (2006)

Speaking of complex narratives, The Prestige is almost right in line with Memento in that respect. Hugh Jackman and Christian Bale play opposite each other and are both extremely convincing in their rivalry to be the greatest magician around. The film delivers multiple plot twists and will definitely leave you shocked. This one has to be up there.

9.5/10.

 

#2 – Inception (2010)

Inception, an instant classic upon it’s release in 2010, will most likely be seen as one of the best films of this generation in decades to come. The mind blowing idea of corporate espionage occurring within dreams has to be one of the most creative ideas seen in recent times. When you see it, you will never see anything like it again. Nolan had initially come up with the idea around 10 years beforehand, and the film truly feels like it had been in the making for quite some time due to its quality.

10/10.

 

#1 – The Dark Knight (2008)

Now yes, I am a massive Batman fan, and I will admit that there is perhaps some bias in that The Dark Knight is #1 on the list. Many people argue that the film is overrated. I simply disagree. The Dark Knight provides a masterclass in acting, storytelling, action and even in special effects, with lots of practical work being done to ground the film in reality. Not only did this film change the way comic book films were made, they also changed the way comic book films were perceived, being the first superhero film to reach $1 billion at the worldwide box office and also the first to win an acting Oscar.

11/10.