Nicholas Winding Refn by: Andrew Marvin

Andrew Marvin

Film Studies- Julie Verdini

Director Analysis

                                                Nicholas Winding Refn: Pushing the Auteur Theory

                “The auteur theory is such a strange theory, because you're dealing with human beings. You only make good stuff if your collaborators are a part of your process and a part of your ideas, and there's no point in fighting them or them fighting you. Even Ingmar Bergman had a lot of discussions with his actors about pros and cons. An auteur doesn't have to write every single word, because the writer's there to help the director do what the director wants to do, and that was certainly my case.”

 –Nicolas Winding Refn

                Director, Writer and Producer Nicolas Winding Refn was born in Copenhagen, Denmark, in 1970.  He would move to New York City by the age of 8, the city turned out to be a strong influence on his future. While residing in New York, Nicholas briefly attended the American Academy of Dramatic Arts but was expelled for throwing a classroom desk at a wall. Following his expulsion, he applied to the Danish Film School but dropped out before starting. Refn first received critical attention when he wrote and directed the short “Pusher,” which would later become a feature-film trilogy. Nicholas Winding Refn was only 24 years old.

                His debut film, “Pusher” (1996), gave Refn critical and cult success. The film follows Frank, a drug dealer who after being busted by the cops; throws his stash of drugs into a lake. Now without any means of making money, turns to the seedy underbelly of Copenhagen to make back the money he owes to a brutal drug lord. “Pusher” opened many doors for Refn whom after his debut made “Bleeder” (1999). In 2003, Nicholas would make the at-the-time much anticipated “Fear X” with John Turturro. Although the film was well received, it left Refn bankrupt and also became the subject of a documentary entitled “Gambler.” It was due to this financial situation and the popularity that lead Nicholas back to “Pusher.” In a matter of a couple of years, Refn wrote and directed both the sequels to his very popular “Pusher.” The films sequels, “Pusher 2” (2004) and “Pusher 3” (2005), were screened at the Toronto Film Festival in 2005 as a trilogy. The “Pusher” trilogy basically solidified Refn as a upcoming filmmaker to watch.

The films of Refn when viewed tend to have a strong masculine quality to them. Two strong examples are the character of “One Eye” in “Valhalla Rising,” and “Driver” in “Drive.” Both characters say very little throughout the course of the film, but embody the “strong, silent” type. Both are characters that are both decisive in their actions, often are hero-like in terms of serving the good, but whose means are both violent and brutal. I was reminded a lot of Charles Bronson or Clint Eastwood. His characters also tend to be rather introverted he seems interested in the internal reactions and emotions of his characters. Refn’s visual style I believe compliment his characters, he tends to use hand-held cameras which I feel really adds to the gritty, real-world environments and atmosphere. A fact that I was unaware of was that Nicholas shoots in chronological order and without rehearsing.

In 2009, the Sundance Film Festival was abuzz with talk of Nicholas Winding Refn and his film about Britains most notorious criminal, Charles Bronson, the film called “Bronson.” Starring Tom Hardy as the films central character, it chronicles the exploits of the imprisoned Bronson which are at best violent, brutal and somewhat dark humored. The film went on to a strong box office and garnered Refn with the reputation of “Autuer.”  

In 2010, Nicholas made the move to Hollywood, CA. At the same time, Universal had been trying to get a film made with Hugh Jackman called “Drive” for nearly six years. The film at that point was trying to be a start to another potential “car” franchise like “The Fast & Furious” series. Actor Ryan Gosling, who had read the script, loved it, who also had “director approval” personally insisted that Refn direct the film. Gosling and Refn have both said that it was like “a perfect marriage” between the director and actor, referring to the development of the script as “their child.” The film revolves around the character known only as “Driver”, who is shrouded in mystery throughout the film. He works as a stuntman, mechanic and wheel-man who decide to help his attractive neighbor Iren by being the getaway driver for her recently paroled husband, Standard. One of the first things the pair did was strip the script of almost all dialogue of the “Driver” character. This decision keeps the theme of many of Refn’s films at heart, the masculine, hero-type male characters. I feel that this film is a perfect balance of the themes that Refn consistently explores. The film was received well by both audiences and critics alike, being on many of the year end Top Ten lists.

The future holds many possibilities for Nicholas Winding Refn. Some of the directors upcoming projects include the currently filming “Only God Forgives,” and “I Walk with the Dead” (2013). He has also been rumored to be on the very short list of potential directors to take the reigns of the “Batman” series once Christopher Nolan finishes his trilogy.

Director Worksheet

Name: Nicholas Winding Refn

Year Born: 1970

Country of Origin: Copenhagen, Denmark

Background (education/upbringing): Briefly attended American Academy of Dramatic Arts, accepted to Danish Film School but never attended, dropped out before start.

First Feature: “Pusher”

Most notable Films: “Pusher” Trilogy, “Bronson,” and “Drive.”
Major Influences: Martin Scorsese

Genre’s Explored: Crime & Drama

Stylistic Tendencies: Favors hand-held shots, violent, gritty and authentic realism.

Typical Content: Introverted characters reacting to external situations and conflicts.

Awards & accolades: Many awards, notable include BAFTA Nomination for Best Director (Drive), Won Best Director at Cannes Film Festival for Best Director (Drive).

Long-term collaborators: Mads Mikkelsen, Kim Bodnia

Interesting facts/ etc: Huge fan of Tobe Hooper’s “Texas Chainsaw Massacre.” Lars Von Trier asked Refn to direct “Dear Wendy” in 2005, but Refn turned it down.