Eric Cantona Credits Acting Career to Legendary Actor Who Entertained Millions!

Éric Cantona, former footballer turned successful actor, is currently in the spotlight with “La Nirvana,” a new comedy directed by Hakim Bougheraba. Cantona has been acclaimed for his roles in films such as “Happiness is in the Field,” “The Children of the Marsh,” “A Second Wind,” and “Looking for Eric.”

“He was very significant because he played the role of a mentor”

During a session at the Video Club hosted by our colleagues at Konbini, Éric Cantona passionately discussed some of his favorite films, ranging from “The Towering Inferno” to “The Godfather,” and from “In the Mood for Love” to “Bird” and “Midnight Express.” He also spoke about Jacques Villeret, a legend of French cinema, who was instrumental in his cinematic career. Cantona worked with Villeret on two occasions, in “Mookie” and “The Children of the Marsh.”

“The first movie I did right after I stopped playing football in 1997 was ‘Mookie,’ directed by Hervé Palud. We shot it in Mexico where I spent two and a half months,” recalled Éric Cantona. “We had many wonderful moments. And Jacques Villeret was a very significant figure for me. He played the role of a mentor. He gave me confidence.”

“He was a sad clown, very sad”

“Later, we made a second film together, ‘The Children of the Marsh,'” continued the former striker for Manchester United, speaking again for Konbini. “He was a magnificent man. An obviously extraordinary actor, and an extraordinary person as well. He was a sad clown, very sad. He didn’t seem to mind that I came from football. (…) He believed I had enough qualities that the camera could capture things that are beyond explanation.”

Trailer for “Mookie”: