★ 6 / 10
Extremely revealing doc about a typically neurotic filmmaker
R T
Extremely revealing doc about a typically neurotic filmmaker.
Extremely revealing doc about a typically neurotic filmmaker.
★ 8 / 10
Interesting if unspectacular behind the scenes documentary by
R T
Interesting if unspectacular behind the scenes documentary by Liv Corfixen, the wife of director Nicolas Winding Refn, as he films "Only God Forgives." Refn…
Interesting if unspectacular behind the scenes documentary by Liv Corfixen, the wife of director Nicolas Winding Refn, as he films "Only God Forgives." Refn has many concerns that come up repeatedly throughout the film; that this story isn't as commercial as his last film, "Drive," that expectation that he an Ryan Gosling are a new "it" filmmaking team, that he might be repeating himself with this film, and whether or not he thinks the film is simply any good. The film depicts Refn as a thoughtful and highly creativeman who takes his craft very seriously, but I'm not sure it provided me with any major insights. Still, he and his family are quite likable. Gosling shows up quite a bit at the family's apartment and is not a stuck up movie star. Refn's pal, cut filmmaker Alejandro Jodorowsky, even shows up at the start the filming and at the end. In the end, Refn is pleased with his work and knows that he's done something effective when half of critics loved it and half hated it. The film is also greatly aided by an excellent Cliff Martinez score, who scored both "Only God Forgives" and "Drive." And I"m not sure if this would be everyone's experience with the film, but I found myself identifying with Refn in many ways; balancing work and family, leading a group of people and trying to keep a face of confidence and positivity in the face of many outside challenges you can't control. So on that level, the film very much connected with me and if that was the intention of the filmmakers, which I'm not sure it was, the film worked very well.
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★ 5 / 10
Liv Corfixen, wife of the man who made
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Liv Corfixen, wife of the man who made the critically acclaimed "Drive," takes control of the camera and documents the creative process of her husband's work…
Liv Corfixen, wife of the man who made the critically acclaimed "Drive," takes control of the camera and documents the creative process of her husband's work while shooting "Only God Forgives" for six months in Bangkok, Thailand.
"My Life Directed by Nicolas Winding Refn" is a documentary that is unnecessary, unfocused, and not completely engaging. What I liked about it, however, is that it shows some of the trials of being in charge of a movie. That is, being a director is not exactly a glamorous job. It is full of stresses which involve finances, having only a limited time to shoot certain scenes depending on location, and there is always a concern about whether the final product would be received well by critics and audiences.
Director Corfixen is a passive director in that she fails to ask her subject the difficult questions. For example, Refn emphasizes that he does not want to make the same movie as "Drive" and so he tries to make a less commercial picture as a follow-up. As the director of this documentary, it is Corfixen's responsibility to drill the subject with questions about expectations, his definition of success, or what makes a great film despite criticisms or acclaim. It is most frustrating that Corfixen always treats Refn as her husband first and as a subject second-if at all. Thus, why make the documentary at all?
We get some behind-the-scenes look of "Only God Forgives" which is neat at times because it is a chance to see how Refn works with equipments, the crew, and actors. But there is not enough of these. There are more scenes shot in the hotel which would not have been a problem if Refn had something interesting to say on a consistent basis. There is a lot of laying about in bed and shots of the children running around or playing. Once in a while we observe Refn about to break due to the stress of having to put the film together. Prior to day one of shooting, he admits to not having an idea what the movie is really about.
The saving grace of this documentary is Ryan Gosling. There is something about him that just commands attention. He doesn't need to say anything-which actually says a lot. There is a funny bit about Refn explaining to his lead the parallels between violence and sex. Gosling looks at the camera every time there is an opportunity for a dirty joke. This film ought to have more playful moments like that-fluctuations to prevent the audience from falling asleep. Director Alejandro Jodorowsky also makes an appearance.
Bottom line: the documentary is supposed to be about Refn. Although Gosling and Jodorowsky appearing in the film is fun, I did not feel as though I got to know Refn as a person or a director in a substantial way. Based on this, the film falls short.
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