There was a lot to look forward to in Looking For Eric – it’s a British film, set up t’north with the most iconic footballer in history as its fulcrum – and to a large extent it lived up to expectations. Unfortunately it just missed the mark slightly in terms of acting perfection. However, considering Eric Cantona is a former football player and Steve Evets was the bassist from post-punk band The Fall, they did a great job of pulling together a well crafted film.
Directed by Ken Loach, the film follows the life of Eric Bishop (Evets) as his life unravels after he is forced to see an ex-wife he ran out on when he was younger. After a car crash breakdown, he must pull his life back together with the help of Eric Cantona as his his imaginary friend and seeming guardian angel.
With Cantona’s philosophical musings, a bunch a loyal fellow postmen friends and a mixed up family, Eric is taken on late-in-life coming of age journey, which sees him tackling the troubles with his ex-wife Lily, his son’s dealings with organised crime and the general ruin that he has made of his life. It’s cathartic ride with a feel-good sting.
Like the player, the film is a sort of flawed genius that you’ll find difficult not to warm to. The storyline is sublime, the dialogue has an authentic feel to it and the acting, while patchy at time, is engaging, especially when Eric and friends are forced to face up to the criminal influences that had infiltrated his family.
Looking For Eric review: 3.7/5
