Review of The Neon Demon (2016) by Ben T — 01 Jun 2017
Spoilers.
The very definition of style over substance. The Neon Demon looks amazing with brilliant cinematography by Natasha Braier and an elusive musical score from Cliff Martinez, that effectively conveys both the provocative yet dark side of modelling. The acting is all over the place with Elle Fanning and Keanu Reeves giving very wooden performances, while on the other end of the spectrum Jena Malone brilliantly embodies her character. The directing is good from Nicolas Winding Refn but the film is just so boring and feels a.
Lot longer than it actually is. The first two acts are an absolute slog while the third act goes balls to the wall crazy and it just doesn't work. The film just feels like pure shock value throwing in necrophilia, cannibalism and sexual assault to get a reaction from the audience but it mostly feels like it serves no purpose. Like most of Winding Refn's other movies the Neon Demon is extremely polarising and while I can appreciate some will see this as a work of art I kind of hated it, although I do admit it looks brilliant. D+.
This review of The Neon Demon (2016) was written by Ben T on 01 Jun 2017.
The Neon Demon has generally received mixed reviews.
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