Brillante Mendoza's SONA camera angles break the Internet

MANILA, Philippines - When Malacañang announced that Brillante Mendoza has accepted their invitation to direct President Rodrigo Duterte's first State of the Nation Address (SONA), everyone had the same question in mind: How would the SONA look like through the lens of an internationally-acclaimed director?

Days before the SONA, the Ma' Rosa director emphasized in his interviews with the media that his goal as the director is to reflect the "real Duterte." According to the award-winning director, aside from ensuring smooth production, he also aims to assist the president in building connection with the audience.

On Monday, Brillante Mendoza became a trending topic on social media after netizens noticed the different camera angles used as Duterte was delivering his speech.

Most of the netizens said the shots were unnecessary and weird for such political event while a few appreciated how Mendoza showed superiority of Duterte through angles taken from below.

If what Brillante Mendoza meant by "we will see the real Duterte" is seeing the President's brain through his nostrils, well... #DuterteSONA

— Renzo Blanco (@RenzoEnrico_) July 25, 2016

Not liking that cam shot under the nose, table, podium whatever.

— vm (@pr1mogeniture) July 25, 2016

Bakit kailangang may shot from the nose? #DuterteSONA

— Jan Robert R Go  (@janrobertgo) July 25, 2016

This is a weird camera angle tbh... #SONA2016 pic.twitter.com/t7jkmX82CW

— otomoworld (@otomoworld) July 25, 2016

Camera angle changes for days aka welcome to ASAP Supahdance! #DuterteSONA

— Regis Andanar (@RegisAndanar) July 25, 2016

That camera angle tho! et mendoza #SONA2016

— Ako Uteng (@akouteng) July 25, 2016

Lol. May Worm's Eye View ang camera angle. #Du30SONA2016

— Michelle Gojo (@meeshell04) July 25, 2016

This weird camera angle is brought you by Brillante Mendoza. Still waiting for the indie blur. #SONA2016

— Gino Flo (@inogino) July 25, 2016

That weird camera angle. #annoying #SONA2016

— Sarit Bantuchan (@SuperSarit) July 25, 2016

Is that below the head camera angle really necessary?  #SONA2016

— Job E. (@_thefakebrit) July 25, 2016

Wait eto ba yung sinasabi ni Brilliante Mendoza na iba sa pagdidirect ng SONA? Medyo disturbing yung ibang angle e

— jasmine (@jasmineaspiras_) July 25, 2016

I still can't see why they needed a Brilliante Mendoza to direct this. #SONA2016

— Lester Olayer (@Ola_6696) July 25, 2016

this worm's-eye view camera angle is awkward

— Dwight Fernandez (@immawizaard) July 25, 2016

Direk, focus tayo sa speech at di sa camera angle, pls? Di ito variety show.

— Jekoy (@sineasta) July 25, 2016

Napansin n'yo mga Brillante Mendoza shots? #DuterteSONA #SONA2016 pic.twitter.com/XKw6vACgSL

— SENYORA (@Senyora) July 25, 2016

Kitang kita ung puffy nose and bush sa ilong ni DU30 #SONA2016 May dryrun ba before the live airing Brilliante Mendoza

— hendreeks chavez (@boyworshipper) July 25, 2016

I think Brillante Mendoza's compositional direction of DU30's SONA is meant to make him look superior, which I like. pic.twitter.com/6Hhplk6AfX

— Kevin Dadal (@kvnd_) July 25, 2016

- Alixandra Caole Vila