The Films of Nicolas Winding Refn - by David Sweeney (Hardcover)

About the Book

This critical study engages with the films of the Danish director Nicolas Winding Refn, from his first feature Pusher (1996) up to and including Copenhagen Cowboy (2023).The book focuses on Refn's treatment of genre, gender and glamour and rejects simplistic readings of his work as 'macho' or misogynistic arguing instead that his films provide complex and layered representations of masculinity.

Book Synopsis

Ebook available to libraries exclusively as part of the JSTOR Path to Open initiative.

This critical study engages with the films of the Danish director Nicolas Winding Refn, from his first feature Pusher (1996) up to and including Copenhagen Cowboy (2023), Refn's TV series for Netflix, considered here as a long-form, auteur work comparable to David Lynch's mini-series Twin Peaks: The Return (2017).

By focusing on the treatment of genre, gender and glamour in Refn's work, Sweeney argues that the director is often misunderstood as a purveyor of 'macho' films when, in fact, his representations of masculinity are much more complex and layered.

'Drawing on a range of critical theory, most prominently the work of Paul B Preciado, and building on the existing criticism of Refn's work by Justin Vicari, Susanne Kappesser and Sofia Glasl, among others, this book provides a comprehensive and accessible analysis of Refn's oeuvre.

Review Quotes

'This book decisively makes the case for Winding Refn as a complex and highly inventive auteur. Sweeney combines a sophisticated and impressive grasp of theory with detailed and attentive readings of Refn's challenging, visually compelling oeuvre. Highly recommended for scholars and fans alike.' Prof. Anna Backman Rogers, University of Gothenburg

About the Author

Dr David Sweeney is a lecturer in The Glasgow School of Art's department of Design History and Theory where he specialises in popular culture. His particular interests include science fiction and horror texts.