Returning to his short-form roots which once involved producing music videos for some of the world’s biggest artists prior to “breaking out” with Alien 3, renowned auteur – David Fincher – has taken some time away from making love letters to cinema under Netflix‘s banner to direct something uncharacteristically lighthearted: a Super Bowl LV commercial for Anheuser-Busch Beer.
The heartwarming 90-second clip above marks the brewing company’s very first time setting foot on these hallowed grounds of future YouTube compilations and pub chat fodder. And years from now, it may even serve as a gentle reminder of the fleeting optimism we found in enjoying a cold brew – Anheuser-Busch or otherwise – during the hellscape that was 2020/2021.
In true David Fincher fashion, not only is this Super Bowl commercial gorgeously shot, it’s also scored by longtime collaborator Atticus Ross, who has previously teamed up with both the Fight Club director and Nine Inch Nails frontman Trent Reznor to soundtrack The Social Network, The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, Gone Girl, and most recently, Mank.
RELATED: Quentin Tarantino Calls The Social Network Best Film Of Last Decade
While Fincher himself has admitted it “feels strange” that he only has ten feature films to his name (“Well… eleven, but ten that I can say are mine…”), audiences may be treated to a few more in the coming years. Last November, it was announced that he had signed an exclusive four-year deal with Netflix rumoured to be worth anywhere between US$300 million and half a billion.
“I signed this Netflix deal… because I’d like to work like Picasso painted,” Fincher told French publication Premiere (via The Playlist).
“To try very different things, to try to break the shape, or change the operating mode. I like the idea of having a body of work.”
“Depending on Mank’s reception, I’ll either go see them sheepishly asking them what I can do to redeem myself or take the attitude of the arrogant asshole who’ll require making other films in black and white [laughs].
“No… I’m here to deliver them “content” – whatever it means – likely to bring them spectators, in my small sphere of influence.”
Check out the Anheuser-Busch Beer Super Bowl LV commercial directed by David Fincher above.
