One of the most beguiling portrayals of an individual in recent cinematic history, Zidane: A 21st Century Portrait is a football film like no other. Using 17 cameras, the film tracks the legendary French midfielder Zinédine Zidane throughout a 2005 Spanish league match at Madrid’s imposing Bernabéu Stadium — on and off the ball, in the thick of the action and on its periphery. The result, from directors Douglas Gordon and Philippe Parreno, is a dramatic, hypnotic and deeply beautiful depiction of one of the world’s finest footballers performing on one of the sport’s grandest stages.

The film’s soundtrack was composed by Mogwai — and for the first time, the band will be performing it live alongside the movie. The Glasgow quintet have built a deserved reputation for the fearsome intensity of their live shows, and tonight’s show at the atmospheric Albert Hall offers a unique chance to see them in action.


CREDIT
Film courtesy of Anna Lena films / Palomar Pictures.
Commissioned and produced by Manchester International Festival.