Basically a DVD extra for ONLY GOD FORGIVES, but a pretty worthwhile one. I can't recall the last time I saw a director this honest about his insecurities (he worries his movie isn’t very good, and complains that he’s wasted years of his life on it) or his cynical calculations about audience tastes (“They want more of the same,” he moans when talking about the pressure to follow DRIVE with something equally commercial). Refn doesn’t come off that well -- he’s moody and self-obsessed and indecisive -- which is kind of interesting given the fact that his wife is the director. If my wife made a documentary that was this revealing and unflattering, I’d be furious. But I guess he got the last laugh; he dedicated THE NEON DEMON to her.

While only slightly above the quality of an average behind-the-scenes documentary, My Life Directed by Nicolas Winding Refn has quite a few moments of brutal honesty and painful revelations. Set during the filming of Refn's Only God Forgives, Liv Corfixen captures her husband as he slowly moves through the process of tackling such an ambitious project. If you're a huge fan of Refn's vibrant creation (like I am), then consider this documentary essential. Some of the footage is as in-depth and honest as anything that you'll see in a film-making documentary, with emotional breakdowns and failed shoots of filming sometimes veering towards a personal level that I don't care to see. Seeing such familial struggles breaks my heart.

All in all, It's fascinating, and it proves that Nicolas Winding Refn, no matter how weird he might be, is an exceptional talent.

The crushing weight of self doubt in a director who wants to make something artistically challenging but can't escape the shadow of his own commercial success.

Spends more time focusing on Winding Refn's uninteresting personal life instead of the making of "Only God Forgives". I found myself pretty interested and entertained when it did show him making that film and all the troubles he went through while doing so but I was pretty bored for a good amount of its short runtime.

It would be boring if everyone made safe films. 


That's how you know you've made great cinema: some love it, some hate it. 

Quite possibly my new favorite thing ever. To see a filmmaker's mindset in such various stages was such an intimate and enlightening thing.

that moment in which refn thinks that only god forgives (2013) is better than drive (2011) must have been really hard for him

Great documentary material that feels like it only touched the surface of something bigger. This is still an interesting look at confidence under stress and its impact on a relationship. Would've loved to see more of Liv's perspective and context to certain elements. The candid camera work made added to the personal feel. Music was generic and overbearing. Lack of confidence and doubt is universal.

Trying to be nothing more than a documentation of a husband's struggle with art, My Life Directed by Nicolas Winding Refn is interesting, concise, and appeals to the side of me that loves the behind-the-scenes of film production. Some could see Liv Corfixen's approach to filming Nicolas as unoriginal and reeking of spousal admiration, but I saw it as passionate and endearing.

Also, Ryan Gosling playing with children is the most adorable thing I've seen in my life.

an interesting and insightful look into the life of one of the 21st centuries best filmmakers.
highly recommended.

Ryan Gosling: *makes a small appearance*

Me: 😄

A compassionate documentary from Refn's wife that, while unrefined, still manages to portray the struggle of an artist amidst the creation of his work. I wouldn't call it essential to either Refn's work or any similar exploration of an artist's life and creation, but the film contains enough genuine moments between the partners and their film crew to make it stand a bit out beyond the typical behind the scenes fare.

Surprisingly emotional foray into the creative process with Liv Cofixen and Nicolas Winding Refn, it felt brutally honest in a way that I've never seen in BTS film things before. I found it really genuinely insightful, and often actually quite difficult to watch.

Great documentary material that feels like it only touched the surface of something bigger. This is still an interesting look at confidence under stress and its impact on a relationship. Would've loved to see more of Liv's perspective and context to certain elements. The candid camera work made added to the personal feel. Music was generic and overbearing. Lack of confidence and doubt is universal.

Ryan gosling is cooler than NWF

NWR LE MONSTRE

really who would give a shit about jodorowsky's praise

Blu-ray

An extremely painful to watch Winding Refn absolutely torturous odyssey whilst he makes "Only God Forgives". The whole document really shows the strain on his mental health and his marriage. Whilst it does feel a little amateur and definitely falls into the home movie vibes. The Honesty and rawness of this is what makes it special and take it to another level.

Highly recommend