Looking for Eric (2009)

Director:

Ken Loach

Writer:

Paul Laverty (screenplay)

Release Date:

27 May 2009 (France)

Genre:

Comedy | Drama | Fantasy | Sport

Plot:

Eric a football fanatic postman whose life is descending in to crisis receives some life coaching from the famously philosophical Eric Cantona.

Plot Keywords:

Television Set | Manchester United | Reference To Youtube | English Premier League | Mail Delivery

Awards:

2 nominations

Cast

Steve Evets	...	Eric Bishop
Eric Cantona	...	Eric
Stephanie Bishop	...	Lily
Gerard Kearns	...	Ryan
Stefan Gumbs	...	Jess
Lucy-Jo Hudson	...	Sam
Cole Williams	...	Daisy
Dylan Williams	...	Daisy
Matthew McNulty	...	Young Eric
Laura Ainsworth	...	Young Lily
Max Beesley	...	Eric's Father (as Maxton Beesley)
Kelly Bowland	...	Ryan's Girlfriend
Julie Brown	...	Nurse
John Henshaw	...	Meatballs
Justin Moorhouse	...	Spleen

Also Known As:

Il mio amico Eric (Italy)

Runtime:

116 min

Country:

UK | France | Italy | Belgium | Spain

Language:

English | French

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Certification:

Ireland:15A | Switzerland:12 (canton of Geneva) | Switzerland:12 (canton of Vaud) | France:U | Sweden:11 | Netherlands:12 | Australia:MA | Germany:12 | UK:15 | Hong Kong:IIB | Portugal:M/12 | New Zealand:R16 | Brazil:14

Filming Locations:

Manchester, Greater Manchester, England, UK

Company:

Sixteen Films

Trivia:

The short film I Dream of Zinedine Zidane (2005) directed by Tim Gee precedes Looking for Eric at elected theaters. It also deals with one man's obsession with a footballer.

Slight , but Enjoyable

A quintessentially English film, but with a Gallic twist, this story should appeal to an audience far beyond the denizens of the Stretford End. In essence, a modest morality tale, a first half which fades dangerously is kick started by a plot development which sees things through to a happy, and satisfying conclusion.

Steve Evets plays, Eric, a down trodden, down on his luck Postman who is saved by his namesake Eric Cantona finding minor redemption from his life's trials and tribulations. Cantona is impressive and convincing, playing himself with a wistful enigmatic quality that legend determines he has.A solid cast includes Everyman Northerner John Henshaw as best mate Meatballs and an enjoyable cameo by Lucy-Jo Hudson as daughter Sam whom many will recognise as Katy from Coronation St.

The humour is wry, rather than laugh-out-loud, and the first half succeeds so well in creating an impoverished, crushed, defeated air that it almost implodes.By contrast,the second half, with a purpose,means the minutes zip along as the pace, dialogue, editing and story advance.The running time at almost two hours gives ample time for the characters to breathe, pretty much a trademark of Director Ken Loach.This work leans more heavily on the verite of his early documentary "Cathy Come Home" than the lushness of The Wind That Shakes The Barley".Yet Cantona lifts proceedings with his every appearance suggesting that a serious film career may beckon.

Authentic, well observed, raw in places, this film puts people first and is faithful to both Northern life, and the enigma which is Cantona.