Read on for more, and see exclusive images of Fannings character, above and below.
Id always wanted to make a horror film and Ive done various versions, concepts, ideas.
Id written various ways into it, but I could never find a way into it.
I can be reborn as that character.
I had this idea that I wanted to make a horror film about beauty.
I wasnt born beautiful.
It was very visual, but it was also very dramatic, melodramatic.
What were your inspirations for the film?
Many things, but I very much enjoyed a movie calledValley of the Dollsthat was made in the 60s.
I always had a fascination with that movie.
That was really it, otherwise its all very fetishized.
How did you adjust and respond to the film as you were shooting?
Its like youre trying to paint something and keep it alive.
Youre juggling all the ideas you have and anything can happen.
Theres no safety net.
The actual creative process is in the act of doing.
Is that something you had in mind as well?
No, I do it on every film, like every film Ive made has been the same process.
Its intense, its terrifying.
You have mood swings like you wouldnt believe.
Its the ultimate kick.
This is a horror film, but there are lots of other elements at play.
How did you approachThe Neon Demongenre-wise?
I wanted to make a teenage horror film.
That itself was very intriguing to me because its like, what is that?
I had to figure out what that is.
Im not very interested in pursuing things [if] I know what theyre going to be.
I dont find that very satisfying.
Creativity is very much about turning your weaknesses into strength.
Considering, what made her right for the role?
and she was like, Id love to do it.
For me, she had everything, but she also had this ability to transform herself as an actress.
AfterThe Neon Demon, whats coming up for you?
Then Id like to make another movie in Japan.
[My ideas for that are] all different things.
Its like a storm on top of my brain of what it could be, like a thunder storm.
