World news and discussion on TalkFuse.
‘Drive’ director pays tribute to late composer Kavinsky: “An icon of French pop”
Drive director Nicolas Winding Refn has paid tribute to French composer and producer Kavinsky, who has died at the age of 50. Kavinsky, whose real name was Vincent Belorgey, was found dead at his Paris home on 28 July, with reports suggesting the cause of death was a stroke. His track 'Nightcall' became inseparable from Refn's 2011 film Drive, providing the iconic soundtrack to its opening sequence and helping define the cult classic's tone.
Speaking to The Hollywood Reporter, Refn described Kavinsky as "an icon of French pop music" whose cultural influence extended far beyond his association with Drive, and recalled how 'Nightcall' immediately "clicked" when laid over the film's opening. He also spoke warmly of Kavinsky's character, calling him gentle and unassuming despite his success, and said his music would continue to influence other artists. In his final interview with NME, Kavinsky had hinted at a fresh collaboration with The Weeknd, following their 2013 work together on 'Odd Look'.
In short
- French composer Kavinsky, of Drive fame, has died aged 50
- Director Nicolas Winding Refn called him "an icon of French pop"
- His track 'Nightcall' famously scored Drive's opening scene
Explained simply
Nicolas Winding Refn is a Danish film director, best known to many viewers for Drive, his 2011 crime film starring Ryan Gosling. Its carefully chosen music helped shape the film’s cool, tense atmosphere, and introduced some viewers to artists they might not have heard before.
Kavinsky was the stage name of French musician Vincent Belorgey, who made electronic music drawing on the sounds and imagery of 1980s films and pop. His track “Nightcall” featured at the start of Drive and became closely linked with the film. Kavinsky also worked with other musicians, including The Weeknd, as his influence reached beyond cinema.
Americas Entertainment Film World