Nicolas Winding Refn is one of the most adventurous, exciting, out-of-the-box directors who has also had worldwide success. Refn was able to be at the top of the underground cinema and climb to the mainstream top, too.
Before we address the directing style of Nicolas Winding Refn, first, let’s see how his cinematic trip began.
The Beginnings of Nicolas Winding Refn
Allegedly, and who knows if this is true, Refn was expelled from the American Academy of Dramatic Arts because he threw a chair into a wall. Or a desk, there a different stories. Be as it may, he was able to become a director the hard way, but also the more authentic way.
Refn didn’t start his story alone. He began it with Zlatko Buric, Kim Bodnia, and Mads Mikkelsen. Together, they made “Pusher” and “Bleeder.” But more than that, they became a group. Even planned to film many more films, but things fell apart. Nevertheless, the four of them began their fantastic careers. A fun fact is that “Pusher” was the first movie of Refn, Buric, and Mads.
The 90s were an exciting time in Denmark for films. This was one group, with Refn, while the other was Dogme 95 with Lars Von Trier and Thomas Vinterberg. There are similarities between the two filming techniques. Moreover, some would say Trier and Vinterberg got inspired by Refn’s style. However, let’s not get into this debate.
Nicolas Winding Refn Movies Ranked
It may not be extremely difficult, but it’s also not easy to rank Nicolas Winding Refn movies. Nevertheless, here’s a list of his best movies according to my opinion:
- 10. The Neon Demon
- 9. Only God Forgives
- 8. Valhalla Rising
- 7. Fear X
- 6. Drive
- 5. Bleeder
- 4. Bronson
- 3. Pusher III
- 2. Pusher II
- 1. Pusher
These are Nicolas Winding Refn’s best movies according to my taste. His “Pusher” trilogy is undoubtedly his best work so far.
Regarding Nicolas Winding Refn upcoming movies, he is currently in pre-production for his next film, “The Avenging Silence.” By the way, it’s interesting to watch his wife’s documentary, “My Life Directed By Nicolas Winding Refn.”
Directing Style of Nicolas Winding Refn
He is one of the directors who focus a lot on characterization, meaning their characters must transform because of their circumstances. Refn also likes to ask his actors and actresses what they would like to do and collaborate.
It’s even more fascinating that he likes to shoot in chronological order. Of course, this isn’t always doable but he does it as much as possible. He is also known for his color style, which isn’t so much a desire but a necessity. Refn can’t see mid-colors, therefore, all his movies are highly contrasted.
TV Shows by Nicolas Winding Refn
Refn hasn’t worked a lot on TV shows, except filming two episodes for “Marple” in 2007.
However, he has been active recently by making two TV shows, “Copenhagen Cowboy” in 2022 and “Too Old to Die Young” in 2019. For the first one, Refn collaborated once again with Zlatko Buric and co-created it with Sara Isabella Jønsson Vedde. He co-made the latter with Ed Brubaker.
It will be exciting to see what will Refn do next when it comes to TV shows. He is currently in production for “Les Italiens.”
Nicolas Winding Refn Awards
Here’s a list of film festivals and events where Nicolas Winding Refn movies were nominated for and/or won awards:
- Cannes Film Festival
- Venice Film Festival
- BAFTA Awards
- Sundance Film Festival
- Sarajevo Film Festival
- Satellite Awards
- Locarno Film Festival
- Chicago Film Critics Association Awards
- AACTA International Awards
- Bodil Awards
Final Thoughts on Nicolas Winding Refn Movies and TV Shows
Refn is one of the last adventurous and experimental film directors since we haven’t seen anyone new recently. His movies are an electrifying journey, especially when it comes to his first several films. Even though highly unlikely, it would be a joy to see him make a movie with Buric, Bodnia, and Mads, again.
If you found this interesting and want to read more, here’s a list of all my film articles.
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