Some called it artsy and brilliant while others found Brillante Mendoza's State of the Nation Address (SONA) directing style annoying.

The award-winning Mendoza, who was tasked to direct President Rodrigo Duterte's first SONA, used many unconventional angles during the speech.

Unlike previous ones, which was again broadcast live on all major television networks in the country, Duterte's first SONA showed a lot of close-ups, worm's eye view, and some double exposures.

Slow transitions, slow camera panning, and dim lighting were also evident throughout Duterte's speech.

In some shots, Duterte's hand movements were in focus. A new shot used was that of the president seen from behind the podium.

So, even before Duterte finished his over-an-hour speech, Mendoza became a Philippine trending topic on Twitter.

Here are some reactions to Mendoza's SONA directorial debut:

I trust Brillante Mendoza's brilliance in film making, until this shot happened. Why oh why?!😁 pic.twitter.com/sLUeky70U9

— Taylor (@bangsieMio) July 25, 2016

Brillante Mendoza must know that this is #SONA2016 and not an Indie film.

I still respect him, though.

— Blue (@ArmastusFoi) July 25, 2016

how's that motion sickness inducing camera angles brillante mendoza's using working out for yous? haha

— FIGHTDeathPenaltyPH (@xpeanutgalleryx) July 25, 2016

Pati fist ni President Duterte, may close up. 'Yung shots sa #SONA2016, pang-Cannes! 😁

— Professional Heckler (@HecklerForever) July 25, 2016

@akosidamaso mukha nga. lol. na-hilo ako dun ng slight sa Blair Witch proj. haha #SONA2016

— TE Trinidad (@ChastyChas) July 25, 2016

those cringe worthy shots, no, not again Direk Brillante Mendoza 😂😂😂 #SONA2016

— YGFΛИBOY (@YGFanboy) July 25, 2016

Direk Brillante Mendoza nahilo ang bayan sayo! #SONA2016 #PartnerForChange

— Chino Hernandez (@chinohernandezz) July 25, 2016

Goal yata ni Brillante Mendoza na kunan yung utak ni Duterte galing sa ilong. #SONA2016

— James Caraan (@james_caraan) July 25, 2016

Some netizens, however, thought the shots were "artsy" or symbolic of Duterte's speech.

Dahil Brillante Mendoza ito, may deeper meaning ba yung shots na focused sa kamay? Our future is in his hands? His hands carry his words?

— Audrey Domasian ☥ (@audreydomasian) July 25, 2016

I get it now. These constant change of camera angles while panning represents the rambling on. Brillante Mendoza, you fucking genius!

— Miguel Hidalgo (@dagolang) 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

"West. Philippine. Sea."
Camera focuses on Chinese delegates.
We see what you did there Brillante Mendoza.#SONA2016

— Mikee Nazal (@mikeenazaltoday) July 25, 2016

This camera-work! Woah! Smooth! Direk Brillante Mendoza#SONA2016 #PartnerforChange pic.twitter.com/dk19evA3Uc

— Brian Tenorio (@briantenorio) July 25, 2016

Those shots by Brillante Mendoza, WOW!!!! #DuterteSONA #PartnerForChange

— Kat De Castro⭐♎ (@KatDeCastro) July 25, 2016

Wow Brillante Mendoza pala naghahandle ng SONA. No wonder the camera angles are artsy.

— owl (@OwlWillRead) July 25, 2016

In previous interviews, Mendoza said he wanted to show Duterte's rawness and spontaneity.

"I’d like to capture the spontaneity. I think that’s what makes the person real. And him as the President, if you capture those moments, I think it will endear him to the people," he said.

READ: Simple SONA for spontaneous Duterte

Mendoza's latest movie, Ma'Rosa, was critically acclaimed in the Cannes Film Festival, with actress Jaclyn Jose bagging the Best Actress award.