i-D Meets: Elle Fanning x Nicolas Winding Refn

Beauty isn't everything... it's the only thing. Nicolas Winding Refn follows up Only God Forgives with another dark, horrific and incredibly well-shot project, this time on the subject of b-e-a-u-tiful girls. “I wasn’t born beautiful,” the director told i-D, “my wife was and my kids were, so I wondered what it would be like. It’s like a fantasy.” The film sees young hopeful model Jessie, played by Elle Fanning, move to LA and discover just how desirable her youth and looks are. Commenting on the fashion industry and its intoxicating glamour, Neon Demon has already been called erotic and evil - and it is. Set to the sounds of Cliff Martinez, also responsible for the iconic soundtrack to Drive, the world’s obsession with beauty is taken to the extreme with a touch of cannibalism and lashings of fake blood. Under the neon glow of Soho, we sat the provocative director down with his leading victim to dissect their creation. Taboo questions answered and good advice given, with an infectious laugh Elle reflects on her first encounter with the director, working with supermodel co-star and i-D coverstar Abbey Lee, the thrill of breaking into the Hollywood Forever Cemetery, and who she believes is the most beautiful woman in Los Angeles. Confront your demons as they expose theirs. Producer Declan Higgins Supervising Producer Eloise King Associate Producer Stephen Isaac­Wilson Director of Photography Jack Reynolds 2nd Camera and Sound Tayo Yusuff Editor Paul Frankl Sound Mix Guy Ch