A fervent but repetitive fan-service documentary about the tempestuous king of Manchester United, Eric Cantona, has premiered at the Cannes film festival. The film perpetually re-uses iconic 'bad behaviour' clips, focusing on the Frenchman who won the hearts of English football fans in the 1990s with his stunning skills and filled the silverware cabinet after being picked up cheaply by Manchester United.
Interviews and Insights
The documentary features extensive interviews with Sir Alex Ferguson, who mentored Cantona, as well as David Beckham, Cantona's elderly parents Albert and Éléonore, and the gloweringly pugnacious man himself. Cantona appears in what seems to be a deserted church, gnomically quoting Baudelaire. The film has disdain for the press and avoids repeating vulgar chants about his private life.
The Infamous Karate Kick
Regarding the climactic controversy of his career—the 1995 karate kick at a Crystal Palace fan—the film does not mention comedian Nick Hancock's comment on Fantasy Football League: 'I thought it was appalling, tragic, but most of all very, very funny.' Cantona himself finds it amusing. A clip shows Des Lynam interviewing Cantona after the furore, hoping for redemption, but Cantona answers 'Not really' when asked if the incident changed him.
Post-Football Career
Cantona stepped away from football in his late 20s to pursue acting. The film includes clips from his role opposite Cate Blanchett in Elizabeth and his likable appearance in Ken Loach's Looking for Eric. However, it omits his performance as a well-endowed vampire in the cult horror film You and the Night. Nowadays, he focuses on large action paintings on his private estate.
Narrative Structure
The film leaps backwards and forwards, sometimes for no obvious reason. An interesting suggestion emerges early on: Cantona's hot temper may have been inspired by Bernard Tapie, the businessman for whose club Marseille he once played. Overall, this is a nostalgic entertainment for fans.
