So you’re telling me The Neon Demon is about voodoo cannibal supermodels…
Nicolas Winding Refn's new film The Neon Demon is about cannibal supermodels. As in, bloodthirsty babes who will stop at nothing to maintain their beauty (read: voodoo and cannibalism). So, it's not too far off from a backstage fashion documentary at NYFW, am I right?
Recently we spoke to Refn's wife, Liv Corfixen, about her upcoming documentary My Life Directed by Nicolas Winding Refn. We quizzed her on The Neon Demon.
THE FILM IS BASED ON THE TALE OF COUNTESS BATHORY
You know, the late 16-century serial killer who murdered virgins in order to bathe in their blood, thus sponging their beauty. Refn's version will be set in LA, a bit like Alive (1993) meets Drop Dead Gorgeous (1999). Refn said of the female-led cast, "One morning I woke up and realized I was both surrounded and dominated by women. Strangely, a sudden urge was planted in me to make a horror film about vicious beauty. After making Drive and falling madly in love with the electricity of Los Angeles, I knew I had to return to tell the story of The Neon Demon. This movie is a manifestation of the strong ties between us and will lead to many more adventures."
HE'S HAD THE IDEA FOR AWHILE
"He has always wanted to do a horror movie," says Corfixen. "That was the same with Valhalla Rising (2009), a Viking movie. He has the idea about 10 years before he makes it, so I think it’s an idea he has had for many, many years. To do a film like that he thinks, ‘I need to do a Viking movie, or a horror movie, or this and that movie.’ He has to get it out of his system to move on to do another movie." What exactly he has to get out of his system in this case is beyond us.
HIS WIFE DOESN'T EVEN KNOW WHAT IT'S ABOUT
The script, penned by Refn and newcomer Mary Laws, has been under lock and key. When asked if Corfixen knew any plot details, she replied, "I don’t know yet. Maybe it's about spirituality but I’m not sure." She also let slip that Refn has been purchasing Christian movies of late. Strange.
“He was actually in a bad mood recently and very frustrated, as usual! I think he actually had a tarot reading like a week ago or something, by Alejandro (Jodorowsky) over the phone” – Liv Corfixen
HE CONSULTED CULT DIRECTOR ALEJANDRO JODOROWSKY FOR A TAROT READING
Filming is slated to start in March. Corfixen, who documented the making of Only God Forgives makes a point of focussing on Refn's more moody patches. “He was actually in a bad mood recently and very frustrated, as usual!" His go-to stress reliever? Alejandro Jodorowsky, whom he consulted throughout Only God Forgives and now again for The Neon Demon. "I think he actually had a tarot reading like a week ago or something, by Alejandro (Jodorowsky) over the phone. Nicolas looked very happy afterwards, so that’s good. He was depressed before and then he was happy. I think it was probably uplifting things.”
THE CAST WILL INCLUDE KEANU REEVES AND CHRISTINA HENDRICKS
The Matrix and Mad Men stars are joined by Elle Fanning, Jena Malone (Inherent Vice), Bella Heathcote and Australian ex-model Abbey Lee Kershaw.