To call him a cinematic God would not do justice to the work that Nicolas Winding Refn has produced over the past several decades he has been present in the film industry. From his characteristic neon color pallet and rather controversial subject matter, his films have kept the audience balanced on the tip of a knife - in between disgust and enthralment.
Being an avid follower of his directed films for several years, it became only natural for myself to become concerned that his very unique and individual style would become tarnished as he entered the mainstream film industry as he began working on huge budgets and world wide known stars. It was Refn himself that once stated he disliked big budgets as the creative direction of the film was therefore down to the investors rather than the director themselves. This does not parallel the fact that the budget for Neon Demon was a staggering $7 Million Dollars.
Refn's previous films began to tap into mainstream Hollywood cinema which included huge budgets and stars, although films of his such as Drive (2011) and Only God Forgives (2013) maintains his explosive vision which offers me comfort in the idea that The Neon Demon's high profile nature will not have an effect on his controversial creative direction.
For instance, the elevator scene in Drive has to be my favourite scene in all of Refn's films. Within a matter of seconds, the scene seamlessly transforms from an image of beauty and true forbiden love to a graphically violent, life or death scenario. This film was backed by a huge $16 Million Dollars, most of which was probably spent on the star studded cast, but investors may have learnt from Refn's opinion of controlling shareholders which may have been the very reason that they were drawn to the creative genius.
So, I hod out hope for The Neon Demon and as I anxiously wait to feast my eyes on the (hopefully) cinematic masterpiece.
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