Za starzy na śmierć

Featuring a noir LA cop who at night cleanses the world of the ugliest things, Too Old to Die Young is gloomy, atmospheric and harsh, while fleetingly recalling Lost Highway and 8MM, with titillating revelation of the darkest sexual taboos. It’s not a mini-series, but a seamless 15-hour film, an ultimate Refn work for the curious and callous. No skimming over the pretty surface like in The Neon Demon, but smooth development of disturbing storylines that you want or must witness – if you have the nerve and stomach for it. The fourth and fifth episodes were screened at Cannes with great fanfare. The former introduced the key characters, while the latter sucked the audience into a cinematically absorbing state of ecstasy built on atmosphere, shock and suspense. With unpredictable development and humorous nuances, Too Old uncovers the perversion and wickedness of the world of bad guys, while the audience lusts for bloody revenge. The eccentric Cliff Martinez and the master Khondji of Se7en fame behind the camera. Chilly warehouses, dim bars, dry deserts, LA back alleys. Brightly coloured neon lights. Fascists, Satanists, sadists and rapists. Best of Refn! (20.05.2019)

Is the director’s personal statement that men deserve to die young? Or is it a metaphor for the neverending clash between good and evil? A journey full of killing, long shots and bizarre interludes with dancing Mexicans and a growling dad (by means of a plush-toy tiger) will either captivate you or you’ll bin it before it has a chance to get going. The most ordinary, middle passage could work as a movie in itself. In places, Too Old to Die Young reminds one of an early Kitano movie, just with Mexicans instead of Japanese. + Khondji’s fantastic camerawork and the polished visuals, where each shot looks like a photo prepped to be posted on Instagram. As for the story, Brubaker and Refn mix the realistic depiction of violence with mysticism similar to the comic book Fatale. Some scenes are really funny and original (cartel TV and 25,000 likes), but some make you feel almost physically ill. Martinez’s music is spot on for the neon tone and often as equally bizarre as the weirdness taking place on the screen. Teller is really good despite merely follows the creators' commands like everyone else involved. It didn’t seem to end, but I don’t expect to see another season. (30.06.2019)