Stylized and beautiful ! I just watched this movie and wow , i was transported in the world of Nicolas Winding Refn . Did not know Nicolas Winding Refn before this movie , but boy does he have style and finesse , he must have been inspired by Michael Mann , especially the fluidity of the camera sequences , some dreamy like scenes , the colors and the musical score are all the ingredients for a very special art work film , and this movie shines !
It has a very mature look . The sure direction assures a sure acting , you actually have the feeling of something special behind this with the start credit . The very first scene feels almost like a video game , trance like (a la Need for speed) ... it's just a synchronized feel with the music and the movement blending with beautiful texture and colors , very 80's look with a modern touch ...i love it !
The angles and the camera shots are interesting . The actors game are very controlled and composed especially Ryan Gosling . Perfect !
I like the montage of this movie very much . The story is easy to follow and very well portrayed . The time line is well done . I actually re-watched it and boy it was a treat . When you want to re-watch a movie it's a good sign of the production and the coolness of it ,the last time i re-watched a movie was Thief by Michael Mann..loll.
It as the same kind of feel as Thief , very similar ?!
You feel the human side of the characters .It contains substance and has magic moments as if time stopped sometimes , it's a deep and profound picture . I find movies to be like paintings sometimes , some people like Picasso , some don't , some will love Dali , some wont but art is kind of touchy , anyways if you like realistic smooth cool mature looking with style pictures well this one is for you .
I personally loved it so I give it an 8/10 .
(for a good suggestion , watch Thief from Michael Mann , James Caan is absolutely perfect in it)