Ever since the 2011 release of Drive, director Nicolas Winding Refn has had a bit of trouble recapturing critical acclaim. 2013's Only God Forgives which once again paired him with actor Ryan Gosling was a critical disaster, with many claiming it was extremely boring. One thing most critics did agree on, however, was that just like Drive and Only God Forgives, the cinematography was gorgeous. Based on the little we've seen of The Neon Demon, it appears this visceral stylishness is set to continue. Refn clearly has a striking aesthetic vision, and it wouldn't be surprising to see it recognized by the Academy, especially since the film is moving away from the Gosling-centred attempt to recreate the genius of Drive. Instead, Gosling is replaced by a host of other talented actors, including Elle Fanning, Jena Malone, Keanu Reeves and Christina Hendricks. The Neon Demon tells the story of Jesse (Fanning), an aspiring model who moves to LA and is subsequently preyed upon by a group of beauty-obsessed women. The story is the perfect opportunity for Refn to tackle accusations that his films are too concerned with stylishness, all while giving that stylishness a reason for being so intense.
