From the first kick to the final whistle” are words of wisdom every soccer coach has bestowed upon his players. It’s also the first line of text in the movie Zidane: A 21st Century Portrait, and an indication of things to come. Directed by Douglas Gordon and Philippe Parreno, this movie cites only one actor in its cast: Zinedine Zidane. He’s a man among boys on the pitch and a god among mortals in France. Though he’s Algerian by descent, the French love him enough that they would likely elect him president if he so desired. He led his nation to a World Cup Championship in 1998, with two goals in the final against Brazil. He’s been crowned the FIFA World Player of the Year three times, first in 1998, again in 2000 and finally in 2003. He received the Golden Ball, awarded to the outstanding player of the World Cup, in 2006 for his heroic play, leading his underdog French team to the finals. It is a sad and embarrassing fact that many will know him only as “that guy who head-butted the Italian.”

The French reaction to the incident was the polar opposite, in no way a defamation of Zidane. “The violence would not have surprised anyone who knows Zizou (his nickname in France); he acted like a human being, not a star,” stated a French journalist who holds a close relationship with Zidane. “For France, Zizou is a child of the Republic, a product of colonialism and a legacy of Napoleon. We French see his reaction as a magnificent message.”

The “portrait” of Zidane is a real-time account of a Spanish Premiere League game played on April 23, 2005. Seventeen different cameras were on him throughout the match. It took years for the directors to gain his approval and many trips to Madrid to negotiate and connect. When he finally relented, it was to the delight of soccer and cinema fans worldwide. The action in the film switches from an at-home television view, Spanish announcers included, to some of the most intimate sports shots ever to grace a screen. Zidane’s every thought, glance and emotion is captured over the 90 minutes, with the music of Mogwai aiding in the progressive cinematic beauty. Their expansive bass, drums and guitar melodies play throughout the film, often fitting the mood of the moment perfectly.

Aside from the cameras, 80,000 rabid fans filled Real Madrid’s awe-inspiring Bernabeu stadium to watch this ordinary match against Vinnareal. Real Madrid are like the Yankees of Spanish soccer. Much like Chelsea of the English Premier League, they’ve got the deepest pockets around and won’t hesitate to prove it. They can afford the best players our world has to offer, though as of recent it seems they’ve been opting for the most famous. Zidane received 66 million Euros as his transfer fee in 2002, a world record intact to this day. After watching this film, you’ll realize he’s worth every cent.

He was never the fastest player, nor the most physically imposing. He stands 6’1”, and claims a body lacking in muscular definition. Yet somehow he’s dominated game after game for over a decade. He’s leader of all leaders, yet scarcely offers more than a word, usually indicating his position to a teammate. He lets his play do the talking: every touch on the ball perfection, every through ball or cross surgical. The film correlates his genius on the field to that of a painter on his canvas. Towards the middle of the second half, down 1 – 0 at the time, Zidane broke through. Gaining procession, he takes his man down the left side to the corner of the 18. He shows middle, steps over with his left foot, than explodes to the end line. His defender watches helplessly from his seat on the grass as Zidane crosses the ball just inches off the goal line, just out of the reach of the keeper, and finds an airborne Ronaldo at the back post. In typical Zidane fashion, he offers not even a smile. Merely a fist pump and hugs for his teammates. After his team goes up 2-1, he shares an uncharacteristic on-field laugh with Brazilian legend, Roberto Carlos. It was the only part of the film Zidane did not appreciate. This is despite the fact that he is seen throwing an off-ball elbow, and later on, in the final minutes of the game, is sent off with a red card for involving himself in a post-foul scuffle. His teammates David Beckham and Figo are shown attempting to calm him down, but he casts their arms aside. Zidane has been, and forever will remain, a true original and one of the greatest futbolers of all time.

Zidane: A 21st Century Portrait is part of the Expanding the Frame series at the Walker Art Center. Several more films in this series remain. For more information go to walkerarts.org or call 612.375.7600.