The Neon Demon REVIEW
Well…how do I even begin? I could just tell you that it’s a Nicolas Winding Refn feature and leave it there, but I won’t. That’s because it’d be a very short and lazy review and wouldn’t get to the bloody heart of this thriller/horror.
Heavily stroked by a purple and red brush, this is a strange movie to write about and even stranger to watch. It’s different…and that’s the big word to truly describe what this film is compared to the rest of the movie-making industry. It’s neither terrible or outstanding as you watch the rising of a young model in a worrying environment; even though people have commented on it being a love/hate release, I disagree.
Aspiring model Jesse (Elle Fanning) arrives in LA and soon meets makeup artist Ruby (Jena Malone). It doesn’t take very long for naturally beautiful Jesse to get signed and land modelling gigs leading more experienced models to grow jealous. As this ingenue increases in profile and confidence she sees how dangerous the world of modelling can be.
Now, I have to say that the above summary doesn’t even half cover the madness that occurs in this 2016 movie. There’s a Keanu Reeves plot which maybe best to forget because it’s minimally relevant to the main chunk of Jesse’s story and also because it’s creepily suggestive. Also for those that have seen this film, then you’ll know about the weirder side of proceedings once the run-time ticks past the half way point or so.
Refn definitely knows how to make an impact, with his wonderfully soundtracked ‘Drive’ or his brooding yet odd angel of vengeance flick ‘Only God Forgives’. This could be his largest stamp of ‘I’m here…notice me doing something unique’ yet. Because it goes without saying that this movie plays with an idea not really seen or dealt with in this way before. The trend of models, their lifestyle and the fanatic obsession of looks in Los Angeles is certainly put under a colourful microscope here and edged with a bite of something sinister.
I must commend Refn for being out there and going against the grain of expected, mostly boring stories but then he does fall into that style over substance trap. The idea is very special I’d say but it feels like they run with that more than focusing on how to keep the story engaging with it. What stops it from being out and out amazing is the thin characters and knack to go down a gross road. Jesse is clearly innocent and lost in the land of stars but apart from that and a few well placed smirks she feels like a hollow character to have as the main focus.
I won’t venture too much into that ‘gross road’ comment but Jena Malone makes up nearly 100% of that statement. A table is the only thing I’ll write because it’s already stirring up images of a scene I wish to unsee. Moving on from the more surreal sick moments, there is a stylized attempt at horror with tinges of psychological threat striding the catwalk. The robotic personas of other models, the sexy vanity of identity and a trickle of fashionable comedy alongside the blistering soundtrack from Cliff Martinez boosts the electric surreal landscape. Play the below video to hear just what I mean. I think I’ve listened to it 10 times in a row now…
Elle Fanning sure looks the part, her doe eyes like a rabbit in the headlights showcase the youthful side of Jesse. She has a glamorous ease with the role and does get a teeny go at playing snide and smirky as the movie goes on. Jena Malone is slightly sordid as Ruby and she’s got the strength to play that necessary elder controlling level and a scene with her out of the model light is a great reveal. Abbey Lee is tall and unflinching as model Sarah and pulls off a flawless lip twitch as Bella Heathcote flails. Heathcote more than sells her character Gigi as being a season ticket holder to the plastic surgeon, her upright posture and similarly still gaze gives the two models an almost funny twist. Desmond Harrington plays photographer Jack like a vulture praying on the sexuality of women, it’s a neat performance from him as his gaunt figure plays into the maturation of Jesse’s rise.
I can’t be harsh because even though it’s pacing is slow, the characters are nowhere near fleshed out, Refn seeks to shock for an apparent sake of it and it drives you to look on bemused, there’s still an undeniable streak of flair to this movie. There’s a boldness that I admire and the seductive look and sound keeps things intriguingly…different.
7/10 or…
I love all things Tarantino and have a soft spot for sombre and clever films. Writing is what I love doing, be it screenplays or reviews, I hope someday my procrastination will dwindle and I'll finish something!
