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BORN MERCURIAL

MANVSMACHINE, London / NIKE / 2018

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Film

Overview

Credits

Overview

BriefExplanation

The narrative of the film is set across three acts, contrasting iconic football moments with the implied hunt of a cheetah: Stalk, Chase, Strike. We open on the confident, skulking movement of our heroes Ronaldo & Neymar as they eye up their prey, moving in and out of shadow. Their gang/pack restlessly loiter on the football pitch and in graphic environments. As we segue into the Chase segment, a boot making contact with the ball triggers the action. Rapid velocity footballing sequences are interspersed with disruptive installations of people being their rawest, most instinctive selves; hints of levity & fun are glimpsed along the way. Ronaldo is portrayed with his penetrating speed running full tilt, Neymar with his whiplash-inducing, dynamic zigzagging agility. In our final act, striking motions are followed by an eerie calm. Shots are taken, defenders left in the dust. The Merc crew are satisfied, but still restless…

Solution

The Mercurial attitude is raw & authentic, with an unmistakable backbone of innovative football storytelling. Whether intimate performances or wild football installations, our cinematography is gorgeous & high-end, but charged with grit, attitude and energy.

The camera work swings wildly from confident and composed to dynamic and deep amongst the action. This contrast helps convey the unhinged rockstar-esque Merc attitude. Bold, strong and composed one minute; wildly frenetic and unpredictable the next.

As we move through the film, the cinematography shifts. In the first act, Stalk, the camera is exacting, precise, slow-moving and confident. As the Chase begins, shots that were initially locked-off become loose and POV. The camera momentum becomes the glue that ties performance and culture shots even if the speed is drastically changing, giving a wild and unpredictable feel. Disruption/destruction is represented stylistically. As the film ends we transition into wide shots, slow motion - victory.

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