The Neon Demon at Number 70 Oxford Street, Manchester
Tom Grieve, Cinema Editor
Gothic Manchester Festival launches with a free screening of Nicolas Winding Refn’s The Neon Demon at No. 70 Oxford Street.
A potent slice of contemporary Hollywood Gothic, The Neon Demon embraces the slick glamour and razor-edged competitiveness of the fashion industry for an indulgent satire that follows society’s obsession with youth to its horrific conclusion. As you might expect from the director of Drive and Only God Forgives, the film throbs and gleams with neon and the flash-flash-flash of photographer’s cameras as it takes its time spinning through the desires, calculations and exploitations of a group of models, makeup artists, industry execs and hangers on.
Elle Fanning stands out as an up and coming model who quickly learns how to get ahead – her scheming performance here confirms her as one of the most exciting talents emerging from Hollywood – whilst Keanu Reeves also pops up in a supporting role as a sleazy motel owner that will leave viewers convinced that he could fall back into a career as a world-class character actor.
The film will be introduced by Manchester Fashion Institute’s Jennifer Richards and there will be a drinks reception afterwards to celebrate the launch of 2017’s Manchester Gothic Arts Group exhibition ‘Black is the Happiest Colour’.
