PODCAST| Chiara Nicoletti interviews Janus Metz Pedersen, director of the filmBorg McEnroe.
When we think about tennis rockstars and important matches, the first names that still come into our mind, even before Sampras/Agassi or Federer/Nadal are Borg/McEnroe and their legendary duel back in Wimbledon finals of 1980. With Borg McEnroe director Janus Metz Pedersen decided not only to bring this final match to the big screen but to get deeper into the childhood and psychology of these two great champions to show the world and the audience how great athletes and sportsmen think alike, struggling to excel and reach something extraordinary. Borg McEnroe just won the Audience Award at the 12th Rome Film Fest and it might be because it focuses as much on the characters as it does on the geometry of the game and its esthetics. Janus Metz Pedersen also comments on the big efforts and great work of the protagonists Sverrir Gudnason (Borg) and Shia Lebeouf (McEnroe) and how Bjorn Borg’s son played the part of his father when he was 14 years old. Leo Borg is also a professional tennis players, among the best in his category.
Borg McEnroe is a film about one of the world’s greatest icons Björn Borg and his biggest rival, the young and talented John McEnroe and their legendary duel during the 1980’s Wimbledon tournament. It’s a story about two men that became legends and the price they had to pay.
The Lovers Film Festival celebrates 40 years with 70 films from 26 countries, international guests and tributes to LGBTQI+ cinema icons. Directed by Vladimir Luxuria, from 10 to 17 April at the Cinema Massimo in Turin.