Nicolas Winding Refn, films to visit IU Cinema

Blood, guts and gore are making their way toward IU Cinema Sept. 13 and 14 with their creator, Danish filmmaker Nicolas Winding Refn.

Four of Refn’s films will be shown for the “Art as an Act of Violence” series during his visit, including his latest work, “Only God Forgives,” which recently received mixed reviews.

His most famous work, “Drive,” with Ryan Gosling and Carey Mulligan, will also show.
The two additional films are “Bronson” and “Valhalla Rising.”

Tickets to the shows can be purchased from the IU Auditorium Box Office.

Jon Vickers, director of Indiana University Cinema, said he and his staff are proud to bring Refn to IU.

“We’re excited because we think he’ll be interesting to students,” Vickers said. “He’s very provocative, and I think his lecture will be very engaging.”

Refn’s work, though, isn’t for the faint of heart, Vickers said.

“His films are not for everyone — they’re violent and gory, but they’re sublime as well,” Vickers said. “But he also tackles issues, such as revenge, very well.”

The amount of violence shouldn’t turn interested students away though, Vickers said.

“Although his films are ultraviolent, they’re also ultra stylish,” Vickers said. “It brings a certain aesthetic to his films.”

While students must purchase tickets to see the films, no tickets are required to see Refn speak.

Refn’s lecture, called a “Jorgensen Guest Filmmaker Lecture” will be Friday, Sept. 13, at 3 p.m., and his focus will mainly be on the work of Andy Milligan.

— jkaneshi@indiana.edu.