Whether “The Neon Demon” will be showered with praise like “Drive” or get booed like “Only God Forgives” at this year’s Cannes Film Festival, it seems pretty clear that Nicolas Winding Refn is already having a good time on the Croisette. In addition to doing the rounds for his new film, he was on hand for the Cannes Classics 4K restoration of Mario Bava’s 1965 “Planet of the Vampires,” where he compared that film to a sci-fi classic to a film with a much higher profile among cinephiles.
” ‘Planet of the Vampires’ is the film Ridley Scott and Dan O’Bannon stole from to make “Alien.” We found the elements, we have the evidence tonight. This is the origin!” said Refn. “When you look at the two movies, it’s not just similarities. It’s lifted structure, scenes, characters, dilemmas, themes that are very apparent.”
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Of course, there was no malice intended in Refn’s remarks, as he has created some of his best work by lifting inspiration from the films he loves (“Drive” echoes “Thief,” “Pusher” recalls “Mean Streets,” etc.). “I think it’s wonderful: everyone steals from everyone,” he said, adding that “Alien” is nothing short of a “masterpiece.”
Speaking of movies that Refn believes deserve more recognition, he is also working with producer Rupert Preston (whom he credits for getting “Pusher” off the ground) to usher in a remake of Michael Reeves’ 1966 period horror film “Witchfinder General.” The cult favorite tells the story of a witch hunter who goes to extreme ends to get things done, earning lots of attention at the time for its boundary pushing violence.
Both Refn and Preston are working on raising the $5-10 million necessary to make the feature, for which Refn would produce but not direct. Between this project and the “Maniac Cop” remake Refn is attached to produce as well, could he become the art-house Jason Blum? It’s a glorious dream.
Refn’s latest, ‘The Neon Demon,’ will be released on June 24th. [Variety/Deadline]