If you're a fan of Nicolas Winding Refn's later, more glamorous and stylized films like Drive or Only God Forgives, then you might be surprised by his early work, particularly Pusher. This 1996 Danish crime thriller is a stark contrast to the director's later, more polished and visually striking films. But what makes Pusher so fascinating is how it offers a raw, unfiltered look at the criminal underworld, and the characters who inhabit it.
The film follows Frank, a young drug dealer, and his sidekick, Tonny, as they navigate their daily lives in Copenhagen. The movie is a study in contrast, with the characters' vulgar banter and mundane routines standing in stark opposition to the violent and often brutal drug deals they are involved in. The film is also a character study, with Frank and Tonny's relationship at the heart of the story. Frank is a drug dealer, but he's not a particularly likable or charismatic character. He's often seen through a handheld camera, emphasizing his close-to-the-ground vantage point and the reality of his situation.
One of the most interesting aspects of Pusher is how it challenges the idea of the 'cool criminal'. The film doesn't traffic in illusions about drug dealing being a glamorous profession. Instead, it shows the harsh reality of the situation, with Frank's financial ruin and the constant threat of violence. The film also highlights the contrast between Frank and the more protected criminals he interacts with, who have outside interests and a sense of normalcy. This contrast is a key element of the film's commentary on the criminal underworld and the characters who inhabit it.
Pusher is a fascinating time capsule, offering a glimpse into the director's early work and the themes that would become central to his later films. The film's raw and unfiltered look at the criminal underworld, and the characters who inhabit it, is a stark contrast to the director's later, more polished and visually striking films. But it's this raw, unfiltered look that makes Pusher so compelling and thought-provoking.
The film's impact is further emphasized by the fact that it was followed by two belated sequels, which explore the characters of Tonny and Milo in more depth. This suggests that Refn found something notable about the criminal underbelly of his hometown, and the characters who inhabit it. It's a testament to the film's enduring appeal and its impact on the director's career.
In conclusion, Pusher is a must-watch film for fans of Nicolas Winding Refn's later work, as it offers a raw, unfiltered look at the criminal underworld and the characters who inhabit it. It's a fascinating time capsule that challenges the idea of the 'cool criminal' and offers a thought-provoking commentary on the harsh reality of the drug trade.
