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Saturday October 10
In desperation, he talks to the Eric Cantona poster on his bedroom wall, seeking solace in the image of the hero whose brilliance on the pitch was once an inspiration and a tonic. Only one evening, after Eric raids his son’s dope supply, Cantona appears at the foot of his bed. This begins a series of visits during which the hero becomes friend, spiritual guru, and gruff life coach – although no one but Eric can see him. Eric learns to respect himself, to re-establish broken relationships and to take control of his life. With his hero’s inspiration he even masterminds a particularly creative revenge plot to deal with a nasty local criminal who poses a lethal threat to Eric’s family. Cantona is a great comic presence, sending himself up with relish – there are plenty of comic references to his cod philosophy and flair for esoteric poetry. Ken Loach’s latest offering is not exactly what you would expect of the master of social realism. It has his trademark respect for ordinary people, their lives and language. And he navigates darker territory in his unflinching portrayal of the threats and violence of local gangsters. But it is unexpected in that it is a loveable, good natured, heartwarming and often very funny story about a guy who picks himself up, dusts himself off, and learns to relish life again. Loach’s most popular film to date will have you cheering at the final whistle.
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Eric
is a Manchester postman at rock bottom. He is lonely and depressed,
with two stepsons who run rings round him and take his home
and wallet for granted. His marriage to the love of his life
failed long ago and he has never got over her. He struggles
to cope at work, and his mates are worried about him.