CINEMA: Looking For Eric, Part 2

Not many internationally famous footballers could reinvent themselves as successful actors but Eric Cantona has pulled it off spectacularly and you really can’t imagine anyone else playing his role in this film (Looking For Beckham? I think not).

Here he acts as muse and cod-philosopher to Eric Bishop (Steve Evets), a down-on-his-luck Mancunian postman who is losing his marbles. Eric is still in love with his first wife Lily (Stephanie Bishop) but is having to look after his two stepsons from his second failed marriage. His mates from the post office (including a delightful performance from John Henshaw) try to support him as best they can, but after smoking some of his stepson Ryan’s (Gerard Kearns from Shameless) weed, Eric Cantona miraculously appears before him, spouting words of wisdom in which Eric finds real consolation. However, it is when Ryan gets into a spot of trouble that Monsieur Cantona really comes to the rescue, helping Eric out of a seemingly impossible situation.

Once again, director Ken Loach displays the lightest of touches as he lets his actors go with the flow. He really is a master at manipulating group dynamics and the scenes where Eric’s post office mates rally round him are incredibly touching. But then there’s Cantona, spouting bon mots in that fantastic French accent – which actually proves to be easier to decipher than the Mancunian accents.

This is a sweet story of friendship and support and triumph over a near tragedy and if it doesn’t launch Cantona on a new career path as dazzling as his football days, well then I’ll eat my chapeau.

Dee Pilgrim