Tonight:
5°c
Derek Malcolm's rating
Zizou in the frame
By
Derek Malcolm
28 Sep 2006
It's been described as a masterpiece of post-modern filmmaking. But I'm not so sure. Douglas Gordon and Philippe Parreno's movie follows World Cup hero Zinedine Zidane's Real Madrid and Villarreal match, focusing solely on him throughout. Seventeen cameras were positioned around the stadium at the level of the spectators.
It is almost impossible to work out what's going on in the game. But we do see Zidane creating a goal and being sent off - not for headbutting, but for his part in some kind of group affray.
As a study of a world famous athlete, who also makes comments now and then on the soundtrack, it's occasionally illuminating, like the film about George Best made years ago when a similar technique was used.
You watch Zidane doing practically nothing for long periods, just like Best, and then suddenly springing into action like a gazelle. It's an interesting, slightly hypnotic experience.
But I think I would rather have just seen the match itself like the rest of the crowd.
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Reader views (1)
I watched this film anticipating it to be the best thing since sliced bread. It had so much promise. A film following one of the most dynamic footballers of our time through a complete football match directed by Douglas Gordon with Mogwai doing the music. How could it fail but be a hugely atmospheric, intense film? Somehow, however it does. It's actually really quite dull. I did not become involved in the match but rather wished I was watching a live game on the telly. There are moments of football genius which are beautifully filmed and really show you every detail of his wonderful footwork but, by and large, this film belongs more in an art gallery then in a cinema. I love football but even I lost interest by half time.
- Bernard, Upminster, 10/10/2006 13:59
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