MOVIE REVIEW – Ben Affleck’s latest directorial effort, Air, is a stunning sports drama that chronicles the birth of Nike’s Air Jordan shoe line. Matt Damon stars as Sonny Vaccaro, Nike’s pushy, intelligent marketing executive who goes to great lengths to sign young Michael Jordan. The film is not only a behind-the-scenes look at the world of sports, but also at human relationships, passion and dreams.

 

 

Air is a truly special film that is not just for basketball fans. The story behind the film is set in the 1980s, when Nike was fighting for market share against Adidas and Converse. The main character is Sonny Vaccaro (Matt Damon), who comes up with a brilliant idea: sign Michael Jordan (Damian Delano), who was considered the biggest talent in the world at the time, but was still just a college player. Vaccaro convinces his boss, Phil Knight (Ben Affleck), to give Jordan a huge contract and design him his own shoe, the Air Jordan.

 

 

Affleck behind the camera:

 

Ben Affleck has already proven his directorial skills with films like Argo and Gone, Baby Gone and in Air he’s also great at directing the actors and cinematographer Robert Richardson. The sports drama is dynamic and exciting in its own way, but he does not neglect the development and motivations of the characters. Affleck doses the humorous and dramatic scenes well and does not fall into the trap of showing too many basketball matches, but rather concentrates on showing the business and human side of how a legendary shoe was born.

Affleck is involved in the film not only as a director but also as an actor, as he plays Phil Knight, the founder and chairman of Nike. He is convincing as the determined and ambitious businessman who is initially sceptical about Vaccaro’s idea, but then starts to believe in it more and more. Affleck says Knight was a very interesting character who risked a lot for the Air Jordan project. The actor/director also revealed that he met Knight several times before the shoot and learned a lot from him.

Ben Affleck also faced many challenges as a director on the set of Air, which is set in multiple locations including Los Angeles, Portland and Chicago. Affleck has tried to recreate the atmosphere and style of the 1980s as authentically as possible. He also sourced several original Air Jordan shoes that Jordan wore on the court and revealed that he was a big fan of Jordan as a kid and was honoured to direct the film.

 

 

Damon and Affleck: the two faces of Nike

 

But the biggest attraction of Air is another collaboration between Oscar-winning duo Ben Affleck and Matt Damon. The two actors are perfect as Nike executives who embark on a risky business venture. Damon brings Vaccaro’s enthusiasm and cunning to the table, while Affleck brings Knight’s initial cynicism and disbelief. Other standouts in the supporting cast include Jason Bateman as Rob Strasser, Nike’s designer, Marlon Wayans as George Raveling, Jordan’s trainer, Chris Messina as David Falk, Jordan’s agent, and Viola Davis as Deloris Jordan. Damian Delano must also be credible as the young Michael Jordan, who doesn’t yet know the fame and success that awaits him – but he is barely seen due to a deliberate directorial decision, which is ultimately logical, since this film is not really Jordan’s story.

Damon and Affleck were involved in the film not only as actors but also as producers. The two stars have formed a new production company called Artists Equity, of which Air was their first project. Damon and Affleck said they were excited about making the film because they both love basketball and Nike shoes. The two actors have previously worked together on films such as Good Will Hunting and Dogma. Damon and Affleck’s friendship and routine collaboration is evident on screen. One of the best scenes in the film is when Vaccaro and Knight first meet Jordan and try to convince him to sign the contract.

 

 

The shoe that revolutionised sport: the story of Air Jordan

 

Air is a fascinating and inspiring story that shows how a shoe was born that influenced not only sport, but also culture and fashion. It is not only about the contract between Nike and Jordan, but also about the obstacles they had to overcome on their way. The story is also a good illustration of the competition between Adidas and Converse, Nike’s internal disputes, Jordan’s family and sporting career, and the design and marketing of Air Jordan shoes. Not only do we get our money’s worth from the telling of a business success story, but it is also a story of friendship, business rivalries and passion.

Another strength of the film is that it also tells many interesting facts and anecdotes about Air Jordan shoes. For example, how the logo of the shoe became a combination of a basketball and a wing, or how the first Air Jordan shoe was banned in the NBA because it was too flashy. We also learn how the shoe became an iconic brand, worn not only by athletes but also by musicians, actors and fans.

 

 

Just direct it!

 

Air is a fitting tribute to Michael Jordan and Nike. It’s not just a basketball movie, it’s a cultural document. It shows how a shoe was born that was not just a shoe, but an icon. A symbol that said to everyone: “Just do it!”

-BadSector-