A new documentary about Eric Cantona premiered at the Cannes Film Festival, chronicling the French footballer's five turbulent and triumphant seasons at Manchester United. Directed by David Tryhorn and Ben Nicholas, 'Cantona' is the only British film in the festival's official selection this year. The film explores Cantona's sublime goals, philosophical quotes, and his tempestuous early career in France, as well as his notorious flying kick at a Crystal Palace fan in 1995.
Tryhorn noted that the incident was central to Cantona's mythology, saying, 'I think without that kick and the subsequent comeback, he wouldn't be the iconic figure he is today.' The directors spent over six months negotiating with the Premier League to license footage of the kick, a first for any documentary. The film also highlights how manager Alex Ferguson convinced Cantona to stay in the game, leading to two more outstanding seasons.
The documentary takes a cinematic approach, featuring a brooding soundtrack by Orbital's Paul Hartnoll and artistic shots of Cantona painting in southern France. Cantona contributed never-before-seen childhood footage shot by his father. Interviews with Ferguson, David Beckham, and Cantona himself are included, with Cantona interviewed in French to ensure authenticity.
'We wanted to make something a bit more cinematic,' said Tryhorn, comparing the film to 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.'
