Eric Cantona is the subject of a new documentary, set to premiere at Cannes. The film, directed by David Tryhorn and Ben Nicholas, explores Cantona's career and personal life.
What is the documentary about?
The documentary, titled 'Cantona', features new and archive interviews with Cantona and Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson. It delves into Cantona's time at Manchester United, where he won four league titles in five years.
Who is involved in the documentary?
The film is produced by Pitch Productions and Object Studios, and features an original electronic score by Paul Hartnoll of Orbital. Cantona's parents and other managers, including David Beckham, are also interviewed.
What does the documentary reveal?
The documentary reveals how Cantona's brilliance was channelled by Alex Ferguson, and how their friendship and fatherhood testimonies show a man misread as hostile and unknowable was finally understood, loved, and forgiven.
Cantona is known as one of Manchester United and the Premier League's most important and magnetic figures. He played for multiple clubs in France before transferring to Leeds and then Manchester United.
The French international won the league with Leeds and four league titles with Manchester United, including two league and FA Cup doubles. He was also known for his temper, and in 1995, he was convicted of assault of an abusive spectator, which led to an eight-month suspension from football.
After retiring from soccer at 31, Cantona segued to a career in acting, with roles in films including 'Elizabeth', 'Looking For Eric', and 'The Killer'. He will also star in drama 'Les Matins Merveilleux' at Cannes this year.
The documentary was four years in the making and was made between Manchester and the south of France. It will feature at the Cannes Special Screening, one of only three UK films in the festival's official selection.
Cinetic will handle sales on the documentary, which is set to premiere at Cannes. The film's synopsis reads: 'The most gifted footballer of his generation was finished. Retired in disgrace at 25, he appeared destined for permanent exile from the sport he loved.'
The documentary explores Cantona's journey from soccer great to actor, and features interviews with those closest to him. It is a tale of friendship and fatherhood, and reveals how Cantona was finally understood, loved, and forgiven by those around him.
The film's score is by Paul Hartnoll of Orbital, and features a mix of new and archive footage. It is a must-see for fans of Cantona and Manchester United, and provides a unique insight into the life and career of one of soccer's greatest players.
Cantona's career was marked by controversy and brilliance, and the documentary explores both sides of his personality. From his early days as a young player in France to his time at Manchester United, the film shows how Cantona became one of the most beloved and respected players in the sport.
The documentary is set to premiere at Cannes, and will be handled by Cinetic. It is a unique and fascinating look at the life and career of Eric Cantona, and is not to be missed by fans of soccer and film alike.