UK release: 29th September 2006
Following the lead of Hellmuth Costard’s 1971 study of George Best, Football like Never Before, this audacious documentary tracks Zinédine Zidane for the duration of a La Liga game between Real Madrid and Villareal in April 2005.
Technically, the film draws attention to itself far too often, with its tricksy shifts between camera angles and distances. But, as a study in sporting concentration and an avant-garde experiment in spatial disorientation, it’s as compelling as it is impressive. Particularly striking is the unswerving intensity that seems to isolate Zidane from his team-mates, as he rarely calls for the ball or issues instructions throughout the match. Indeed, he remains emotionless — apart from a grin at Roberto Carlos just before joining the goalmouth mêlée that results in him being sent off.
Revealing the flaws as well as the genius, this is clearly a portrait of an artist at work.
****
UK cinema certificate PG
Running time 95mins
Review by David Parkinson
Pocket Films Blog 