Latest contender for a chunk of iPhone’s share-of-mind: the Nokia N900 running Maemo software. (Don’t get me started on the naming.)

Nokia has created a video that’s dark and twisted enough that you feel slightly deranged for enjoying it. If you enjoy it, that is. I suspect the reactions will range from “hate it with a passion” to “greatest video ever.”

Personally, I like it. In that deranged kind of way. It’s unexpected, well-produced and fun. I went from bored to “huh?” to holy cow in the span of two minutes — then I went back for more. I love the moody hum, the quick cuts, the glitchy video, the casting/acting, the sheer shock of it, the gritty reality. Never did I imagine I’d see creative brilliance in a neck brace.

Love it or hate it, give Nokia credit for being fearless. We ad guys are forever whining that our clients won’t take a risk, and here’s a client who actually took one.

What’s most interesting to me is how the players have switched positions in this market. Apple, leading in presence if not market share, suddenly finds itself in the ubiquitous PC role — while the Nokias of the world get to play the feisty Apple-like challenger. In this upside-down world, Apple amuses us with mass-friendly, non-daring iPhone commercials, and the upstarts reach deep into the creative well trying to gain traction.

Does that mean Nokia’s creativity will make a dent in iPhone’s armor? Well … let’s not get carried away here. There are 100,000 reasons — the iPhone apps — why Apple will hold onto its lofty position.

Also, one teaser does not a campaign make. Searching the web, including Nokia’s site, I don’t see anything that syncs up with this concept. Who knows what the real marketing plan is. But I do think Nokia deserves kudos for getting creative and taking us to a new place. Even if this particular place is dark, dangerous and a bit disturbing…

Update 11:14am 11.18.09. Thanks to Cat for providing the following credits: Agency – Jack Morton Worldwide; Director – David Masters; Producer – Michael Richards; Original Concept – Matt McConaghy; DOP – Adam Hall; Editing House – Bravo Post Production; Editor – Brin; Post Production – The Mill; Post Production Producer – Luke Colson; CG Artists – Fabrice Le Nezet, Francois Roisin and Jules Janaud; Sound Production – Fitzrovia Post Production.