Cannes Lions
SPARK44, London / JAGUAR / 2014
Overview
Entries
Credits
Description
Jaguar’s film “Rendezvous” showcases the launch of the F-TYPE Coupe, and features award winning actors Sir Ben Kingsley, Tom Hiddleston and Mark Strong. The commercial has a British Villains theme and poses the question: “Have you ever noticed how in all Hollywood movies the villains are always played by Brits?” The dialogue continues: “Maybe we’re more focused; more precise; with a certain style, an eye for detail – and we’re obsessed with power!”
Director directs the mini-film trailer – is it a meeting, a heist, or a trap? The action scenes follow the progress of the ‘team’ towards Sir Ben Kingsley – the archetypal head villain – who is watching them arrive via CCTV footage in his mansion headquarters.
Director brought filmic production techniques to the live shoot – as the Jaguar F-TYPE Coupe roars around iconic landmarks like The London Eye, River Thames, The Queens House in Greenwich and The Mall in front of Buckingham Palace.
Sir Ben Kingsley ends with: “Oh yes, it’s good to be bad”.
Execution
Casting, like all things creative, is a build-up of strategy, story-telling and script. The British Villains theme highlights the truth that Brits make the best villains in Hollywood movies. “Rendezvous” celebrates British actors who have built careers portraying strong characters, while giving the narrative an edge.
Director helped to secure top acting talent. A stellar trio of actors - oozing style, charm and charisma - who are instantly recognisable as archetypal British Villains.
Gandhi Oscar-winner, Sir Ben Kingsley, has played many villainous roles including in films like Sexy Best and Iron Man 3. Tom Hiddleston, played the character of Loki in Marvel Studios “Thor” films. Mark Strong, who starred in films: Sherlock Holmes, Body of Lies, Kick-Ass, Green Lantern; often portrays villains or antagonists.
Sir Ben Kingsley spent his formative years playing Shakespeare’s villains in theatre, which he described as “extraordinary, brilliant and richly layered”; and said that heritage helps actors to explore a three-dimensional villain.
Director's expertise helped the actors reference some of their own performances and attitudes to villainy, adding to the commercial treatment. The filmic experience of the director and actors brings an extra layer to the script, helping to elevate the story, and the Jaguar F-TYPE Coupe, to a cinematic level.
“Rendezvous” draws the viewer into an imaginative, intriguing, action-paced world: they understand the characters very quickly, and want to know more.
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