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