Review of The Neon Demon (2016) by Canty N — 31 Aug 2016

Well... I sat through it and it does make for an interesting story when you explain the story to someone who doesn't care if they're spoiled (or to see it for that matter). When you talk about it, it seems much better than it is versus when you watch it.

The visuals are what keep you hooked into this movie as it's Cinematography is gorgeous... and that's it. Abbey Lee is the only actor that stood out to me in this cast, despite how much I wanted to like Jena Malone.

.. I just couldn't get behind her. Elle Fanning just plays the same Sleeping Beauty character who actually develops a backbone too little too late. Most of this film is hollow despite there is a lot of metaphorical substance, but it's visuals drown out any character or story worth giving a damn about.

In time this movie could be viewed as a classic piece about our times... and I will admit my opinion might change 5 or 10 years down the road. But for now, it felt like Refn saw Under the Skin and wanted to duplicate a lot of the experimental nature of that film and make it his own.

It's great to be inspired by a controversial piece of art... but it's one thing to try and spin it and put your own stamp on it (Aka any runway scene in this film... or that bondage party... or the photographer Desmond Harrington who looks like he went on a hunger strike after hating Season 8 of Dexter just like the rest of us).

If you're into experimental film and want to witness one of the most disturbing & gory twists to an ending of a film... go for it. If you're more mainstream, then stay away. 1 star for it's visuals and 1 star for Abbey Lee (Mad Max Fury Road) for standing out strong.