Nicolas Winding Refn’s return to the big screen: A new chapter in Tokyo
A cinematic comeback
After a stint in the world of limited series, Nicolas Winding Refn is gearing up for a triumphant return to feature filmmaking. The Danish director, known for his visually striking and often controversial films, has announced plans to shoot his next movie in Tokyo. This project, which will be in both English and Japanese, marks his first feature film since 2016’s The Neon Demon.
Embracing the chaos of modern cinema
Refn, who once declared that “cinema is dead,” now sees the current chaotic landscape of filmmaking as an opportunity for defiance. “It’s a really interesting time to make movies because it’s such a chaotic situation,” he remarked. “So going back and making a theatrical feature film again is almost like — not starting over — but with all the changes in our societies in the last five years and technology changes, it almost seems like the right thing to do for me.”
The allure of the feature film
Despite his foray into other mediums, Refn remains enamored with the traditional feature film format. “Feature film is still the mother of all mediums,” he asserted, expressing his eagerness to “re-experience that process.” His new movie, which is already financed and set to shoot next year, promises to be a glittering spectacle filled with sex and violence. “I think it’s hard for me to escape my self-indulgent identity in creativity. So there will always be me in it,” he admitted.
Revisiting familiar themes
Fans of Refn’s previous works, such as Only God Forgives and The Neon Demon, can expect to see familiar themes and characters in his upcoming film. Both of these films, known for their stylish and graphic content, made waves at the Cannes Film Festival in 2013 and 2016, respectively.
Exploring new frontiers
In addition to his new feature film, Refn is also working on two other projects, one of which is tied to the world of gaming. He expressed a deep fascination with the creative possibilities that technology offers. “In a way, had the Lumiere brothers, when they invented film, invented computer games first, what would the world look like?” he mused.
Reflecting on the past and future
Refn’s presence at the Venice Film Festival this year is marked by the world premiere of his short film “Beauty Is not a Sin,” produced for an Italian motorcycle brand, as well as a retrospective screening of his 1996 debut movie, Pusher. Reflecting on these screenings, Refn described the experience as “a bit of a strange experience, having your past suddenly come up in this way,” noting that each title symbolizes both his future and his past.
The future of branded content
“Beauty Is not a Sin” is notable for being the first commercial to world premiere in the official selection at the Venice Film Festival. Refn predicted that this will open the floodgates for more branded content to seek similar recognition. “From now on, every commercial is going to try to get into Venice,” he said, adding that he is happy to help launch this trend because branded work represents an “opportunity for the future for filmmakers.”
Blurring the lines between formats
Refn, who was given carte blanche to direct the short for MV Agusta and previously helmed the short “Touch of Crude” for a fashion house, sees no distinction between making an eight-minute movie and a traditional two-hour film. This perspective underscores his belief in the evolving nature of storytelling and the potential for innovation across different formats.
The world’s greatest reality show
As an astute observer of global events, Refn likened the U.S. presidential election to the world’s greatest reality show. “We’re just waiting for the season finale,” he quipped. He further commented on the role of artists in a world marred by political turmoil and inequality. “When all the politicians have messed up the world and created so much war and inequality that is destroying humanity,” he said, “the artist’s function is to come in and try to make it just a little more tolerable in the world.”
In a time of rapid change and uncertainty, Nicolas Winding Refn’s return to feature filmmaking is a bold statement. His upcoming projects promise to push boundaries and challenge conventions, reaffirming his place as a visionary in the world of cinema.