Only God Forgives: A Red Tinted Fever Dream (SPOILERS)

I just watched Only God Forgives, the latest movie from Nicolas Winding Refn and his second collaboration with Ryan Gosling.

Not really sure what to make of it. It was ridiculous in both good and bad ways. Very uneven with it's pacing/use of time, though the last 20-30 minutes were kind of awesome. It's as if Refn was adapting some sort of crazy graphic novel, except there isn't a source graphic novel to speak of; it just has that feel to it. I'm also very impressed with what was achieved for 5 million bucks; the cinematography, music, editing, etc were all top notch

As Alex said on twitter, it is deserving of its divisive reception. Right now the movie and I are in a love hate relationship; I "enjoyed" my time with it and am glad I watched it, but I don't think I'll be watching it again (or at least anytime soon).

And I was expecting it to be WAY more violent than it actually is (lots of hype surrounding the violence). It had some cringe worthy moments, but nothing especially shocking. Django Unchained is more violent, and that was a major Hollywood movie.

Also, Karaoke?

Definitely hope Ryan and Nicolas collaborate again, if only for their amazing interview chemistry

Go ahead, talk about it. Actually, is there anything to really talk about??? I don't even know... Did you like it or not? I know I'm excited to hear Alex and Rorie talk about it on the movie podcast!

Fuck, there goes my interest to see this movie. How does it compare to the violence in Drive?

Drive has more violence. It also made me feel as if I was in some sort of fever dream.

It has a scene that, probably, trumps any of the violence in Drive. The thing about Drives violence is its delivery. Its quick bursts of sudden brutality make it MUCH more shocking/enthralling to watch. Drive is just an overall better movie, in every which way.

Like I said, I dont hate OGF and I'm glad it was made. I see it as Nicolas Winding Refn telling himself he can still do/make whatever the fuck he wants, which I respect. It's hard to not sell out after making such a surprise hit like Drive. I'd also guess he made it SPECIFICALLY to divide audiences. Whether that's a good thing or not, I do not know. All I know is I'm excited to see what he does next

this is a movie that accomplishes more in 15 seconds of two characters staring at each other than most directors are able to in their entire careers.

i recommend multiple viewings.

It's easy to say that it's one of those movies --one that does a lot with very little-- because of its pacing, but I honestly don't think it's one of those movies. It did some interesting things (like the hand motif), but it isn't anything other than what it presents itself to be.

Unless I'm missing something?

it is a spiritual film.... if you are closed off to these realms you will not be able to travel in the same frequency, and the movie will leave you behind. it is actually very fast paced contrary to what many believe.

its not a matter of missing something, its a matter of the film speaking to a part of you that you are unaware of.

You're trolling aren't you?

im frodoing

I'm a huge fan of Drive and Bronson, but man, the sheer onslaught of harsh reviews from trusted sources completely deflated my interest in OGF. I'll probably end up checking it out on demand now thanks to this topic and The Flophouse, though.

It was okay. I love Drive. But this was just okay.

It's a film about a man who literally wants to fight god. I thought it it was pretty good.

I loved Drive, but this was really bland and boring. I watched the director's other movies, and he definitely likes the super quiet protagonist, and tends to stray to the dull side. Another Drive this movie was not.

Like I said, it had some good things. I think the inspiration for "fighting god" came from Nicolas Winding Refn's wife having a complicated pregnancy with one of their children. When going through that he felt like he wanted to fight god. And the actual fight scene was great (he got the shit beat out of him, but what kind of fucking bad ass would challenge god to a fist fight?)

That being said, the movie was still very dull and paced very poorly (seemingly on purpose).

Also, there was supposed to be a scene at the end where Mai (hopefully that's how you spell it) spoon feeds food to julian, as he has no arms. It would have humanized him a bit and shown that he got over the (implied) terrible incestious shit his mother did to him, forming a healthier relationship with a women. And it would have been delightfully hokey. Not sure where I read that, but I DEFINITELY remember reading it somewhere. I'll have to try and dig it up

Edit: I forgot where I read it, but it's in the script