You ask actors what they would like to do, and you constantly keep them engaged. You want their engagement, input, and sensibilities. It's that intimate collaboration that is actually directing. I don't like the mechanicalness or coldness; I like the intimacy. It's like we are creating a child together.
Nicolas Winding RefnI try not to have too specific notions because it messes up the process later on. I leave it very open to interpretation until I start casting. Everything changes a lot when you start casting. I mean everything.
Nicolas Winding RefnI always think once you have the lead protagonist, you cast around that character.
Nicolas Winding Refn[The Neon Demon] was more my own fascination with beauty. It's my children's fascination beauty.
Nicolas Winding RefnThe casting of any film is around 60% of the film, but it's also about the right casting insight. It's a bit like a house of cards, everyone has to match up in a certain way so the whole structure is grounded. So that's essential, and yes, it's about finding the right people and the right constellation around the lead character.
Nicolas Winding Refn