After 2011's Drive, director Nicolas Winding Refn had successfully transitioned from an indie director with unique tone and style to an artistic filmmaker who can successfully interlace character driven stories with a creative vision and approach. To many he had finally found mainstream success, but to his fans, Refn was merely doing what he did best"¦with a story that just happened to have a bit more mainstream appeal.
My Life Directed by Nicholas Winding Refn is a documentary film that chronicles the famed director as he works to complete his follow up film Only God Forgives. Shot from the perspective of his wife, director Liv Corfixen, the film shines light on the sacrifices one makes when stuck in the path of an inspired artist.
Coming in at just under an hour, Corfixen offers up some interesting behind-the-scenes moments that shine a dim light on the pre-production life of her artistic husband; however, she never digs deep to unveil his inspirations and creative drive. Sure we get to see him stress out because of finances, story progression and final product, but the film fails to give fans what they want most: an insight into his creative process.
I will admit that the feature does give me a newfound respect for Only God Forgives. But for an idea and a concept that could have done so much more, I still don't see why the feature wasn't included as a bonus feature on the original DVD instead of a stand alone project that must find a way to serve a purpose without succumbing to the cliché superficial fluffier piece that My Life Directed by Nicholas Winding Refn ultimately becomes.
Instead of digging deep into his craft, Corfixen works hard to support her husband and nurse him back to sturdy footing whenever his mind and attitude wonder astray. She refuses to dig deep into his creative psyche, offering instead to sit back and take what is given, whether it be in the form of their kids playing with star Ryan Gosling or her husband working to visualize the film that he has been trying to make for three years.
The most intriguing part of the film occurs when the famed director begins to contemplate just why the film is happening. What purpose does it have and in what direction is it moving? I thought for a moment we were going to get into something a bit more complex than the surface banter that we been sitting through up to this moment. Sadly, nothing ever materializes.
