Nicolas Winding Refn Revisits ‘Pusher’ and Drops ‘Barbarella’ Adaptation Plans

Nicolas Winding Refn is one of the rare directors who truly fits the enfant terrible mold. The Danish filmmaker, renowned for his neon-soaked explorations of sex, violence, and revenge – including films like “Drive,” “Only God Forgives,” and “The Neon Demon” – is making an appearance at the Venice Film Festival with two noteworthy projects. He’s presenting a restored version of his 1996 debut “Pusher,” alongside “Beauty Is Not a Sin,” a seven-minute advertisement for the Italian motorcycle company MV Agusta. The tagline fittingly captures Refn’s spirit: “Whoever said a movie can’t be seven minutes long?”

In recent times, Refn has transitioned from traditional cinema to streaming platforms, bringing his Day-Glo aesthetic and narrative style to series such as “Too Old to Die Young” for Amazon and “Copenhagen Cowboy” for Netflix. Surprisingly, he also reimagined Enid Blyton’s beloved children’s classic “Famous Five” for the BBC.

During a conversation with The Hollywood Reporter, Refn shared insights on revisiting “Pusher,” the prospect of reuniting with Ryan Gosling, and why he has steered clear of Hollywood despite being linked to several reboots like “Barbarella,” “Logan’s Run,” and “Batgirl.”

Reflecting on the restoration of “Pusher,” Refn expressed how revisiting his first film brought back clear memories. He felt grateful for the opportunity he had at the time, comparing it to securing a record contract without knowing how to play instruments but being adept at selling oneself. He approached this project with a level of arrogance appropriate for the time.

Discussing whether the film set a template for his career, Refn indicated that it reinforced his goal to be the sole audience for his work. This self-centric approach, he believes, ensures authenticity and freedom in his filmmaking. Despite exploring various paths, he feels his core approach has remained unchanged.

Upon rewatching “Pusher,” Refn found warmth in recalling the innocence and idealism with which it was made. He emphasized the privilege of being able to create what one desires, likening “Pusher” to a naive yet ambitious attempt to make a mark in the film industry.

On whether he would collaborate again with Mads Mikkelsen or Ryan Gosling, Refn admitted that it’s a possibility. Although time has passed and the industry has changed, he remains optimistic about future collaborations, likening them to unpredictable yet pleasant surprises.

Refn addressed the perceived difficulty in getting films made, acknowledging that while the process has become easier due to his commitment to authenticity and refusal to compromise, he now finds new ways to bring his visions to life.

Refn’s latest project, “Beauty Is Not a Sin,” an art-house commercial for MV Agusta, was also screened at the Venice Film Festival. He resonated with Jonathan Glazer’s sentiment that commercial work can provide a space for creativity and experimentation. According to Refn, the line between short commercials and feature films is increasingly blurred, allowing for diverse storytelling formats.

Discussing the integration of commercial brands in arthouse cinema, Refn saw potential in this partnership. He mentioned a previous collaboration with Prada, which allowed for narrative experimentation without conventional constraints. For Refn, this represents a break from traditional cinema’s rigid norms and opens up avenues for fresh creative expression.

Reflecting on his adaptation of the “Famous Five,” Refn found the project appealing due to its nostalgic value and connection to his childhood. Although the adaptation required certain constraints, it offered a unique creative challenge to reinterpret the beloved series.

Despite being linked to major Hollywood projects, Refn has yet to step fully into this realm. He finds discussions about potential remakes more intriguing than their actual execution. For now, he prefers the freedom of making his own projects but remains open to opportunities.

As for future projects, Refn hinted at a potential return to film. He finds the current unpredictability in the industry exciting and sees it as an opportunity to approach filmmaking with a fresh perspective. In his view, making a movie in today’s volatile climate is an exhilarating prospect.

Refn’s career demonstrates an enduring commitment to authenticity and creativity. Whether through films, series, or commercials, he continues to evolve while staying true to his unique vision.

Source: The Hollywood Reporter