A new documentary at the Cannes film festival explores the five turbulent and triumphant seasons of Eric Cantona at Manchester United, focusing on his infamous kick on a Crystal Palace fan and his relationship with manager Alex Ferguson. Directed by David Tryhorn and Ben Nicholas, the film uses never-before-seen archival footage and interviews to paint a cinematic portrait of one of football's most singular personalities.
The Infamous Kick and Its Aftermath
The documentary hinges on the most notorious incident of Cantona's career, when he launched a flying kick at a jeering fan after being sent off during a match at Crystal Palace. Cantona narrowly escaped jail, received an eight-month ban from the FA, and nearly retired from football. However, Ferguson convinced him to stay, leading to two more outstanding seasons for the club.
"Eric's mythology is built around that kick," says Tryhorn, who spent over six months negotiating with the Premier League to license the footage, a first for any documentary. "Without that kick and the subsequent comeback, he wouldn't be the iconic figure he is today."
A Cinematic Approach
Tryhorn and Nicholas aimed to create a film that goes beyond typical sports documentaries, avoiding league table graphics and soaring strings. Instead, they feature a brooding electronic soundtrack by Orbital's Paul Hartnoll and long, lingering shots of Cantona painting among the olive groves of southern France. The film includes never-before-seen home movies of Cantona as a child, shot by his father on 8mm film.
Interviews with Ferguson, teammate David Beckham, and Cantona himself provide insight into the man behind the myth. Tryhorn made it a priority to interview Cantona in French as well as English to capture his authentic voice.
A Love Story Between Cantona and Ferguson
Nicholas and Tryhorn view the film as a love story between Cantona and Ferguson. "Eric puts Fergie to the test on a couple of occasions, enormously so after the kick, but Fergie forgives him, they get back together, and Eric repays him with this masterpiece season," says Tryhorn.
Cantona, with his thick monobrow and upturned collar, stood out in the "meat and potatoes world" of English football in the early 1990s. The directors recall his rock-star impact, comparing him to Bob Dylan in the documentary Don't Look Back.
A Man of Contradictions
The film presents Cantona as a man of contradictions: a player who desired freedom yet chose a disciplined sport, who could conjure deft assists yet also stamp violently on opponents. Even now, aged 59, he admits no regrets: "I should have kicked him even harder, because he deserved it."
Cantona has seen the film and enjoyed it, much to the directors' relief. As they prepare to promote it at Cannes, Tryhorn says, "It's exciting and quite surreal for us. We're unbelievably proud that Cannes has selected the film."
